Firstly, I’d like to encourage all the pregnant mums out there to stay strong and not to panic about being infected with the coronavirus. There is no data to suggest that pregnant women are higher up among this statistics, but caution is necessary to stop the spread of the decease, as it’s a very contagious and though it might not affect you, you can pass it on to someone in the “at risk” group who are presently, the elderly and people with underlining health conditions.
Presently available Research from the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), indicate that pregnant women are more vulnerable to viral infections because pregnancy weakens their immune system. However, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that pregnant women have a higher risk of being infected with COVID-19. In the UK, the Government is advising pregnant mums to be more cautious by avoiding the possibilities of exposure to the virus and follow the general guidelines on hygiene.
The general advice is to:
- To washing your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds every time you touch something in a public area; also carry hand sanitiser
- If you touch something in a public area, do not put your hands to your face, nose or eyes
- Wash your hands when you come in the office or your home from outside
- Avoid contact with anyone infected with the virus
- Self-isolate if you suspect you’re infected and call NHS 111 if you’re in the UK
Effects on Babies in the Womb or at Birth
According to Public Health England, you have to be within two meters of an infected person for up to 15 minutes, for example, talking to them, to be infected. Other ways of infection is by direct exchange of fluids, which can occur through droplets of an infected person, sneezing or coughing near you.
The transmission of the virus from mother to child in the womb or during birth, is currently not known. Conducted research on a small number of pregnant mothers infected with the virus, published in peer reviews, revealed that their babies were born without the presence of the disease neither, was it present in the infected mother’s breast milk.
Breastfeeding
According to CDC, research conducted on a small number of cases, reveal that mothers infected with COVID-19 did not have the virus present in their breast milk and so there was no transmission of the disease through breastfeeding. Infected mothers, however, will have to take necessary precautions to avoid infecting their babies through their own droplets.
Scriptures Pregnant Mums can Use
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)
Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.
Psalm 91:3-7 (NIV)
May the Lord answer you when you are in distress; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.
Psalm 20:1 (NIV)
My Prayers for You!
Heavenly Father, I pray that you will protect all the pregnant mothers out there who are afraid of contracting the coronavirus: please shield them under your mighty wings till the disaster has passed. Calm the voice of their distress and help them to look up to you, their helper, as you say that all who call upon the name of the Lord will be saved. Surround them with a wall of protection and let them know deep within that you are with them and will protect them and their little ones. Pour out your Spirit of mercy and grace and let your mighty hand of deliverance, remove COVID-19 from this planet in Jesus name Amen!
Joanne Sojinu,
Author of A Mother’s Prayers, Week by Week Devotional for your Unborn Child
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