Corona, pregnancy and breastfeeding: the facts

Do you fall into the risk group when you are pregnant? Can a baby get corona? Can you pass on corona by breastfeeding your baby? These are just a few questions that you can worry about as a (expectant) mother. That is why we have listed the facts for you.
Do you fall into the risk group when you are pregnant? Can a baby get corona? Can you pass on corona by breastfeeding your baby? These are just a few questions that you can worry about as a (expectant) mother. That is why we list the facts for you.

I am pregnant. Am I at greater risk of getting corona (COVID-19)?

So far, there is nothing to indicate that you and your baby are at increased risk if you get corona (COVID-19). As far as is known, there is no increased risk of a miscarriage or birth defects of the child. A pregnant woman who becomes infected with COVID-19 may suffer from it - as the data so far shows - as much or as little as a woman who is not pregnant. However, you should contact your doctor if you suspect corona.
So far, there is nothing to indicate that you and your baby are at increased risk if you get corona (COVID-19). As far as is known, there is no increased risk of miscarriage or birth defects of the child. A pregnant woman who becomes infected with COVID-19 may suffer from it - as the data so far show - as much or less as a woman who is not pregnant. However, you should contact your doctor if you suspect corona.

When you are more than 28 weeks pregnant, it is possible that an infection with corona becomes more serious. That's because the growing belly gets in the way of the lungs' capacity. This also applies to other respiratory infections just as well: if you are more than 28 weeks pregnant, a bad cold can also cause more shortness of breath than at the beginning of your pregnancy.
If you are more than 28 weeks pregnant, it is possible that a corona infection is more serious. That's because the growing belly gets in the way of the lungs' capacity. Incidentally, this applies just as well to other respiratory infections: if you are more than 28 weeks pregnant, a bad cold can also cause more shortness of breath than at the beginning of your pregnancy.

Yes, there is. The NVOG (Dutch Association for Obstetrics and Gynecology) and the KNOV (Royal Dutch Organization of Midwives) are on top of this. It is true that â € “if you have to give birth in hospital â €“ you may have to move to another hospital. Furthermore, only one person may be present in the hospital during the delivery. Other family members or friends are also not allowed to wait in the hallway or in a waiting room. A maternity visit in hospital is not desirable. For maternity visits at home, the guidelines of the RIVM apply: do not receive more than three visitors and ask people with symptoms to stay at home.

No, that does not happen, unless the GP or the doctor in the hospital deems it necessary. Only patients and hospital employees who are suspected of being infected with the corona virus are tested in the hospital. In addition, patients with pneumonia for no apparent cause are tested. The GP follows the guidelines of the RIVM, which means that he only has people tested who are seriously ill and have to go to hospital.
No, that does not happen, unless the GP or the doctor in the hospital deems it necessary. Only patients and hospital employees who are suspected to be infected with the corona virus are tested in the hospital. In addition, patients with pneumonia for no apparent cause are tested. The GP follows the guidelines of the RIVM, which means that he only has people tested who are seriously ill and have to go to hospital.

Yes, you can. You transfer all kinds of immune substances to your baby through breastfeeding. When you have an infection, your body develops antibodies against it. Breastfeeding also gives your baby these antibodies, which strengthens your baby's immune system.

It is not yet clear whether the coronavirus can be transmitted through breastfeeding. For the time being, there is no reason to stop breastfeeding if you have the corona virus, say both the VUmc and Unicef. When you have corona, your body develops antibodies and you transfer these to your baby through breastfeeding. If you are too sick to breastfeed, it is wise to pump so that you can still feed your baby with breast milk.
It is not yet clear whether the coronavirus can be transmitted through breastfeeding. For the time being there is no reason to stop breastfeeding if you have the corona virus, say both the VUmc and Unicef. When you have corona, your body develops antibodies and you transfer these to your baby through breastfeeding. If you are too sick to breastfeed, it is wise to pump so that you can still feed your baby with breast milk.

The RIVM states that no children have died from the corona virus. The virus therefore does not seem to pose any additional danger to babies. It is true that a child with a lung disease â € “for example as a result of premature birth â €“ can become more seriously ill than a healthy baby due to contamination with corona.
The RIVM states that no children died of the corona virus. The virus therefore does not appear to pose any additional danger to babies. It is true that a child with a lung disease â € “for example as a result of premature birth â €“ can become more seriously ill than a healthy baby due to contamination with corona.

Keep away from people who have the flu or cold and observe all hygiene measures. So wash your hands regularly with soap and water, cough and sneeze into your elbow, use paper tissues and throw them away immediately after use, do not shake hands and keep five feet away. Note: the situation surrounding the corona virus changes daily. For the most up-to-date information, visit the RIVM website. Read more about the coronavirus here.