Complications of coronavirus can lead to premature birth or miscarriage

Szlávik János, the Head of Department of the National Institute of Hematology and Infectology of the Southern-Pest Hospital was the guest of the podcast of Áder János, the President of Hungary. The Chief Physician talked about how coronavirus doesn’t cause damages in the fetus, but in case of an expectant woman having symptoms or complications, for instance, a fever or pneumonia, it can cause premature birth or even miscarriage.

Szlávik said that some cases have been reported from around the world where the mother infected the baby, but it is sporadic. The experience we have so far shows that the virus is not dangerous to the newborn child. Those babies who were infected had very light symptoms.

“Despite all this, it has happened that the newborn baby died due to the infection.” – he said.

There have been cases reported from Hungary as well where expectant mothers were infected, but no problems were detected during the pregnancy or the birth. However, if a future mother needs medical treatment, the process is made more complicated by the fact that they can’t be given any of the covid medication currently under a trial period, only fever or cough remedies – he added.
The Chief Physician drew the attention of women expecting to take care of themselves and to avoid “unnecessary excitements”.