Prompt Cast
Pregnancy and COVID-19: What We Know So Far
TLDR While pregnant women do not appear to be at a higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19, concerns about the transmission of the virus to the baby still exist. Limited data suggests that transmission is unlikely and rare, and while some hospitals recommend separating COVID-positive mothers from their newborns, there is no evidence to suggest that this would negatively impact bonding or social adaptation.
Timestamped Summary
00:00
Being pregnant during the coronavirus pandemic is causing additional worry and uncertainty for the producer, Meryl Horn, as she explores the potential risks and effects of the virus on herself and her baby.
03:50
Pregnant women do not appear to be at a higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19, according to studies, which is reassuring, but the potential transmission of the virus to the baby is still a concern.
07:04
Studies have shown that some viruses can cross the placenta, but it is believed that the transmission of the coronavirus to the baby is unlikely and rare, based on limited data and the behavior of similar respiratory viruses.
10:26
About 10% of infants diagnosed with COVID-19 experience serious symptoms, but infant mortality from the coronavirus is still very low, with only four deaths reported out of several hundred cases in the US.
14:32
Most hospitals recommend separating COVID-positive mothers from their newborns, but ultimately the decision is up to the mother.
18:04
The recommendations on whether or not to separate COVID-positive mothers from their newborns are conflicting, with the World Health Organization saying they should stay together, the CDC saying it should be decided on a case-by-case basis, and some hospitals already separating moms and newborns due to potential infections, but there is no evidence to suggest that separation would negatively impact the baby's long-term bonding or social adaptation.
21:05
Women share their experiences of giving birth during the pandemic, including wearing masks, not having visitors, and feeling a mix of stress from both postpartum and the pandemic.
