Pregnancy and coronavirus. What do we know about this?

• From the moment of pregnancy, a complex of changes occurs in a woman’s body, which covers the functions of all organs and systems, is observed throughout pregnancy and is within the physiological boundaries characteristic only of the state of pregnancy.

The set of changes includes:

• cessation of menstruation (changes occur in the mucous membrane of the uterine cavity caused by changes in the functional state of the ovary);
• prolonged low-grade fever (the influence of progesterone, an ovarian hormone, on the thermoregulation center in the brain);
• formation of the placenta - a new endocrine gland;
• change in a woman’s appearance;
• the emergence of a pregnancy dominant in the cerebral cortex, which ensures clear coordination of the functions of all organs and systems in the interests of the developing fetus;
• changes in the function of the endocrine glands;
• changes in the uterus (the greatest changes compared to other organs);
• changes in metabolism;
• changes in hematological (blood) and hemodynamic (blood movement) parameters;
• change in circulating blood volume;
• changes in the blood coagulation system;
• changes in the functioning of the cardiovascular system.

That is, with the onset of pregnancy, your body begins to completely restructure its functioning. He is preparing to bear the fruit, give birth and feed the child. Therefore, such a restructuring is a normal state for a pregnant woman.

Moreover, sometimes what is normal for a pregnant woman is considered pathological in a non-pregnant woman. But for a man it’s generally fatal; you can’t live with something like that.

We answer popular questions

The COVID-19 pandemic, announced by WHO in March 2022, has made serious adjustments to the life of modern society. News reports are full of figures about the number of people infected, recovered and those who could not cope with the disease. The infection itself and its complications can cause serious harm to the adult body. What will happen to the fetus, does COVID affect pregnancy, how to protect yourself? These and not only these questions are often asked by young couples who are just planning to become parents or are already waiting for a miracle. Let's talk to the experts at the SM-Clinic Reproductive Health Center about how to behave correctly.

Is coronavirus dangerous for pregnant women?

Pregnancy during the coronavirus period is especially dangerous if a woman is at risk. In this case, the likelihood of a more severe course of infection compared to the population is increased due to existing immune disorders and concomitant diseases.

Although the infection is new and much is still being studied, risk factors have been identified. These include:

• anamnestic indications of blood clots in arteries and veins before pregnancy;
• an established diagnosis of antiphospholipid syndrome - a condition in which antibodies to the cell membrane are formed in the body;
• inherited forms of thrombophilic disorders - increased blood clotting caused by genetic characteristics;
• confirmed autoimmune diseases, in which the immune system “works” against the cells of its body;
• diabetes mellitus of any type;
• obesity;
• metabolic syndrome is a pathological complex that includes impaired glucose tolerance, excess weight and a number of endocrine disorders;
• lung diseases characterized by a chronic course (bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis, etc.);
• pregnancy resulting from the use of assisted reproduction methods;
• oncological processes in the body.

However, the presence of risk factors alone does not mean that in 100% of cases COVID during pregnancy will be severe. Coronavirus during pregnancy can go unnoticed (asymptomatic). Only positive results of an antibody test will help determine that a pregnant woman has had a new coronavirus infection.

Why does dry mouth occur during pregnancy?

Dry mouth is not a typical symptom of pregnancy. It appears as a result of pathological changes in the body caused by pregnancy. Listed below are some causes of dry mouth in expectant mothers.

Excessive consumption of sweet or salty foods

Carrying a child is often accompanied by changes in taste preferences and appetite. This may lead to certain consequences. Often a woman begins to eat a lot of salty or sweet foods. To cope with increased levels of glucose and sodium in the blood, the body sends a signal that is felt as a feeling of thirst and dry mouth.

Snore

The next morning after sleep, the mouth may be dry due to the fact that the woman snores at night. Breathing problems can occur due to hormonal runny nose, which often develops in pregnant women. Snoring also appears in many pregnant women in the second half of the term due to increased body weight.

Gestational diabetes

Some women may develop so-called gestational diabetes mellitus during pregnancy. It manifests itself as dry mouth, thirst, increased appetite and excessive urination. Gestational diabetes is not uncommon: it is found in 1-14% of pregnant women, so dry mouth is a sign of pregnancy, which should be a reason for taking additional blood tests to check sugar levels.

Toxicosis of pregnant women

In the first trimester, a woman sometimes not only experiences nausea, but also suffers from vomiting, sometimes repeatedly. In such a situation, the appearance of dry mouth indicates the development of dehydration and is a reason to consult a doctor.

Dry mouth due to digestive disorders

No one is immune from digestive disorders, and in pregnant women they are very common. If a woman suffers from diarrhea, then the likelihood of dehydration and, as a result, dry mouth increases. In addition, sensations reminiscent of dry mouth may accompany heartburn, which is also often a concern for expectant mothers.

Anemia

A nonspecific sign of anemia, typical of pregnancy, is dry mouth. Also with anemia there may be shortness of breath on exertion, general weakness, pale skin, changes in taste preferences (for example, there is a need to eat chalk) and taste perception, the appearance of a metallic taste, numbness of the tongue.

How do expectant mothers cope with COVID-19? Course of the disease during pregnancy

COVID-19 during pregnancy can occur in different ways. The symptoms of coronavirus during pregnancy are in many ways similar to the clinical manifestations in “ordinary” patients. Women note a decrease in sense of smell or its complete loss, an increase in body temperature, a cough (mostly dry), body aches and severe weakness. As with any viral respiratory infection, a severe runny nose is not typical.

However, pregnant women have one important feature. COVID during pregnancy can suddenly worsen, even if the disease was relatively stable and mild before. Therefore, you should not self-medicate and hope that “maybe it will pass.” Only a doctor can notice the alarming symptoms of COVID during pregnancy and take preventive measures in time to avoid serious complications.

Coronavirus in the 1st trimester

COVID and early pregnancy can act like a common cold. If a woman’s immunity is sufficiently tense, then there will be no negative consequences for the fetus. If the immune system malfunctions, the risks of an adverse effect of a viral infection on the developing chorion, that is, on the future placenta, which is responsible for feeding the fetus until the due date, increase. Severe consequences of COVID in the early stages of pregnancy may include spontaneous and failed (fading pregnancy) miscarriage, fetoplacental insufficiency, which can subsequently lead to fetal growth retardation and oxygen deficiency at the intrauterine stage of development.

Coronavirus in the 2nd trimester

Does coronavirus affect pregnancy at 14-28 weeks? Yes. And the degree of this influence depends, on the one hand, on the infecting dose, and on the other, on the state of the mother’s body. A favorable scenario is a common cold without obvious consequences. An unfavorable scenario is the development of complications in the mother (pneumonia, “long COVID”, etc.), complications from the feto- and utero-placental complex (placental insufficiency, fetal growth restriction, intrauterine hypoxia, shortening of the cervix).

Coronavirus in the 3rd trimester

How does coronavirus affect pregnancy in the 3rd trimester? According to epidemiological studies around the world, pregnant women who have had COVID-19 for 28 weeks or more have a 2-3 times increased rate of preterm birth. Coronavirus in late pregnancy either increases the contractile activity of the uterine body or promotes dilatation of the cervix, which ultimately ends in premature birth.

There are still no reported cases of intrauterine infection of the fetus with coronavirus. All situations where newborns test positive for COVID are associated with infection after birth.

Preventive lip care during pregnancy

• To prevent peeling and dry lips, expectant mothers should carefully monitor their diet and avoid prolonged exposure to heat and cold.
• It is important to maintain the humidity level in the living space (at least 60%) and regularly ventilate the room.
• Lubricate your lips with balm or hygienic lipstick 1 hour before going outside. In summer, such products should contain sunscreen filters; in winter, the product is chosen with a thicker consistency.
  Read also:  Lip diseases in adults and children: causes, symptoms and treatment of lip diseases
• Use homemade mask recipes to nourish your lips at least 2-3 times a week.
• Massage your lips regularly. To do this, use soft scrubs made from candied honey and ground oatmeal.
• Try to diversify your diet, including fruits, herbs, cottage cheese, fish, fresh vegetables, legumes, and berries.
• Try to get rid of bad habits - biting and licking your lips.

And the most important thing is not to despair. After all, you have to endure temporary difficulties for the sake of the baby. And by the time of his appearance, the mother should be healthy and the most beautiful.

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Consequences of coronavirus during pregnancy

Research into how coronavirus will affect pregnancy is still ongoing. The infection is new, so much remains to be learned. And this process for pregnant women is associated with certain difficulties, so new data appears in doses. Today we have the following information.

• Chinese scientists have found that the consequences of COVID during pregnancy may include an increased risk of premature birth.
• Other researchers have found a link between positive COVID during pregnancy and a greater likelihood of fetal growth restriction and distress syndrome (lack of oxygen for the baby in utero).

Observations are ongoing to help analyze how COVID affects the fetus during pregnancy. There are now reports that this virus can lead to low platelet levels and liver dysfunction in newborns. However, this information needs further verification and is not unambiguous.

Dry mouth and sleep disturbances in pregnant women

Rapid weight gain, changes in the position of the diaphragm, weakening of the ligamentous apparatus, and difficulty in nasal breathing due to swelling of the mucous membranes lead to snoring in a pregnant woman. When snoring, the walls of the pharynx vibrate and beat against each other during breathing, which causes injury to them. The next morning the woman wakes up with a dry, sore throat and a hoarse voice. Breathing through the mouth during sleep leads to rapid drying of the mucous membranes, and since saliva is practically not produced during sleep, dry mouth also naturally occurs in the morning.

Snoring, apnea, insomnia or other problems? Contact the Sleep Medicine Center at the Rehabilitation Clinic in Khamovniki. We will definitely help you! Ask questions and schedule a consultation by phone.

If you are pregnant and wake up in the morning with a feeling of dry mouth, check with your family to see if you snore. If yes, then consult a somnologist. You should not ignore the situation, as snoring can develop into a complicated form - sleep apnea disease, which increases blood pressure in a woman, provokes oxygen starvation in the fetus and poses a serious threat to both mother and child.

You can be examined and, if necessary, treated for snoring and apnea at the Rehabilitation Clinic in Khamovniki, where the Sleep Medicine Center has been operating for many years. At the Center you can get professional advice from specialists, regain healthy sleep and get rid of dry mouth.

How can this affect the child? Can his mother infect him with the virus in the womb?

The impact of COVID on the fetus during pregnancy is not completely known. To date, there is no data that would confirm the fact of intrauterine infection (penetration of the virus to the fetus) or intrauterine infection (development of symptoms in the fetus). However, there is no reverse data that would reliably exclude the possibility of vertical transmission of the virus. Coronavirus during pregnancy before childbirth can be dangerous because an infected mother can infect the child immediately after birth. This happens through the traditional airborne or household contact route.

Should you postpone pregnancy?

There are quite a lot of “blank spots” in the answer to the question of how COVID affects pregnancy in the immediate and long-term period after infection. However, clinical recommendations state that after an illness, conception should be postponed for at least 3 months. This duration of the time pause is explained by 2 arguments. On the one hand, in the 3-month period after an acute infection, there is a possibility of developing delayed complications, especially for thrombosis of various locations. On the other hand, 3 months are necessary for the complete elimination of pharmacological drugs used to treat the infection. Their negative impact can be much more serious than the direct consequences of COVID on pregnancy.

The average spermatogenesis cycle lasts 3 months. In other words, during this time, renewed sperm mature, which do not contain toxic substances formed during the metabolism of pharmaceuticals. In women, the period of folliculogenesis (the complete cycle of egg maturation) is shorter. Therefore, doctors advise focusing on a larger gap, that is, on the male factor.

Predisposing factors in the development of genital varicose veins in women

Varicose veins on the labia have a genetic predisposition - the mechanism of the disease is similar to varicose veins of the lower extremities. The basis is dysfunction of the valves of the gonadal veins. Physical activity, frequent pregnancies, engorgement of the genital organs during prolonged sexual intercourse contribute to vascular stretching with the development of venous stagnation. The appearance of varicose veins of the labia during pregnancy usually occurs in the second trimester and reaches a maximum closer to childbirth. After childbirth, these varicose veins, which developed during pregnancy on the labia, most often regress, but sometimes remain for life due to changes in the structure of the vascular walls.

In what cases do doctors advise terminating a pregnancy?

The impact of coronavirus on pregnancy continues to be studied. Today, there are no direct indications for artificially interrupting the gestational process due to the fact that COVID-19 developed during pregnancy. Interruption can be recommended only for those indications that were previously prescribed in the Order. First of all, this is the cessation of pregnancy, which could potentially be associated with coronavirus. The second is the diagnosis of chromosomal pathology and developmental anomalies incompatible with life. Whether coronavirus causes such conditions or not has not been reliably determined today.

External factors

Sometimes dry skin and mucous membranes have nothing to do with the processes occurring in the mother’s body. It can be called:

1. dry indoor air;
2. climatic conditions - heat, wind, sun;
3. allergies to cosmetics or toothpaste;
4. habit of constantly licking or biting your lips.

Most external factors are easy to eliminate: just install a room humidifier and use hypoallergenic cosmetics during pregnancy.

Can pregnant women get vaccinated?

Considering the fact that COVID during pregnancy is especially severe in patients at risk, timely vaccination is recommended for this category. Vaccination is allowed from 22 weeks; the recommended vaccine is Sputnik V.

Experimental clinical studies on animals did not reveal a negative effect of the vaccine on the body of the female and her offspring. Also in world medicine there is data on the impact of anti-Covid immune drugs on the body of pregnant women, who at the time of vaccination were not aware of their “interesting situation.” No negative consequences were registered.

Thus, vaccination during pregnancy is carried out when the expected benefits outweigh the possible risks.

How can a pregnant woman protect herself during COVID?

During pregnancy, even if you have been vaccinated against COVID in advance, you should follow sanitary rules that will help reduce the risk of infection:

• maintain a distance of at least 1.5 meters;
• wash your hands or use sanitizer;
• do not touch your eyes, mouth and nose with unwashed (untreated) hands;
• ventilate the premises;
• avoid crowded places.

When the first suspicious symptoms of a new coronavirus infection appear, you should immediately contact a medical facility. It is easier to prevent complications than to eliminate them later.

Prevention measures

Despite the fact that the exact impact of COVID on pregnancy has not been fully established, one thing is clear - it is worth protecting yourself from the infection in advance. Vaccination is considered the best way. It promotes the formation of specific immunity. Even if the virus enters the body, the immune system will be ready to meet it. The pathogen is immediately attacked by immunoglobulins (antibodies) and most or the entire pool of viruses can be neutralized. Therefore, the consequences of coronavirus during pregnancy in such a situation will be minimal - the infection will not develop or will be mild.

How long does it last?

Hormonal levels will gradually begin to return to normal, and the body will naturally create favorable conditions for the fetus. A woman’s appearance instantly reacts to this, she “prettier” before our eyes. Dry lips go away.

Toxicosis is usually observed in the first trimester of pregnancy. Subsequently, appetite normalizes, and the consumption of necessary food components returns to normal.

What should a pregnant woman do when her lips become very dry? Should you be patient for 3 long months and wait for everything to go away on its own?

No, you don't have to wait. This threatens other, more serious problems. Dry lips are prone to cracking, and infections can enter the body through microcracks.