Practical tips and advice on pregnancy and breastfeeding during the pandemic

Having a baby is already an exciting and nerve-wracking journey in itself, but pregnancy and childbirth during these times can cause even more anxiety. Pregnant women may even hesitate to have their prenatal checkups for fear of catching the Covid-19 virus, and may be missing out on important advice on how to take care of themselves and their baby from a medical specialist.

As a way to reach out to infanticipating and new mommies, Unilab hosted a new episode of its Alagang Unilab webinar series with OB-GYN Dr. Anna Ignacio-Alensuela, to help shed light on how pregnancy and breastfeeding can be safeguarded during the pandemic.

Dr. Ignacio-Alensuela starts off by emphasizing how crucial nutrition is during pregnancy and the first 1,000 days of life. The Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) states, “Scientific evidence shows that the foundations of a person’s lifelong health – including their predisposition to obesity and certain chronic diseases – are largely set during this 1,000 day window.”   

The problem is that an FNRI study shows one in four pregnant Filipinas is nutritionally deficient. Their diet lacks calcium, iron, iodine, and vitamin A, she reveals. This is why the Department of Health has initiated the food fortification program, which adds these nutrients to certain foods. However, this is may not be enough, especially with the challenges of the pandemic. “It is understood that during this pandemic, there are limitations on the movement of people and on access to nutritious food, especially for pregnant mothers. This has exacerbated our problem on maternal malnutrition,” she adds. 

Supplemental help

Aside from healthy eating and drinking enough water during the day for proper growth and development of one’s baby, pregnant and lactating moms may also need to supplement their diet. 

“Iron requirements during pregnancy cannot be met by diet alone. Supplementation is required, for about 60mg of iron. Even after giving birth, the mother needs to keep taking Iron supplements for three months to replenish Iron stores in the body.” There is also an additional requirement for Vitamins A, D, E, and K, along with Vitamin C, and minerals like calcium, iodine and folic acid, she notes. 

For the child’s brain development, the mother can also take DHA and EPA Omega 3. She cautions that deep sea fish, which is a good source of Omega 3, may contain Mercury, and pregnant women should not eat raw fish like sushi and sashimi. It is advisable to take supplements instead. Unilab offers vitamins and supplements like Multivitamins + Minerals + DHA + EPA (Obimin Plus) and Iron + Vitamin B-Complex + Folic Acid (Hemarate FA) for micronutrient needs.

To help with the absorption of Calcium, you need to take it with Vitamin D. Unilab has Calcium + Vitamin D3 + Minerals (Calciumade) that already puts these micronutrients together. Dr. Igancio-Alensuela also gives pointers as to when they should be taken. “Don’t take your Calcium and Iron together. Take the Iron supplement before you eat and Calcium after eating. If the Omega 3 causes dizziness, they can take it before sleeping.”

Iron supplementation should be continued for three months after the correction of the Hgb level to replenish depleted iron stores. When a mother takes Iodine during pregnancy, it helps to prevent cognitive impairment in the child so that he or she will not grow up to be a slow learner. “The World Health Organization (WHO) says that the most devastating outcome of iodine deficiency is mental retardation. It is currently one of the world’s main causes of preventable cognitive impairment. The WHO also recommends Calcium supplementation in the Philippines because of our low levels of this nutrient and this causes high cases of pre-eclampsia or hypertension in pregnancy. If our pregnant women would take calcium supplements, this will lower the incidence by 78%.”

Even pre-pregnancy, women should start looking into their nutrition, she adds. “Studies have shown that you have to be healthy from pre-conception to lactation. From 2 years to 1 year before pregnancy, you should be at optimum health. Maternal health is very important, which is why there is a recommended gap of at least 2 to 3 years before your next baby so that you have already recovered your nutritional needs. Ang mga kabataan ang pag-asa ng bayan. Saan kukuha ng lakas at talino ang mga batang iyan kung hindi healthy ang ina?” she says. 

Precautions because of the pandemic

To help protect against the COVID-19 virus, Dr. Ignacio-Alensuela recommends getting vaccinated. Vaccines are safe and effective for pregnant and lactating women. What is being administered is either a live virus or a dead virus that has an important component so that when the Covid-19 virus enters the body, the immune system forms antibodies or immunoglobulin. It has also been established that when the mom is breastfeeding, the vaccine does not come out with the breastmilk. What is released in the breastmilk are the antibodies produced by the mother not only against Covid-19, but for other infections as well. Remember to consult your doctor for proper medical advice prior to getting vaccinated for Covid-19,” she says. 

She also says that while it is relatively safe for pregnant women to venture out of their homes, they should reserve it for times only when it is needed and urgent, because Covid can have a more severe effect on pregnant women plus it can cause preterm labor. 

For a doctor’s visit, aside from following the health protocols such as handwashing, sanitizing, and wearing a face mask, she recommends bringing your own linen, one to lie down on and another to use as a cover. Also, to make the checkup easier, wear skirts instead of shorts.

Lactating moms who catch Covid can continue breastfeeding, as long as they remember the 3Ws: Wear a mask during feeding. Wash hands with soap before and after touching your baby. Wipe and disinfect all surfaces regularly. “If she is strong enough, she can continue to breastfeed her child. If she is not up to it, she can use a breast pump and distance herself from her baby.”  

She gives the benefits of breastfeeding, especially during this pandemic. “First is that breastmilk doesn’t spoil and it is always available. It is also less expensive because all you need for cleaning the nipple is cotton and water. It is a way to lose weight after pregnancy, and pure breastfeeding is a natural contraceptive for six months. The baby gets antibodies and nutrients that only the mother can provide, and of course, the bonding that happens with breastfeeding. That is priceless.” 

For updates on upcoming Alagang Unilab webinars and other informative events, follow the official Unilab Facebook page and to know more about Unilab products that can keep your family healthy during this pandemic, visit www.unilab.com.ph