8 Pregnant Women In Jogja Died Due To COVID-19 During July

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YOGYAKARTA - Yogyakarta City Health Office recorded eight pregnant women who died due to exposure to COVID-19 during the month of July.

"From the cases we recorded, the most deaths of pregnant women occurred when the gestational age entered the second trimester or more than 20 weeks", said Yudiria Amelia, Head of the Disease Control and Eradication Division of the Yogyakarta City Health Office.

"The peak of death cases occurred two weeks ago. Conditions in other districts are also the same", she said.

She said the increase in cases of death among pregnant women who were infected with COVID-19 did not only occur in the city of Yogyakarta but also in other areas in the Special Region of Yogyakarta.

In handling cases of pregnant women with COVID-19, she explained, the public health center (puskesmas) coordinates with referral health facilities so that pregnant women can get medical treatment quickly and optimally.

"Of course there are different treatments for pregnant women who are exposed to COVID-19. There is a special route provided, not mixed with other COVID-19 patients", said Yudiria.

She asked women who are pregnant to be more careful and vigilant so as not to contract COVID-19.

"The 5M discipline should not be ignored, because pregnant women are vulnerable. Avoid interacting or gathering with many people to maintain pregnancy", she said.

At the beginning of the pandemic, the Yogyakarta City Government screened pregnant women who were about to give birth. Examinations to detect transmission of COVID-19 are carried out on pregnant women with 38 weeks of pregnancy.

"There are also those who have tested positive before the birth process. But on average they can give birth safely. The mother and baby are safe. Indeed, for 20 weeks of pregnancy this is quite vulnerable", said Yudiria.