In the initial days of the COVID-19 pandemic, when not much was known about the disease, the situation in the state was not the same as of today. As we see ups and downs in the battle of COVID-19, an unexpectedly high number of patients, and shortages in personnel and equipment. CMRI has taken all necessary actions in these trying times to enhance the utmost patient care.

Veering between social distancing and close cohabitation, many thousands of couples are rediscovering each other when cities and towns across the country went into lockdown. The unprecedented coronavirus pandemic has triggered large-scale anxiety but also increased intimacy among couples who, caught in their busy lives, don’t find the time to be with each other.

“People are apprehensive and living at home. Couples, married or otherwise, who were too busy with their professional lives are now getting closeness and time. So, intimacy will increase as it has increased during wars. This is a war-like situation” says Dr. Samir Ray, Consultant, CMRI Hospital.

However, one doesn’t know what it’s like to be pregnant without the added worry of a global health crisis. Developing foetuses in the womb can be incredibly sensitive to both stressful environments and toxic assaults on their mother’s health. Infections with viruses can cause serious birth defects — and lead to devastating cognitive difficulties and visual impairment. We must know pregnancy comes with significant changes in the body including the immune system, it is important to take extra precautions to avoid catching the infection.

For expecting families, preparing for a new baby especially during a pandemic may be nerve-wracking.  Speaking on the topic Dr. Samir Ray, Consultant, CMRI Hospital said, “Early observations suggest that new-borns are less likely to show any symptoms of the infection. We don’t have enough information to know if that’s because babies are less likely to get infected after birth or just aren’t getting sick as frequently from the virus as adults.” He also added, “During pregnancy, a woman is less immune, and to have a normal delivery is not really the best option with this healthcare situation.”

It has been noted that the virus has not been found in breastmilk and there’s no evidence to suggest it’s transmittable this way. However, the risk remains if a mother had close contact with a COVID-19 positive caregiver while feeding a baby that would increase the risk of spreading the virus. Pregnant women over the age of 35, those who are overweight and those who had pre-existing medical problems, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, were on the sides of higher risk in developing severe illness and requiring admission to hospital. As many reports suggest that some babies have been born prematurely to women who were unwell with Coronavirus. It is unclear whether COVID-19 caused these premature births, or it was recommended that their babies were born early for the benefit of the women’s health.

To all the women expecting in the COVID-19 season, it is necessary to keep yourselves busy and indulge in activities that increase the happiness percentage. Be physically active, hygienic and it’s important to make sure you are disciplined with timely meals. Hospitals and birth centers remain the safest settings for birth even during COVID-19 and CMRI is taking every step to ensure successful deliveries in this pandemic.

About the author- Dr. Samir Ray, Consultant, CMRI Hospital