Coronavirus: Pregnant Women ‘At Risk’ And Should Avoid All Social Contact – Medics

Pregnant women are “at-risk” of coronavirus and should avoid all social contact for the foreseeable future, Boris Johnson said tonight.

The Prime Minister made the announcement today as he updated Brits on the new approach to battling the virus. He said: “Even if you don’t have symptoms and even if nobody in your house has symptoms there is still more that we need you to do. Second now is the time for everyone to stop non essential contract with others.

“We need people to start working from home where they possibly can, and you should avoid clubs pubs theatres and other such social venues. This avoiding all social contact is especially important for the over 70, pregnant women and those with health conditions.”

Chief medical officer, Chris Whitty moved to reassure pregnant women, telling the public it was a precaution. “We are very, very early in what we know on this,” he said.

Although the limited evidence suggests there are no complications in pregnancy, for many infectious diseases, “there is a small but appreciable additional risk”. As this is a new virus he added: “Infections and pregnancy are not a good combination and that is why we have taken the very precautionary measure while we try to find out more”.

Last week the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) said pregnant women don’t appear more susceptible to the virus, based on the current evidence. They also said there is no evidence the virus can be passed to an unborn baby in the womb. Their guidance also states there’s no proof at the moment that Covid-19 can be carried in breastmilk, so new mums are still encouraged to breastfeed.

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