According to the doctors, the coronavirus infection in new-borns is rising, however the situation is not serious. Doctors say that the rise is in proportion to the number of pregnant women infected with COVID-19 and the general spread of infection. During the 1st wave, there were only a few Covid positive pregnant women delivering, now at least two such deliveries are taking place daily in the 2nd wave.

Dr A Santhosh Kumar, former deputy superintendent, Sree Avittam Thirunal (SAT) said that there is no direct spread from the mother to the new-born baby. But the new-born can get infected at a later stage. In new-borns, the infection is milder, however breathing problems were noticed in 1-2 cases. Dr A Santhosh Kumar is also a member of the Lancet — Covid India Children’s project. The objective of this project is to develop the protocol for infected kids. 

The later stage of infection can be from the mother herself or from other members of the family. Doctors are saying that the number of new-borns turning Covid positive within 5 days after the delivery has increased.

Dr Balachandar D, State secretary of Indian Academy of Pediatrics said that vertical transmission between mother and child is very rare. Therefore, they promote breastfeeding even if infection is present. But then the mother has to wear a mask while breast-feeding. Or else, the child should be kept 2 metres away from the mother.

Health experts also say that Covid infection in pregnant women doesn’t complicate the delivery in many cases. Dr Balachandar also said that coronavirus infection does not decide the method of delivery nor does it suggest a caesarean. Premature deliveries by Covid positive mothers having severe infection are not rare.

Dr Santhosh says that the only connection between Covid infection and delivery is that the chances of having premature delivery and the baby born underweight are higher. If the new-born is underweight, then the hospital stay will be longer. 

The health department has given a mandate guideline to get a swab test done within 24-48 hours after delivery. If the test result is negative, then a retest to be taken within 5-14 days. Owing to practical reasons, hospitals conduct Covid tests on new-borns a day before they discharge the mother and baby. 

One doctor said that hospitals have space limitations as the number of patients are increasing daily. Therefore, they discharge the mother and baby 3-4 days after the normal delivery. Also, the hospital environment is not very safe for them in the present situation.

Key points as per the experts:

• Covid infection in pregnant women has not complicated the delivery in many cases.
• It is unlikely for pregnant women to infect the babies through the placenta.
• Breastfeeding is promoted even though the mother is infected with covid.
• New-borns are susceptible to infection from people around them.
• Severe covid infection in the mother can lead to premature delivery by caesarean section.

Source: The New Indian Express