India Expected To Have The Highest Number Of Births Since COVID-19 Declared Pandemic: UNICEF

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COVID-19 has changed our lives dramatically. Most of the world’s population is staying home in the hopes of protecting themselves from the virus. After coronavirus was declared a pandemic, a large number of countries declared nationwide lockdown. As a result, we have been taking preventive measures, including working from home, and washing and sanitizing hands frequently.

Except for essential services such as healthcare, police, delivery, and so on, a lot of daily activities that we took for granted have been shut down for many months now. Coronavirus has made our lives different, but some members of our society are more affected by it.

There is a sense of ambivalence around women who are pregnant during the pandemic. Although there is no proof that they are at a higher risk of infection or fatality, not being able to access proper medical care could make their lives more difficult. As the hospitals are getting crowded with the increasing number of coronavirus patients, people are concerned about the safety of pregnant women and newborns.

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United Nations Children’s Fund, commonly known as UNICEF, issued a report that predicted the likely number of births during the pandemic. According to the report, 116 million babies are estimated to be born in the middle of the pandemic globally. Out of the 116 million, almost a quarter will be born in South Asia (1).

Among the countries in South Asia, the report suggests that India will have the highest number of births— closely 20 million babies. The other countries included in the report are Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan, with 5 million, 2.4 million, and 1 million births, respectively.

As the report says, “These babies are projected to be born up to 40 weeks after the COVID-19 pandemic—which is currently straining health systems and medical supply chains all over the world and is generating concern for mothers’ health and that of their newborns.”

This is alarming because as the rapid spread of COVID-19 continues in these countries, the healthcare system is strained and ill-equipped to give adequate care for the newborns. As the situation demands healthcare attendants skilled at childbirth assistance to be redeployed, the newborns and mothers are at a danger of not receiving proper care. In addition to this, there is a general shortage of healthcare supplies and equipment.

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In the report, UNICEF also included an appeal to the governments and authorities to take care of pregnant women and newborns by ensuring antenatal checkups, skilled delivery care, and postnatal care. The health workers are also urged to wear protective gear and get tested on priority. The recommendations also included proper preventive measures to be taken on the healthcare facility to prevent the spread.

Pregnant women who are due to give birth in the middle of the lockdown are advised to keep in touch with their doctor or a midwife and ask their opinion on where would be the safest place to give birth. Having a birth plan in place could reduce anxiety and help to avoid unnecessary confusion.

In the case that a pregnant woman is tested positive for coronavirus, measures are to be taken to prevent the newborn from getting infected. The mothers are advised to continue to breastfeed the baby, provide medical care as well as carry out routine immunizations after the baby is born.

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In the last few days, India crossed over 80, 000 active cases of COVID-19. The number is rising, despite the lockdown. Our healthcare sector is struggling to provide attention to COVID-19 patients all over the country. However, hospitals are doing their best to save lives, contain the spread, and keep everyone safe.  Having pregnant women refuse medical care because of the fear of infection will not help matters any.

At a time when there is much uncertainty about the future, we are unsure what kind of reality these babies will be born into. Nonetheless, let’s stay hopeful and keep doing the best we can. Stay positive, show compassion, and stay safe.

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