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What you need to know about pregnancy, breastfeeding and COVID-19

24 February 2021
by Tracy Melass

There’s so much COVID-19 information – and misinformation – around, it can be overwhelming. Add to that the pearls of wisdom from armchair experts at home, and knowing what to do, and what not, can be confusing. We checked in with Dr Tamatha Urquhart, a paediatrician at Kloof Hospital in Pretoria, to answer some basic questions about babies, kids and COVID-19. 

Can I pass the coronavirus on to my baby?

“There have been babies diagnosed with COVID-19 at birth, but this is very rare,” says Dr Urquhart. “COVID-19 is spread through droplets when a sick person coughs or sneezes.”

The virus can spread from an infected person’s mouth or nose in small liquid particles when they cough, sneeze, speak, sing or breathe heavily, she says. These liquid particles are different sizes, ranging from larger ‘respiratory droplets’ to smaller 'aerosols’. Other people can catch COVID-19 when the virus gets into their mouth, nose or eyes, which is more likely to happen when people are in direct or close contact (less than one metre apart) with an infected person.

“An infected baby will usually pick it up after birth through droplet spread, through a caregiver,” says Dr Urquhart.

Can I breastfeed if I have COVID?

According to Dr Urquhart, it’s advisable to breastfeed as antibodies to the coronavirus have been found in breastmilk. “Of course, the mother or caregiver must wear a mask and sanitise their hands well,” she says. Experts agree there’s no evidence so far that coronavirus itself can lead to birth defects, miscarriage, or any other problems. Fever in early pregnancy, from COVID-19 or any other cause, can however, raise the risk for birth defects. 

Can babies and older children get COVID-19?

Children, including very young children, can develop COVID-19. Many of them have no symptoms. “Those that do get sick tend to experience milder symptoms,” says Dr Urquhart. 

These may include low-grade fever, fatigue and coughing. According to Harvard Health, some children have had severe complications, but this has been less common. Children with underlying health conditions may also be at increased risk for severe illness.

“Of course, even if children’s symptoms are milder, they can spread to adults – so the usual precautions need to be taken,” she says.

What are COVID symptoms in children?

Children are usually asymptomatic or have very mild symptoms. “Very few require hospitalisation,” says Dr Urquhart. They usually present with diarrhoea, nausea, a fever, runny nose, cough, or wheezing.

How can I prevent COVID in my child?

“The guidelines are the same for adults as children,” says Dr Urquhart, “but it's important to teach your kids preventive actions, and to reinforce them.”

Preventative measures include:

•    Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
•    Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth.
•    Stay home if sick.
•    Cover your nose and mouth with disposable tissue when coughing or sneezing, and then properly dispose of the tissue.
•    Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
•    Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
•    Alternatively, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands first with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
•    Reduce handshaking (within cultural acceptability).
•    Take Vitamin C, D and Zinc daily.

Should my child wear a face mask?

In South Africa, children older than six are required by law to wear masks. “But, says Dr Urquhart, “to be on the safe side, it’s advisable for children over the age of two to wear masks.”

IMAGE CREDIT: 123rf.com