Dr. Princess Duria Lizardo
A study released in late 2021 revealed that pregnant women infected with COVID-19 are strongly associated with pre-eclampsia.
An obstetrician-gynaecologist laid out tips and prevention to avoid having this illness.
Dr. Princess Duria Lizardo from Al Safa Polyclinic told The Peninsula: “Multiple studies found that developing pre-eclampsia (eclampsia hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelets or HELLP syndrome) were significantly higher among pregnant women with COVID-19 infection.”
“Prevention is the best weapon to avoid this, especially for pregnant women who are most vulnerable of having this disease. Although pre-eclampsia requires immediate monitoring and treatment in order to ensure that both mother and baby are healthy, and researchers continue to study to prevent it but no clear strategies have emerged yet,” she explained.
She said that to prevent this, an expectant mother should follow these tips: rest lying on left side to take the weight of the baby off your major blood vessels; increase prenatal check-ups; consume less salt; drink eight glasses of water; modify your diet; exercise regularly and get vaccinated.
“If there is any evidence of disease progression or if severe acute hypertension develops or signs of preterm labour, prompt hospitalisation is suggested to prevent further complications,” Dr. Lizardo explained.
Pre-eclampsia is a serious condition during pregnancy. Signs that an individual is having one include high blood pressure, signs of damage to another organ system commonly the liver and kidneys.
Another study by National Institute of Health’s Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development found that pregnant women have increased risks for cesarean delivery, postpartum hemorrhage, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and preterm birth.
Dr. Lizardo explained that earlier detection of the infection and prompt administration of COVID-19 treatment with the development of respiratory distress will contribute to better patient outcome.
She explained that “some studies showed placental infection during COVID-19 leading to placental vascular disease, pre-eclampsia like syndrome fetal growth restriction and perinatal death and fearing these adverse events could add to the increased rate of preterm deliveries or cesarean section. Many patients likewise with non-severe diseases are being delivered using the C-section due to other factors.”
“Postpartum hemorrhage is a leading cause of maternal mortality worldwide. Because pregnant women have a suppressed immune system they may be at an increased risk of developing severe or critical diseases associated with COVID-19. Current data reveals no risk of vertical transmission of COVID-19 to the fetus but it had been associated with increased preterm birth preeclampsia, cesarean delivery and perinatal death,” Dr. Lizardo explained.
As the world is still battling against COVID-19 bringing great impact on pregnant women’s health management, she suggested: “pregnant patients are advised to monitor their blood pressure and have diet modification, take supplements and get vaccinated.”
She also explained the benefits of getting vaccinated for expectant mothers: “COVID-19 vaccination protects pregnant women from severe COVID-19 and elicits antibodies that cross the placenta. Once vaccinated, they can pass on antibodies to their fetuses. Studies have shown that antibodies made after a pregnant person received COVID-19 vaccine were found in umbilical cord blood. And this would give them extra protection too,” she explained.
Aside from the vaccination, she recommended the following: choose to limit close contact with people, keep mobile and hydrated, stay active and do regular exercise, keep a balanced diet, a vitamin supplementation is also helpful to support a healthy pregnancy and do regular antenatal check-ups.
