Available information show that pregnant women seem to be at equal risk as other adults, the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) said in a guideline for pregnant women and nursing mothers.
“It is known that the bodily changes that occur during pregnancy, may put expectant women at increased risk for some infections,” a part of the NCDC guideline read. “Pregnant women have had a higher risk of severe illness when infected with viruses from the same family as COVID-19 and other viral respiratory infections, such as influenza.”
Although the NCDC agreed that not much is known about the susceptibility of pregnant women and the likelihood to have serious illness as a result of COVID-19 compared to the general public, it advised that pregnant women should take precautions.
For breastfeeding mothers, the NCDC said “it is not known for sure whether mothers with COVID-19 can spread the virus via breast milk.” It added that limited studies reveal that COVID-19 has not been detected in breast milk.
Breast milk provides protection against many illnesses and is the best source of nutrition for infants, the NCDC said.
Nonetheless, it advised breastfeeding mothers who have coronavirus to discuss with their family members and healthcare providers whether they should breastfeed and how to start or continue feeding their babies.
The NCDC also advised mothers suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19 infection and decide to breastfeed to take precautions including washing of hands before feeding and wearing a facemask.
“Another good option is to pump or express by hand the breastmilk and have someone who is not sick feed it to the baby. If you pump or hand express your milk, make sure you wash your hands before doing so,” the NCDC stated.
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