There are a lot of questions regarding coronavirus and its impact on pregnancy and caring for newborns so I thought I would provide an update.
We continue to receive more information every day, so I will update with accurate information as it’s provided.
- Coronavirus is labelled COVID-19. It was identified originally in China in December 2019.
- Pregnant women are not at increased risk of getting the virus.
- If a pregnant woman does get the virus, the disease appears to be mild.
- In the small number of women who are pregnant who are known to have been infected with the virus, vertical transmission to the foetus does not appear to be an issue with the information currently at hand.
At present, there is no evidence the virus is carried in breastmilk and so breastfeeding continues to be recommended.
To protect you and your family the following is recommended:
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
- Cover your mouth when you cough, or sneeze with a tissue and dispose of the tissue or use the inner aspect of your elbow.
- Avoid contact with others if you are feeling unwell.
- Do not attend social gatherings.
- Stay at home as much as possible with your new baby and limit your visitors. From Thursday 9 July, patients in Melbourne and the Mitchell Shire are not allowed visitors to their home.
In terms of attending for appointments to my rooms or visits to hospital:
- please call ahead if you have fever, cough, sore throat or shortness of breath.
- please call ahead if you have been overseas in the last fourteen days.
- attend your appointments without partners and/or children until further notice.
For further information or advice please go to the https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus or contact the Coronavirus Information line on 1800 020 080.
