Pregnancy and childbirth

Q: How should I know when am I supposed to let myself test - not knowing when my partner will give birth? May I rather test myself?

Medical personnel can test you directly in the maternal hospital. The results of testings carried out using self-test kits are not accepted anymore.

Q: Can I breastfeed if I have the coronavirus?

Yes, the benefits of breastfeeding outweigh the potential risks associated with the transmission and disease of COVID-19. The transmission of the disease through breast milk hasn't been proven. To prevent the transmission of the disease by droplets, it is recommended to follow basic precautions, such as wearing a face mask and washing hands, during breastfeeding and during all other childcare procedures. If you don’t feel well enough to breastfeed, it is advisable to spray breast milk. The sprayed milk is then given to the baby by a healthy person. When you feel better, you can return to breastfeeding.

Q: Can I give birth in a maternity hospital if I have the coronavirus?

Yes, but inform your doctors before your arrival.

Q: Can the virus be transmitted from a pregnant mother to the baby she is carrying?

No such case has been recorded, even in worse cases of the disease. The presence of the virus was not found in amniotic fluid or breastmilk.

Q: Does a woman infected with the coronavirus have to give birth by caesarean section?

No. It depends on the health conditions of the mother, if infected giving birth might be more difficult, but the final decision is always up to the doctors under specific conditions. If the mother has a lighter course of the disease, the birth should go ahead in a similar manner as planned.

Q: Is the treatment for pregnant coronavirus patients different?

Pregnant women should be under regular medical care. If they are infected with the coronavirus during their pregnancy they could be preventatively hospitalized to be under more direct medical surveillance. Id depends on the course of the illness, generally, there shouldn't be any difference.

Q: How can I prevent getting infected?

Wear your face mask, wash your hands regularly, avoid crowded places, do not touch your face while your hands are not clean, use single use tissues and take care of your health- both physical and mental.

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Rules and recommendations

If a pregnant woman has met with a COVID-19 positive person or she displays symptoms of the COVID-19, the general rules apply to her (Illness and regulations). Inform your doctor, who will best advise you on the next steps to take. Do not visit your general practitioner or gynaecologist without prior telephone consultation.

For pregnant women who haven't been in contact with anyone positive and don't display any symptoms, nothing changes. Despite this, follow all hygienic regulations.

Pregnant women who have tested positive for the COVID-19 can give birth in a maternal hospital. It is necessary to inform the doctors and follow all hygienic measures. It is also important to pay extra attention to the hygienic rules to prevent the infection of hospital staff.

If a pregnant woman is in quarantine or isolation and needs to visit the maternity hospital (to give birth or for a necessary check-up) she should arrive in her own vehicle. You can also call 112 (emergency services) and have an ambulance take her to the hospital if no one else is available. Inform the medics about quarantine or isolation in advance and upon arrival.

In general, hospital visits are allowed again.

This also applies to presence during childbirth.

There is no need anymore for person(s) visiting or present during childbirth to wear a respirator during their visit.

Care for the mother and the baby during and after birth will not go through any significant changes. It is necessary to follow all hygienic measures. Medical facilities are facing a challenging time, but maternity care and care for newborns is secured. There is nothing to be afraid of. Please inform your doctors about anything related to the coronavirus spread so they can take preventative measures and ensure the safety of the medical workers, pregnant women, their visitors and other patients in the hospital. The birth of your baby will be a joyful occasion and a safe one as well.

Frequent questions about this topic

How should I know when am I supposed to let myself test - not knowing when my partner will give birth? May I rather test myself?

Can I breastfeed if I have the coronavirus?

Can I give birth in a maternity hospital if I have the coronavirus?

Can the virus be transmitted from a pregnant mother to the baby she is carrying?

Does a woman infected with the coronavirus have to give birth by caesarean section?

Is the treatment for pregnant coronavirus patients different?

Can pregnant women receive antiviral medication?

How can I prevent getting infected?

pregnant_womanPregnancy and childbirth

This Life Situation is archived. The text below may not be up to date.

Rules and recommendations

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Frequent questions about this topic

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