Myth vs Facts: Mom And Baby During COVID-19

Is the vaccination safe for pregnant women? Can they pass the infection to their babies if they test positive for Covid-19? There are a lot of quotations that need to be answered to help mothers and expecting ones to be as prepared as possible. Keep reading to be informed about some of the most common myths and misconceptions about COVID and motherhood.

Myths vs facts

Myth 1 - You cannot get vaccinated if you are pregnant.

Fact - Although vaccination is a choice, it is good to talk to a healthcare provider and discuss the possible side effects of taking the vaccination. The vaccine is not made of the live and active virus so there is not a presumed threat to taking the vaccine when pregnant. On saying this, it is advisable to wait to deliver the baby and then take the vaccine. The vaccine causes hormonal changes that affect the physical and mental state of the mother. This could be overbearing for her as a whole.

Myth 2 - Babies cannot contract COVID-19.

Fact - Unfortunately, this is not true. People of all ages are susceptible to contracting the virus and this includes babies. A study in China showed that among all the positive cases tested in the county, 2% was of people of the ages 0-19. Despite the mortality rate being low for younger people, they can still contract the virus and transmit it to anyone in the vicinity.

Myth 3 - A COVID-19 positive mother can transmit the virus to the baby while breastfeeding.

Fact - If a mother with a newborn baby test positive for COVID-19, there is a risk of transmitting the virus through the respiratory tracts. However, the virus does not get passes on through breast milk. If you are a COVID-19 positive mother and are concerned about transmitting the virus to your newborn, there are alternative available to you. You can have your breast milk expressed and another person, who tests negative for the virus, can feed your baby. It is important to not stop feeding your baby breast milk as it is the best and most nutritious food that you can feed your baby.

Myth 4 - Pregnant women are at a higher risk of contracting the virus.

Fact - There is no proven evidence that pregnant women are at a higher risk of contracting the virus as compared to anyone else. In saying this, pregnant women experience a lot of hormonal and health changes which makes them more vulnerable to falling ill. This means that they can fall ill but it would not necessarily be because of the coronavirus. But it is seen that pregnant women who have contracted the virus faced a lot more complications during their gestation period. Hence, it is better to be safe than sorry and stay precautious of the virus at all cost.

Myth 5 - I cannot hold my newborn baby if I am COVID-19 positive.

Fact - With the correct precautions to be followed, you are allowed to hold your baby even if you have COVID-19. Wearing a good mask, gloves and washing your hands is primary to this process. After this, you can help your baby and breastfeed as there is no link between human milk transmission and the amniotic fluid. Breastfeeding is safe even when you test positive for the virus. If you still feel unsafe to hold your baby to be in close contact with them if you are positive, you can wait until you are fully recovered from the virus to hold them. Alternatively, a certified nurse can express your breast milk and feed it to your baby while you recover. But avoid resorting to external sources of nutrition for your baby as breast milk is the best and most wholesome food for your baby.

Myth 6 - If a pregnant woman tests positive for the virus, she will transmit it to her baby.

Fact - Most children are born unaffected by the virus even if the mother tested positive for the virus during the pregnancy. It is uncommon for newborns to have COVID-19. However, those babies that test positive for the virus normally recover without any casualties and extreme symptoms.

Pregnancy during COVID times may be intimidating due to all the extra precautions necessary for the safety and security of the mother and her baby. On some occasions, there are challenges that the family must overcome but with the correct knowledge and aid, pregnancy can be made easier. It is important to stay informed and talk to the right people for advice and precautionary measures. This way, COVID-19 may not have too much of an impact on the pregnancy experience.

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FAQ's

Q Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe for pregnant women?

Ans.Yes, the COVID-19 vaccine is generally considered safe for pregnant women. It is not made from live virus, so it does not pose a direct infection risk. However, it’s best to consult a healthcare provider about timing and possible side effects before deciding when to take it.

Q Can babies contract COVID-19?

Ans.Yes, babies can contract COVID-19. Although the mortality rate among children is low, they are not immune. Studies have shown that infants and children under 19 can test positive. They can also spread the virus, which makes it important to take proper preventive measures around them.

Q Can a COVID-19 positive mother transmit the virus to her baby through breast milk?

Ans.No, the virus does not pass through breast milk. Mothers who test positive can safely feed their babies, but must maintain hygiene and respiratory precautions. If direct breastfeeding feels unsafe, expressed breast milk can be given by someone healthy, ensuring the baby continues to receive vital nutrition.

Q Are pregnant women more at risk of contracting COVID-19?

Ans.There is no evidence that pregnancy itself increases the chance of contracting COVID-19. However, due to hormonal and health changes during pregnancy, women may feel more vulnerable and face complications if infected. Staying cautious, following hygiene practices, and consulting doctors can help reduce risks during this sensitive period.

Q Can I hold my baby if I test positive for COVID-19?

Ans.Yes, mothers who test positive can hold their babies with proper precautions. Wearing a mask, washing hands, and using gloves reduce risks. Breastfeeding is also safe. If uncomfortable with direct contact, expressed breast milk can be given by others until the mother fully recovers from the infection.

Q Will my baby automatically test positive if I do during pregnancy?

Ans.Not necessarily. Most babies are born healthy even when their mothers test positive during pregnancy. It is rare for newborns to contract the virus before or during birth. If infected, most babies recover with mild or no symptoms, showing resilience against severe COVID-related complications in infancy.

Q Should pregnant women delay vaccination until after delivery?

Ans.Some healthcare experts advise waiting until after delivery, while others support timely vaccination depending on the mother’s health. Since the vaccine is safe, it is important to consult a doctor to weigh potential side effects against the risk of contracting COVID-19 during pregnancy. Personalized advice is best.

Q Can COVID-19 complications be worse for pregnant women?

Ans.Yes, pregnant women may experience more complications if infected, such as respiratory difficulties or higher stress on the body. While not more likely to contract the virus, their condition may worsen due to pregnancy changes. Extra caution, healthy habits, and medical guidance help lower these risks significantly.

Q Is breastfeeding safe if I have COVID-19?

Ans.Yes, breastfeeding is safe even if the mother tests positive. The virus does not spread through breast milk. Breastfeeding provides immunity and essential nutrients to babies. To prevent respiratory transmission, mothers should wear masks, wash hands before feeding, or express milk for someone else to feed the infant.

Q How can expecting mothers stay safe from COVID-19?

Ans.Pregnant women should follow basic safety measures: wear masks, practice hand hygiene, avoid crowded spaces, and maintain healthy nutrition. Consulting healthcare providers regularly ensures timely guidance. Staying informed and cautious helps minimize risks, making pregnancy safer despite the challenges posed by COVID-19 and related misconceptions.