Precautions to Protect Against Omicron During Pregnancy

Protecting Against Omicron During Pregnancy Covid-19 has disrupted our lives for nearly two years, and the Omicron variant has made it far more contagious. As transmissibility has increased, the frequency of the disease among expectant mothers has also risen. Dr. Habibe Seyisoğlu, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Acibadem Altunizade Hospital, noted that this situation significantly increases stress during pregnancy. Seyisoğlu stated: "Certain physiological changes in the cardiovascular and respiratory systems during pregnancy can make expectant mothers more susceptible to this infection. Due to Omicron's rapid transmission characteristics, the risk is particularly higher among unvaccinated pregnant women and those who have not completed their vaccination schedule. However, through simple precautions, protection from Omicron is possible; and in case of possible infection, timely and appropriate treatment can allow the infection to be managed more easily," she said. Emphasizing that these measures become even more important for expectant mothers identified as high-risk, including those who are overweight, prone to diabetes, have hypertension, are advanced in age, or have respiratory problems, Dr. Habibe Seyisoğlu stated: "Covid-19 can trigger premature delivery in pregnant women, cause fetal distress in the womb, lead to developmental delay, and complicate pregnancy course by causing serious conditions such as gestational hypertension. Vaccination is the means to protect against all these conditions and to experience milder disease course if infected with Covid-19. Vaccination during pregnancy also provides protective antibodies that pass to cord blood and breast milk, protecting the newborn as well," she explained. Obstetrician and Gynaecologist Dr. Habibe Seyisoğlu described 10 simple yet effective measures for a healthy pregnancy during the pandemic, offering important warnings and recommendations.

Vaccination is Absolutely Essential

Vaccination is our most powerful weapon and the first and most important measure in protecting against Covid-19. We see that expectant mothers have concerns about this, but we know medically that both the inactivated vaccines and mRNA vaccines administered in our country pose no risk to pregnancy. All global health authorities agree on this matter and no adverse effects of these vaccines on either baby or mother have been identified. In fact, contrary to the prevailing view until one or two months ago that "Pregnant women can be vaccinated after the third month," it is now clearly stated that vaccines administered during all pregnancy stages and even during pregnancy preparation carry no harm.

Contact Must Be Avoided

The Omicron variant transmits easily even in very brief contacts. In this regard, staying away from people suspected of having the illness and isolating those who are suspected of being ill is very important. Since Omicron is a variant that spreads much more quickly and rapidly, contact duration should be kept as short as possible outside the home and in areas where trust is uncertain.

Correct Mask Wearing is Important

Proper use of masks stands out as the element that will provide us the most benefit in avoiding contact. It is known that transmission risk is very low when both parties are masked. Especially in areas of high transmission risk such as public transport and shopping centres, the mask must absolutely not be removed and must be worn correctly, fully covering the nose.

Hands Should Be Washed Frequently

Hand hygiene is another factor that significantly reduces transmission risk. Hands should be washed frequently throughout the day using proper technique; when this is not possible, attention should be paid to using hand sanitizers and disinfectants.

Pay Attention to Social Distancing

In reducing transmission risk, each pregnant woman maintaining her own social distance and protecting herself is very important. Of course, psychologically this situation exhausts all of us, but it would be correct for pregnant women to stay home as much as possible and not receive visitors at home. Because during this period, even our closest contacts can pose a risk.

Healthy Nutrition

Body resistance, as with many diseases, is very important for dealing with Covid-19, and the role of nutrition in maintaining this resistance cannot be denied. For this reason, implementing a nutrition model in pregnant women that is protein-based, vegetable-heavy, fluid-rich, and free of additives is very important.

Regular Exercise

It is known that regular exercise has positive effects on immunity. If there is no obstacle to this, we recommend walking in fresh air during pregnancy for every pregnant woman; swimming, yoga and pilates exercises if suitable conditions allow.

Adequate and Quality Sleep

Regular and healthy sleep is extremely important in maintaining body resistance in pregnant women as in everyone else. Well-ventilated, quiet bedrooms will facilitate healthy sleep and contribute to our body resistance.

Managing Stress is Necessary

While hormonal susceptibility to stress increases during pregnancy, the concern about becoming ill during the pandemic leads to more intense stress. Stress is a condition that activates destructive hormones in the body and consequently can suppress the immune system. For this reason, it is necessary to try to reduce stress as much as possible through regular exercise, music, yoga and similar activities.

If There is a Patient at Home, They Must Be Isolated

Dr. Habibe Seyisoğlu stated: "Despite all precautions, if any case is detected at home, the patient must be absolutely isolated since the Omicron variant spreads much more rapidly, distance and mask rules must be applied in common areas, and care must be taken to ensure the home is well-ventilated."