Asymptomatic cases on the rise in expectant mothers

MANGALURU: Doctors are seeing more pregnant women with asymptomatic Covid-19 infections. Dr Vidyashri Kamath, consultant OBG, Woman and Child Centre, KMC Hospital, Mangaluru, told TOI that pregnancy is a time full of excitement and anticipation, but the Covid 19 pandemic has instilled fear, anxiety and uncertainty in expectant mothers, about the impact of it on pregnancy and the newborn. There is presently no evidence to say that Covid-19 infection increases the risk of miscarriage during early pregnancy.
There have been a few case reports suggesting vertical transmission, which is transmission of the virus from the mother to the baby. More studies are needed to prove that vertical transmission occurs, and to ensure that the virus is not present in the placenta, amniotic fluid, umbilical cord blood and breast milk.
“During the last wave we did not see many complications in pregnant women who had Covid-19, however, since the last few weeks, we are noticing that some pregnant women with Covid-19 are experiencing preterm births, respiratory problems, fetal demise and post-partum haemorrhage. Only in the next few months we will be able to confirm these findings based on data. Last year, 8 % of the total pregnant women consulting with us had Covid-19 during different stages of pregnancy, right from conception to term, out of which only 10% of them were positive at delivery. One of them had preterm labour with Covid pneumonia, who ended up in post-partum haemorrhage. Two women of unknown Covid status had foetal demise at around 16 weeks of pregnancy” said Dr Vidhyashree Kamath.
15-20% rise in cases
When compared to the first wave, there is a 15-20% rise in pregnant women getting infected with Covid-19, said Dr Suhasini Inamdar, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, Motherhoood Hospital, Bengaluru.
“This could also be because more young people are getting infected in the current wave, and the health and nutrition level in pregnant women is lower when compared to the Western counterparts. The cases are being reported across all stages—from conception to the third trimester. However, the complications are mostly in the third trimester, especially among women who are diabetic or have put on too much weight. Preterm premature rupture of the membranes (PPROM) cases are also on the rise. In the past few days, we have admitted a few cases to the ICU, and there was one case of a stillbirth, she said.