Challenges and risks that pregnant women face during Covid-19 lockdown

The novel coronavirus continues to be a global challenge as nations fight to contain the pandemic, while pregnant women are at a greater risk as pregnancy suppresses the immune system. As per the World Health Organization, few diseases can cause illness during pregnancy, yet the chances of Covid-19 are uncertain.

There is very little data available, and research is currently underway to understand the impacts of the coronavirus infection on pregnant women. Presently there is no evidence that they are at a higher risk. However, they're advised to take precautionary measures and stay safe from exposure to the Covid-19, the WHO added.

Commonly, a pregnant woman visits hospital for regular checkup and tests till the due date with the gynecologist, but during the Covid-19 lockdown, things have changed a lot. According to doctors, pregnant women usually experience fatigue, anxiety, mood swing, nausea, and backache. However, adding to the symptoms for the first time, they are facing excessive stress due to lockdown. Couples in the United States are buying medical kits online and preparing for a possible home birth. Researchers and medical practitioners have advised people not to plan a baby amid the global health crisis.

There have been no reports of the transfer of coronavirus from an infected pregnant woman to her fetus lately, and the virus is not yet found in the samples of amniotic fluid or breast milk as well, the WHO stated.