Keeping Current with COVID-19

Especially at this time of global turmoil, it’s understandable that pregnant women will feel a great sense of anxiety about their own health and that of their unborn or newborn baby. While it’s good to keep yourself informed with updated information from trusted sources, please be assured that the latest research indicates that the risk to you and your baby from Coronavirus is extremely small. Here are some statements from the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) as of March 16th, 2020:

“[In contrast to greater risk from influenza infection during pregnancy] at this time, pregnant women do not appear to be more severely unwell if they develop COVID-19 infection than the general population. It is expected the large majority of pregnant women will experience only mild or moderate cold/flu like symptoms.”

“Furthermore, there is also no evidence that the virus can pass to your developing baby while you are pregnant (this is called vertical transmission). There is also no evidence that the virus will cause abnormalities in your baby.”

“Newborn babies and infants do not appear to be at increased risk of complications from the infection.”

As RANZCOG is monitoring the COVID-19 situation carefully both here and overseas, you might like to read their updates at: https://ranzcog.edu.au/statements-guidelines/covid-19-statement

We affirm that we are committed to maintaining a high-quality obstetric service in the setting of the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic. So please do take these words to heart:

“Take the opportunity to rest, eat well and maintain your interests and hobbies, where possible. Your baby has the best protection it will ever have i.e. you, so caring for yourself, your emotional and physical health, is what is most important.”