So cute: 53 babies born to +ve patients are healthy

MAJOR MISSTEPS

So cute: 53 babies born to +ve patients are healthy

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S Ramesh | TNN

12.07.2020

Mysuru: Fifty-three babies born to women with coronavirus infection in Karnataka are in good health, and there has been no mother-to-child transmission in these cases, according to the health and family welfare department. The newborns include three sets of twins.

Fifty Covid-19 patients have given birth in the state, including five in Mysuru.

Dr CP Nanjaraj, dean and director of the Mysuru Medical College and Research Institute, said the risk of mothers passing on the infection to the child appeared to be low, going by the current case studies. So far, there has been no evidence of foetal abnormalities or effects due to maternal infection.

Five babies born at Mysuru’s VV Puram Maternity Hospital, which has been converted into a special centre to treat pregnant Covid-19 patients, are all healthy, Dr Nanjaraj added. Doctors from Cheluvamba Hospital performed the caesarean section. Positive patients’ newborns are kept in a separate ward while the former recover. Many new mothers have returned home with their bundle of joy after beating the virus. Those who make full recovery are tested multiple times before being discharged.

To date, authorities have not received reports of coronavirus infection in the said infants after discharge. “Currently, five pregnant patients are undergoing treatment at VV Puram hospital. Considering the recent case studies, there is no need for them to worry,” Dr Nanjaraj said.

According to the World Health Organization’s guidelines and advice of other experts, the baby should be separated from the Covid-19 patient for at least 14 days or till she completely overcomes the infection. The patients can breastfeed, provided they practise respiratory hygiene and wear a mask, wash hands before and after touching the baby, says the WHO’s guidance. US CDC also says it’s safe to breastfeed.