COVID19

The pre-pregnancy tablets cost about the same as elevit. They contain the equivalent of one vitamin D tablet as well as the recommended doses of iodine and folic acid. They have a tiny amount of iron as well (about 1/6 the amount in an iron tablet) which is why they are advertised as non constipating. The importance of omega 3 fatty acids in early pregnancy is not yet clear.
They also contain a bit of pyridoxine (helps with morning sickness) and magnesium (can help with cramps).
I think they are an option to consider and may help reduce the number of tablets women need to take when they are already a bit nauseous.

COVID-19 advice for pregnant

women & breastfeeding mothers

St John of God Health Care is closely monitoring the current coronavirus (COVID-19) situation and following all the recommended precautions required to protect its patients, visitors and caregivers. Our commitment to high quality care remains a priority and we wish to keep all our patients informed of the most recent information.

Q: Are pregnant women more susceptible to infection, or at increased risk for severe illness, morbidity, or mortality with COVID-19, compared with the general public?

A: Currently there is limited information about susceptibility of pregnant women to COVID-19. During pregnancy women experience changes to their immune system which might make them more susceptible to viral respiratory infections, including COVID-19. This is one of the many reasons we encourage pregnant women to be fully immunised against whooping cough as well as receiving the annual influenza vaccination.

Q: Are pregnant women with COVID-19 at increased risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes?

A: There is still very little known about the adverse effect that COVID-19 may have on pregnancy during the very short time it has circulated. We do know that pregnancy loss, including miscarriage and stillbirth, were observed in cases of infection with other related coronaviruses [SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV] during pregnancy. High fevers during the first trimester of pregnancy can increase the risk of certain birth defects.

Q: Can pregnant women with COVID-19 pass the virus to their unborn baby or newborn

A: COVID-19 is thought to spread mainly by close contact with an infected person through respiratory droplets. It is still unknown if a pregnant mother who has COVID-19 can transmit the virus to her unborn baby or newborn baby before, during or after deliver. In the most recent cases where infants were born to mothers with COVID-19, none of the infants have tested positive for the virus that causes COVID-19. Additionally, virus was not detected in samples of amniotic fluid or breastmilk.

Q: Is it possible to transmit the illness to my baby while breastfeeding?

A: In the very limited case numbers to date, there is no evidence of the virus found in the breast milk of women with COVID-19. The transmission to babies is thought to come from the close contact with the mother and baby via respiratory droplets when sneezing or coughing. We encourage you continue breastfeeding

Q: What can I do to assist with the prevention of spread of COVID-19?

A: While there is no vaccination for COVID-19 it recommended that you get vaccinated against influenza when the vaccine is available. Other simple measures to assist are:

• Practice good hand hygiene – wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, particularly after going to the toilet and before eating food. Alcohol based hand rub is an acceptable alternative;

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing OR cough or sneeze into the crook of your elbow. Encourage others to do the same. Make sure you put the tissue into a bin and then wash your hands afterwards;

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unclean hands; and

• Where possible, keep one metre away from people who have a respiratory illness.