Read About NCDC COVID-19 Guidelines for Pregnant and Breastfeeding Mothers

 The Nigerian Centre for Disease Control released recommendations on Wednesday for expectant and lactating mothers.The  center  urged them to closely follow the stipulated COVID-19 guidelines.

The NCDC reiterated that

"Based on available information, pregnant women seem to be at equal risk as other adults".

“However, it is known that the bodily changes that occur during pregnancy, may put expectant women at increased risk for some infections.

“Pregnant women have had a higher risk of severe illness when infected with viruses from the same family as COVID-19 and other viral respiratory infections, such as influenza.

“Therefore, pregnant women should take the same precautions as the general public to avoid COVID-19 infection.”

In addition,such women were advised to get adequate bed rest and consume healthy and  nutritious foods.

For pregnant or lactating women with suspected or confirmed coronavirus infection, the centre advised that they immediately isolate themselves and contact the NCDC.

It advised that it is safer for lactating mothers who have tested positive for the virus to manually pump breast milk to be fed to their babies.

“If you think you may have coronavirus, or you have been exposed, are pregnant and you have either a high temperature or a new, continuous cough, you should stay at home for 14 days. Do not go to the hospital but contact your doctor and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) toll free number 0800-9700 0010 or state epidemiologist immediately,” the guidelines read.

“You will be assessed in line with current case definition guidelines set out by the NCDC. You should contact your clinic to inform them that you have symptoms suggestive of coronavirus, particularly if you have any routine appointment in the next 7 days.

“They should postpone routine antenatal visits until after the isolation period is over and arrange the right place and time for you to come for your visits. You should not attend a routine clinic. There may be a need for them to reduce the number of antenatal visits you have.

“In limited studies, COVID-19 has not been detected in breast milk; however, it is not known for sure whether
mothers with COVID-19 can spread the virus via breast milk.

“You, along with your family and healthcare providers, should decide whether and how to start or continue breastfeeding.

“Another good option is to pump or express by hand the breast milk and have someone who is not sick feed it to the baby.”