Coronavirus | Pregnancy: “covid-19 can pose a risk to the mother and the fetus,” says Mohamed Seydouba Camara, doctor at the CMC of Ratoma

Since the outbreak of the pandemic, doctors and caregivers have identified several social groups at risk, such as the elderly, children, diabetics, etc. But what about pregnant women? Many pregnant women wonder if the coronavirus poses a danger to their pregnancy. Mohamed Seydouba Camara, head doctor of the Maternity department at the CMC of Ratoma, was reassuring on Universciences.

Universciences: how are pregnant women cared for during this period of pandemic linked to the coronavirus? 

Mohamed Seydouba Camara: at the CMC Ratoma hospital, we receive pregnant women at two levels. Some come for CPN, that is to say monitoring of the pregnancy, and others come when they also have problems to see the Maternity Service. And prevention measures are observed by everyone. When they return from the hospital, we make them wash their hands. Once in the Maternity Department, we ensure that the distance of 1 meter is respected. In addition when performing the CPN, and after examination on a table concerning the measurement of the uterine height, we pass a hydro-alcoholic solution on the consultation table; because they can bring disease, just as they can take it.

 Universciences: has your hospital recorded positive cases of covid-19 among pregnant women?

 MSC: the Maternity Service has not recorded any cases of covid-19 in pregnancy.

Universciences: can covid-19 present a risk for the baby and his mother?

MSC:Indeed, covid-19 can pose a risk to the mother and the fetus. To the extent that the pregnant woman has an immunological and physiological modification. Then, the virulence of the virus counts in the severity of the person's immunology. Looking at pro-mobility factors related to covid-19, decreased immunity is cited. So, there are a lot of risks associated with that.

Universciences: what are the real risks of contamination that pregnant women run?

 MSC:Studies have shown that fever in pregnant women is very high. Then, when a pregnant woman contracts this disease, we noticed that they are at risk of cesarean section, giving birth to premature children. With this pathology, in the first trimester of pregnancy, the risk of malformation is very high. And babies who are born have breathing difficulties, rigidity of the extremities, etc.

 Universciences: does a pregnant woman with coronavirus transmit the virus to the child?

 MSC:studies were carried out in the USA, in France; but there is no practical medical evaluation of these studies. There is a group that says that the mother cannot infect the child. Others say they have noted ways of contamination of the virus through milk and amniotic fluid. As the coronavirus is a new disease, we don't know enough.

Universciences: it’s not easy to be pregnant during this time of health crisis. What advice would you give to pregnant women?

MSC:we ask them to observe the prevention measures dictated by the health authorities. By washing your hands frequently, with soap and water or a hydro-alcoholic solution, wear a mask, although the only way of contamination is through the respiratory tract. And also, being pregnant with very low immunity, they must avoid risk areas: the market, ceremonies. In addition, they must keep the environment clean. By doing so, they will surely avoid this disease.

Universciences: the exceptional circumstances linked to the epidemic in no way diminish the quality of reception and care within the Maternity Department of the CMC of Ratoma?

MSC:no, this does not diminish the welcome; because, who speaks of reception, it is this way of welcoming the patient by giving her space, calling her by her name, speaking to her in her language. Therefore, the quality of the welcome is respected and honored for all the women who come to our service.

                      

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