Mothers with SARS-CoV-2 infection
Mothers with SARS-CoV-2 infection rarely transmit the virus to their newborns when following basic infection control practices, according to a new study by researchers at Columbia Irving University Medical Center and New York-Presbyterian Children's Hospital Morgan Stanley. Findings - the most detailed data available on the risk of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 between mothers and their infants - suggest that more extensive measures may not be justified such as separating COVID-19 positive mothers from their newborns and avoiding direct breastfeeding. .
The study was published in JAMA Pediatrics.
"Our findings should reassure texpectant mothers with COVID-19 Whereas basic measures for the control of infections during and after childbirth; such as mask use and breast and hand hygiene when holding or breastfeeding a baby - Protects Newborns From Infection, ”says Eugene Jacobson, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Columbia University. Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons;
Basic infection prevention measures have reduced the risk of COVID-19 in newborns.
The researchers looked at the results in the first 101 newborns born to COVID-19 positive mothers at NewYork-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital or NewYork-Presbyterian Allen Hospital.
To reduce the risk of transmission SARS-CoV-2 in postpartum newborns, hospital staff kept social distance, wore masks and put positive COVID-19 mothers in private rooms. Hospitals provided to mothers COVID-19 training materials and shortened hospital stay for all mothers without complications from childbirth. Most of the newborns remained with their mothers, including the first postpartum check-up. (Some were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit for non-COVID-related health reasons.) The infants were placed in a crib six meters away from the mothers' cribs at rest. Direct breastfeeding and skin-to-skin contact with babies were strongly encouraged, provided the mothers wore masks and washed their hands and breasts with soap and water.
"During the pandemic, we continued to do what we normally do to promote connection and growth in healthy newborns. taking some extra precautions to minimize the risk of exposure to the virus ", says one of the researchers.
Only two of the newborns were positive about it SARS-CoV-2 but had no clinical signs of disease. (Researchers could not identify how the babies became infected.) Doctors monitored about half of the babies, including two who tested positive for the virus, during the first two weeks of life and all remained well.
The data support breastfeeding, skin-to-skin contact with the baby, even if the mother has COVID-19.
Some pediatric and health organizations have issued interim guidelines for pregnant women with SARS-CoV-2, recommending the separation of mothers and newborns during their hospital stay, without direct breastfeeding and swimming of newborns as soon as possible. (Normally, infants are bathed after at least 24 hours of life because they interfere with attachment, breastfeeding, and increase the risk of dangerously low temperatures and blood sugar.)
These recommendations were made in the absence of data on SARS-CoV-2 transmission rates from mother to newborn and are based on experience with the transmission of other infectious diseases from mother to newborn. However, some of the recommendations contradict what we know about the developmental benefits of early breastfeeding and skin-to-skin contact. Our study suggests that these measures may not be necessary for healthy newborns with COVID-19 positive mothers. "
"We believe it is very important mothers with COVID-19 have the opportunity to breastfeed their babies immediately. Breast milk is known to protect newborns from many pathogens and may help protect newborns from SARS-CoV-2 infection, the study leader concluded.
* The content on this blog is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health care providers with questions you may have about medical conditions.
