Podcast Summary
Navigating pregnancy during COVID-19: Uncertainty and anxiety for patients and providers: Despite ongoing research, the impact of COVID-19 on pregnancy remains uncertain, leading to anxiety for pregnant women and their healthcare providers.
Navigating pregnancy during the COVID-19 pandemic has been a challenging experience for both patients and healthcare providers. According to Dr. Laura Riley, a high-risk obstetrician at Weill Cornell Medicine and New York Presbyterian, the research on the effects of COVID-19 on pregnancy has been inconclusive due to the constantly changing policies and limited data. The CDC report, which included a relatively large sample size, still had gaps that made it difficult to interpret. Dr. Riley shared that the uncertainty surrounding the disease and its impact on pregnant women and their babies has led to a great deal of anxiety for her patients. She emphasized the importance of following guidelines to protect both the mother and the baby, but acknowledged that the situation is evolving and that answers are not always clear-cut. It's a complex issue that requires ongoing research and communication between healthcare professionals and their patients.
Possible increased risk of severe COVID-19 symptoms for pregnant women: While more research is needed, pregnant women with COVID-19 may face increased risk of severe symptoms and potential need for ventilators. Precautions should be taken to protect against infection, especially for those with other health conditions.
While the available research suggests that pregnant women can get sick with COVID-19 like anyone else, there are concerns about the potential increased risk of severe symptoms and the need for ventilators. However, the data is not yet conclusive, and more research is needed, especially regarding the impact of other health conditions on pregnant women with COVID-19. Doctors are closely monitoring pregnant patients who have tested positive for the virus, but the long-term effects are still uncertain. The CDC study that was mentioned raises concerns, but it's based on a relatively small number of patients. Overall, pregnant women should take extra precautions to protect themselves from COVID-19, especially if they have other health conditions. It's important to stay informed and follow the latest guidance from healthcare professionals and public health organizations.
Importance of testing for COVID-positive pregnant women: Pregnant women should get tested for COVID-19, as some may be asymptomatic but still require intensive care. Practice preventive measures to protect yourself and your baby.
That while there have been cases of COVID-19 positive women giving birth without any symptoms or with mild symptoms, there are also cases of sicker women requiring intensive care. This highlights the importance of testing, as some women may not realize they are infected. So far, in the NYP system, there have been around 2,000-3,000 babies born to COVID-positive mothers, with only a few cases of transmission. However, it is still unknown if there are transmissions for women who contracted the virus earlier in pregnancy. To protect themselves and their babies, pregnant women are advised to practice preventive measures such as washing hands frequently, limiting exposures, maintaining social distancing, and getting outside when possible. The use of protective equipment is also recommended. These guidelines are outlined in the Pandemic Guidance for Practitioners and Patients by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
Considering Pregnancy Amidst Pandemic: Weighing Risks and Benefits: Consider age and medical reasons before delaying pregnancy indefinitely during the pandemic. Minimize newborn exposures by deciding who visits and implementing precautions.
During the pandemic, making decisions about pregnancy and newborn visits requires careful consideration. Dr. Riley advises against delaying pregnancy indefinitely due to the uncertainty of the pandemic's end. However, age and medical reasons may influence this decision. Regarding newborn visits, minimizing exposures is crucial. This means carefully deciding who can visit and when, and implementing precautions such as mask-wearing and social distancing. These measures can help reduce anxiety and ensure the health and safety of new parents and their babies.
Challenges for Pregnant Women During COVID-19: Recognize that staying home isn't always an option for pregnant women. Focus on preventative measures and advocate for necessary protections to help mitigate risks.
The COVID-19 pandemic poses unique challenges for pregnant women, especially those who are frontline workers and cannot work from home. While staying home and practicing rigorous hygiene are effective ways to minimize risk, they may not be feasible for everyone. Dr. Riley expresses concern for pregnant women in essential industries, particularly those who are disproportionately black and Latinx, as they face increased exposure risks and potential lack of adequate protection. In these situations, open conversations about prevention strategies and available resources are crucial to support these women during this challenging time. It's essential to recognize that staying home isn't always an option, and focusing on preventative measures and advocating for necessary protections can help mitigate risks for pregnant women.
Addressing social determinants of health beyond medical care: Obstetricians-gynecologists can advocate for those in need by ensuring access to masks, breaks, and transportation, but acknowledging these issues and having conversations is crucial.
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of addressing social determinants of health, which go beyond medical care. These determinants include food insecurity, lack of transportation, and the need to continue working. Obstetrician-gynecologists, like Dr. Laura Riley, can play a role in advocating for those in need, ensuring they have access to masks, breaks, and transportation. However, acknowledging these issues can be challenging, as it requires asking difficult questions and dealing with complex solutions. Despite this, it's crucial to have these conversations and work within our communities to help those in need. Dr. Riley also mentioned that public platforms like NPR can make these messages more believable and reach a wider audience.
Insights from BlackRock's CEO on Investment Challenges: BlackRock's CEO Larry Fink discusses the importance of long-term investment strategies and the role of capital markets in addressing societal challenges, emphasizing the need to stay informed and proactive.
Learning from the latest episode of The Bid, featuring BlackRock's chairman and CEO Larry Fink, is that investors are facing significant challenges, particularly in the areas of retirement and other situations where global capital markets play a crucial role in finding solutions. Fink discussed these issues in depth during the podcast, offering valuable insights from BlackRock's perspective. He emphasized the importance of long-term investment strategies and the role that capital markets can play in addressing pressing societal challenges. Listeners were encouraged to tune in to the episode for a better understanding of these topics and to subscribe to The Bid for ongoing market insights from BlackRock's thought leaders. Overall, the conversation underscored the importance of staying informed and proactive when it comes to managing investments and navigating the complex world of global capital markets.
