Why pregnant women have to undergo COVID-19 Testing before childbirth?

Isn’t the recent pandemic scare driving the world crazy? People are haywire with the thoughts of potential virus infection, and pregnant women are at high risk. Until the vaccine is successfully out and within reach of the people, the only alternative is to take necessary precautions. If a woman is expecting and planning for childbirth, COVID test is mandatory to ensure complete safety of the mom and to be born child. Here are some more facts enlightening this news.

Coronavirus is very infectious and can travel easily with one mistake from your end. So how to stay safe? Exposure to external surfaces and atmosphere without safety gears like masks and sanitizers can be a big mistake. Senior citizens are also at high risk, along with pregnant women and people having existing respiratory disorders. Strict guidelines are out stating the necessity for COVID-19 Testing when a woman is about to deliver a baby. 

Pregnancy is a crucial state, and safety is a priority!

As per the WHO indications, pregnant women need to take up higher precautionary measures to save themselves from the havoc of this dreadful virus. Along with social distancing and sanitization, they should better stay indoors and safe. In medical terms, pregnancy takes you to the immunocompromised state where the immunity antibodies are already low. 

As a result, the body’s resistance against all types of viral infections is meagre. Hence, in comparison to normal individuals, pregnant women are more prone to such diseases. Advisory is already out for the pregnant women to keep a keen watch and stay vigilant about any symptoms of COVID infection. 

Why is it mandatory for pregnant women to take COVID test? After a woman enters her third trimester, she must not ignore the smallest symptoms such as cold, cough or fever. Especially if you are carrying a baby and pertaining problems such as diabetes or high blood pressure; it becomes even more essential to take care of your health. 

Taking a COVID-19 Test ensures that the baby does not face any complications during and after delivery. Also, the health experts from the Royal College of Gynaecologists and obstetricians suggested that pregnant women need to keep a close check on COVID symptoms. 

Mother and baby should remain safe!

Precautionary measures taken by pregnant women right from home can prevent any potential hazards from viral infections. Frequent hand washing, sanitization and disinfecting of the house are a few things to take a note of. Besides, while moving out, it is mandatory to wear hand gloves to avoid any undesirable contact. 

Taking some specific measures can help in preventing the transmission of the virus from the mother to the baby in the womb. Every mother wants her baby to stay safe, and there are not many cases of such transmissions. But the pregnant women over 35 years of age with existing problems like obesity or overweight need to stay more cautious. 

Hence, it is highly recommended and made mandatory to take COVID-19 test before delivering a baby. Even after childbirth, ensuring regular vaccination of the baby like TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis) is also vital. 

Conclusion 

As per a statement from The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), pregnant women who are asymptomatic need to undergo thorough screening. Before delivery, women need to derive health facilities of convenient sample collection and screening. Lack of testing kits or facilities cannot be an excuse in such cases at all. As per the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, two types of COVID tests are compulsory for pregnant women, including antibody and viral tests. Early detection of SARS-CoV-2 virus can save two lives and other family members connected to them.