Tribune News Service

Patiala, June 16

The number of infections reported among expectant mothers was double than the first wave, reveals the data of the Health Department.

During the second wave, around 258 expectant mothers contracted Covid in the district.

In the first wave, the count was around 120. Dr Jatinder Kansal, District Family Welfare Officer, said in May, 122 was the highest number of expectant mothers being tested positive for Covid.

Dr Kansal said they had to test every pregnant woman for Covid a month before the delivery and with a regular follow up by the ground staff. “We test expectant mothers for Covid before the delivery just for early detection so as to avoid complications at the time of delivery.”

Meanwhile, few casualties are also said to have been reported among pregnant women due to Covid-19 related complications.

Dr Sumeet Singh, District Epidemiologist, said increase in number of pregnant women with Covid might be attributed to the overall rise in cases during the second wave. “The proportion of infection among pregnant women was similar in both waves. The rise in cases among pregnant women is higher merely due to the rise in total cases.”

Dr Sumeet said during the first wave, they had ensured that all pregnant women who test positive for Covid were hospitalised to reduce any further complications.

Highest in May

Dr Jatinder Kansal, District Family Welfare Officer, said in May, as m any as 122 expectant mothers tested positive for the coronavirus, the highest in any month.