With the COVID-19 global health crisis looming large, expecting mothers also have to be on their guard and take certain measures—more so during this period. They might be stressed out during this time due to not being able to visit their gynaecologists for regular check-ups.

When a pregnant woman nurtures life in her womb, it is not just her physical health that impacts foetal development but her mental framework and state of emotions also heavily influence the baby’s brain architecture and IQ.

Keeping this in mind, iMumz—a mobile pregnancy app has come to their aid during this lockdown period. It is hosting live sessions and addressing queries with assistance from over 100 experts including obstetricians, nutritionists, yoga and mental health experts.

Launched in November 2019, by two IIT graduates—Ravi Teja Akondia and Mayur Dhurpate, along with Rajesh Jagasia, a life coach and meditation expert, and renowned gynaecologist Dr Jaideep Malhotra, iMumz aims to revolutionise the way society approach maternal health.

The platform revives the focus on holistic maternal well-being engrained in the Vedic philosophy of Garbh Sanskar that strongly advocates the need for physical, emotional, social, spiritual, and intellectual wellness for a mom-to-be. It believes that while modern medicine works stupendously to reduce rates of maternal and neonatal mortality, the focus on holistic maternal health and well-being has dwindled over time.

Pregnancy is a physiological process and the mind of a mother plays a huge role in the baby’s development. In fact, the mother’s state of emotions can have up to 51 per cent impact on the baby’s IQ.

Researchers have found that through neuropeptides released by a mother’s brain, babies can accurately sense her emotions and this profoundly impacts the baby’s brain architecture. The activity-based digital platform aims to take this awareness to a wide section of expecting mothers and help them adopt a mentally healthy lifestyle.

Are pregnant women at higher risk from COVID-19?

Research is currently underway to understand the impacts of COVID 19 infection on pregnant women. Data are limited, but at present, there is no evidence that they are at higher risk of severe illness than the general population. However, due to changes in their bodies and immune systems, we know that pregnant women can be badly affected by some respiratory infections. It is therefore important that they take precautions to protect themselves against COVID-19, and report possible symptoms (including fever, cough or difficulty breathing) to their healthcare provider. WHO will continue to review and update its information and advice as more evidence becomes available.

Should pregnant women be tested for COVID-19?

Testing protocols and eligibility vary depending on where you live. However, WHO recommendations are that pregnant women with symptoms of COVID-19 should be prioritized for testing. If they have COVID-19, they may need specialized care.

Can COVID-19 be passed from a woman to her unborn or newborn baby?

We still do not know if a pregnant woman with COVID-19 can pass the virus to her foetus or baby during pregnancy or delivery. To date, the virus has not been found in samples of amniotic fluid or breastmilk.

Do pregnant women with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 need to give birth by caesarean section?

No. WHO advice is that caesarean sections should only be performed when medically justified. The mode of birth should be individualized and based on a woman’s preferences alongside obstetric indications.

Can women with COVID-19 breastfeed?

Yes. Women with COVID-19 can breastfeed if they wish to do so. They should:

• Practice respiratory hygiene during feeding, wearing a mask where available;
• Wash hands before and after touching the baby;
• Routinely clean and disinfect surfaces they have touched.