COVID-19 and Pregnancy @ SLMHC

COVID-19 is a new virus that causes an illness similar to the flu or a cold. Most people will have cold symptoms (typically fever or cough), but people with other health problems are at higher risk of getting quite sick or developing severe lung problems.

Like the flu, COVID-19 spreads mostly by contact with someone who is infected or contact with objects they recently touched or sneezed or coughed on.

• Use hand hygiene to protect you and your baby: wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• Avoid touching your face
• Maintain physical distancing (a minimum of 6′ or 2 metres from others) when out in public
• Wear a face mask when unable to maintain physical distancing.
• Avoid unnecessary visitors in your home.
• Stay home as much as possible, except for important medical appointments and limited trips to the store for essentials

Appointments in pregnancy are important, and a phone call or telehealth may be an option i fyou are ill. If you have concerns about your pregnancy please contact the clinic.

When you go to the clinic or the hospital, wash your hands regularly when you touch objects, avoid touching your face with your hands and try to stay at least 2 meters or 6 feet away from other people in the waiting area. You should also wash your hands when you leave.

If you are sick with a cough or fever and you are booked for a regular visit, contact the IPP to check if any appointment adjustments are necessary.

Integrated Prenatal Program (IPP) phone: 807-737-2877 ext 4503, or call 807-737-3030 and ask for the Prenatal Clinic

Through limited studies we’ve seen, it does not appear that the virus is passed through breastmilk. You could consider pumping and having someone who is not sick provide pumped breastmilk through the bottle.