Pandemic COVID 19 is currently endemic worldwide. Such contagious genocidal epidemics have been attacking mankind for centuries. These viruses are entering humans by changing their form every time. Therefore, it is important to consider not only the viruses but also the immunity of the individual. People with low immunity are susceptible to the entrance of all kinds of viruses and cause the disease by lodging itself within the body. Covid-19 is no exception to this rule.

According to Ayurveda Principle, the body tries to auto-repair / recover the patient's body also makes all efforts to fight the disease. People with a good immune system do not suffer from such diseases. But there are some natural states where such instinct is naturally low. These states are Pregnancy and Lactation.

There are some guidelines by WHO (World Health Organization) and ICMR -NIRRH (Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health). These guidelines are based upon the limited evidence available to date about the transmission of the virus that causes COVID-19, and knowledge of other viruses that cause severe respiratory illness including influenza, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), and the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV).

For Pregnant Women

  •  All women have the right to a safe and positive childbirth experience, whether they have confirmed Covid19 infection or not.
  • Before, during, and after childbirth, all women have the right to high-quality care which includes antenatal and intrapartum care, postnatal care, newborn care, and mental healthcare. ·       
  • Pregnant women are advised to go for a routine antenatal check-up at gynecologist once in 2 months instead of monthly visits (at 6,12,20,28, and 36 weeks of pregnancy). She should follow hygiene and respiratory manners. She should wear a mask.    
  • After 24 weeks, a pregnant woman should monitor the movements of the baby daily. If baby movements are observed less (less than 3 movements in 24 hours) then-pregnant woman should consult her gynecologist immediately.  
  • Till date, there is no data available which suggests an increased risk of miscarriage or early pregnancy loss in relation to COVID-19.    
  • For COVID-19 positive pregnant woman, currently, there is no recommendation for termination of pregnancy.· 
  • Till date, no vertical transmission i.e. transmission from mother to baby antenatally (during pregnancy) or intrapartum (during delivery) of Covid-19 has been found from a pregnant woman but emerging evidence suggests that such type of transmission is probable·     
  • Till date, there is no evidence of recorded cases of vaginal secretions being tested positive for COVID-19.   
  • In case of infection with Covid19, it is advisable to stay in the isolation ward for 14 days or until full recovery of the pregnant woman.

For Lactating Women

1) A woman with Covid-19 should be supported to breastfeed safely, hold her newborn skin to skin, and share a room with her baby.

2) Women with Covid-19 can breastfeed if they wish to do so. 

  • Mother should practice respiratory and hand hygiene 
  • Wash hands before and after touching the baby 
  • Routinely clean and disinfect surfaces·     

3) If a woman with Covid-19 is too unwell to breastfeed,

She can be supported to safely provide her baby with breast milk in other ways, including by

  • Expressing milk
  • Re-lactation
  • Donor human milk    

4) To date, there is no evidence of recorded cases of breast milk being tested positive for COVID-19. 

5)Pregnant and lactating women are generally anxious about their health and baby. In addition, the fear of getting an infection of Covid-19 can increase the possibility of Covid-19 infection. Fear in the mind will reduce immunity and will increase the possibility of catching an infection. Therefore, reassurance treatment is important in pregnancy and lactation.

Avoid causative factors like

  • Late-night awakening
  • Traveling
  • Sleeping during day
  • Consumption of cold drinks and cold foodstuff
  • Continuous usage of air coolers and conditioners (below 24 deg Celcius)

Following measures should be taken by pregnant and lactating women

1) Daily Gargles- Use hot water mixed with salt and turmeric. This will reduce the Kapha sanctity (mucus collection) in the throat and increases the immunity of the upper respiratory tract and may arrest the entry of the COVID virus.

2) Daily steam Inhalation- Put 2 drops of pure cow ghee in both nostrils and then take a steam or herbal smoke inhalation. Put 2 to 3 drops of eucalyptus oil in hot water and take steam inhalation daily. This will reduce the mucus collection in the nose and throat. It will clear nasal passage also. 

3) If nasal choking is severe then inhalation of herbal smoke of Ajamoda(Ajwayan) is helpful. The inhaling smell of Camphor is also supportive.

4) Diet- Pregnant and Lactating woman should have a light diet like vegetable soup, rice soup, lentil soup, Moong daal, Soft rice, Moong khichadi, roti (Jowar, Wheat, Nachani, Rice ), vegetables like bottle gourd, snake gourd, okra, ridge gourd, spinach, Fenugreek, etc., Avoid cold, fermented and stale foodstuff.

5) To boost immunity, the woman can take daily herbal decoction. 1tsp dhaniya+1tsp jeera+half tsp dry ginger(Sonth powder)+ 2 black pepper+ 4 cups of water. Boil it till 1 cup is remained and filter it and drink it warm.

6) Meditation will help these women to maintain a positive attitude during this locked down period.

7) If a woman have symptoms like fever, running nose, headache, dry cough then she should consult her gynecologist immediately.