The risk of being hospitalised due to a Covid-19 infection is 1.5 to 5 times higher for pregnant women, says Dr Françoises Berthet, deputy director of health, especially during the last 3 months of pregnancy. International studies are ongoing to learn more about coronavirus and soon-to-be mothers.
This increases the risk of complications, especially with regards to breathing and high blood pressure. Pregnant women are already at greater risk of developing thrombosis, the formation of blood clots. If a coronavirus infection leaves no major complications, however, it does not seem to affect the baby in the womb, nor its development.
Video report in Luxembourgish:
Just like all vulnerable members of society pregnant women, too, must be protected at work, as they are exposed to a higher risk of infection. Teleworking is the most effective solution, professionals say, but should there be no possibility for this then a doctor can give the woman a note requesting pregnancy leave.
Infected mothers should continue to breastfeed their babies, especially as the virus cannot be transmitted that way and it remains healthy for the newborn child.
