COVID-19 PREGNANCY INFORMATION
The situation with Covid 19 has become more stable. There is now a lot of knowledge about the effects of Covid 19 in pregnancy but new information continues to appear and it is important to keep up to date. This is also relevant as new strains of the virus arrive and may have different implications for pregnancy.
This is the most current advice (as of 26th May 2023) about what you need to know if you are pregnant. I will endeavour to keep this page relevant but the links to other sites are generally the most up to date. I will be using information from reputable and credible sources including The Royal Australian & NZ College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists (RANZCOG), ATAGI, TGA, etc.
VACCINATION
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The most important information on this page is GET VACCINATED. Vaccination is by far the best way to protect yourself and your baby from the effects of Covid. Have the vaccine as soon as possible AT ANY STAGE OF YOUR PREGNANCY. There is strong scientific evidence that the vaccine is safe and effective. It may not prevent you picking up the virus but it WILL minimize your risk of requiring hospitalization, ending up in ICU or dying. Boosters are also strongly recommended. Please have a booster if it is more than 6 months since your last booster or an infection with Covid - at any stage in your pregnancy.
Please read this statement from RANZCOG regarding vaccination in pregnancy: here
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COVID 19 IN PREGNANCY
Women who get Covid 19 during their pregnancy are at increased risk of complications. These include hospitalization, admission to ICU, death (22 times increased risk!), preeclampsia, preterm birth and stillbirth. Fortunately all of these complications are significantly less likely to occur in fully vaccinated women. It is therefore important to get vaccinated but also follow the basic simple guidelines to minimize your chance of picking up the infection.
Please read this information from RANZCOG regarding Covid-19 in pregnancy: here
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RECOMMENDATIONS
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GET VACCINATED!
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DO NOT attend your antenatal visit if you are unwell. Ring to let us know and to check if there is anything important related to the pregnancy that needs to be done. Ring your GP for advice.
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maintain strict hand hygiene and avoid touching your face
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practice 'social distancing' i.e. avoid public gatherings including gender reveal parties and baby showers
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if you are unwell, stay home! Do not turn up unannounced to your GP or Obstetrician.
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restrict visitors to close family only after you have had the baby (both in hospital and at home).
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DO NOT panic. The majority of the population will only have a mild infection from Covid-19
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stay up to date and ensure your information comes from credible sources. I will add some links to sensible websites and current guidelines (which will likely be updated very regularly)
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DO NOT PANIC! If you are vaccinated, it is most likely that you will have no symptoms or a mild viral illness. But it is important to monitor for symptoms and contact your GP or Obstetrician if you are concerned. You will need to isolate at home under the guidelines set out by WA Health BUT this does not mean you should ignore important warning signs. NO MATTER WHAT YOUR COVID STATUS, if you think your baby's movements have decreased or you have other concerns about your pregnancy, contact myself or St John of God Hospital immediately. There will be arrangements in place to manage pregnancy issues even if you are Covid positive.
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We are awaiting further guidelines from WA Health but this is a good overview from Health Direct regarding management of Covid 19 at home: here. Rest and Paracetamol are the best treatment. But you should avoid anti-inflammatories e.g. Voltaren, Neurofen, etc during pregnancy.
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I have recently 'starred' in a video by the hospital providing common-sense and practical information in the event that you pick up a Covid infection during your pregnancy. Follow this link.
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If you are pregnant and unvaccinated (or only partially vaccinated) when you pick up Covid, you will be offered a medication called Sotrovimab. This is a monoclonal antibody that may reduce your risk of progression to severe disease. Other 'at risk' pregnant women may also be eligible for the treatment e.g. if you immunocompromised. It needs to be given within the first 5 days of the diagnosis so it is important that you contact me as soon as possible so we can make a decision whether to go ahead with the medication.
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SJOG GUIDELINES
St John of God Hospital guidelines continue to change and it is suggested you check the hospital's website (see below) for the current update.
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LINKS TO RESOURCES
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RCOG information for pregnant women and their families (this is a UK site so advice may differ)
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WA Health Department general information
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RANZCOG guidelines for pregnant health care workers
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St John of God, Murdoch information
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Gidget Foundation Mental Health Support during Covid
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SJOG Murdoch video - Covid in pregnancy
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