The fact that we are living through difficult times worldwide caused by the new pandemic is something that escapes no one. Our way of life has been affected at all levels, we have all had to adapt in many ways and doubts and questions about what will happen in our immediate future are something that we all have in our heads.
As it happens in our own lives, reproductive medicine is not immune to these changes. Not necessarily of how the virus can affect treatment itself, but because of how it has affected assisted reproduction clinics in these past months and the doubts it has generated for many patients who were considering starting or even already undergoing treatment.
We know that it is not easy, but in these moments it is when we must remain calm the most.
First of all, we are very aware of the uncertainty that has been generated due to the coronavirus, we understand that patients who visit an infertility specialist looking to become pregnant have certain concerns about it. In this sense, from Igenomix we want to help you and send a message making a call to keep calm:
- First, the articles published to date, as well as the cases studied, show that there is no transmission of COVID-19 from pregnant women to fetuses, indicating normal development the pregnancy.
- Furthermore, to date, there is no evidence of transmission through assisted reproductive treatments. There is a detailed protocol prepared by health institutions, including ASRM (American Society for Reproductive Medicine) and ESHRE (European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology) with the measures to be followed to promote the health of patients.
- It´s important to mention that the prognosis related to COVID-19 in infected pregnant women was not worse when compared to infected non-pregnant women. Therefore, there is no increased risk for pregnant women or women in the process of assisted reproduction treatment.
Can the spread of coronavirus be prevented in cases of pregnant women or patients undergoing treatment?
In this sense, the measures that must be adopted to avoid contagion must follow the same preventive guidelines that the health authorities have prepared for anyone, whether pregnant or not, even under treatment:- Wash hands frequently, especially when going outside and returning home.
- Cough and sneeze covering the mouth and nose with the inside bend of the elbow or with a tissue.
- Avoid contact with other people and notify the health authorities in case of suspicion of being infected by the virus, avoiding going to health centers.
