A patient in hospital with Covid-19 has given birth to a healthy baby boy in Dubai.
The 25-year-old Indian was admitted to Al Zahra Hospital after testing positive on May 2.
Although the baby was not due to arrive until May 19, the woman went into labour three days later and delivered a healthy boy weighing 3.8kg.
The parents are yet to name the child, who has also been tested for the virus.
“When we first received the Covid-19 positive diagnosis, we were afraid for the health of both my wife and the baby,” said the boy’s father, who did not want to give his name.
“Thankfully with the help of the doctors and nurses at Al Zahra Hospital, my son was born with no complications and my wife remains in stable condition.
“We couldn’t be more grateful.”
Despite arriving two weeks early, both mother and child are doing well but will only be allowed to leave the hospital to return to their home in Dubai after they return three negative tests on the trot.
“The contractions started very suddenly and it all happened very quickly,” said Al Zahra Hospital nursing director Maysoon Yousef.
“The delivery took about 10 to 15 minutes which is something we do not see very often.
“There were no complications and both the mother and baby are in good condition.”
Strict measures are in place to ensure hygiene for those inside the hospital, as well as visitors.
The new mum and her son are in the same room as the baby needs to be nursed.
According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, a US national public health institute, there is no evidence that suggests the virus can be transmitted through breastfeeding.
New mothers infected with the virus should wear a mask, wash their hands before and after touching the baby.
“We operate by the latest Covid-19 international and local guidelines when it comes to the management of our maternity patients and otherwise,” said Dr Ghassan Lutfi, head of obstetrics and gynaecology at the hospital.
“We take strict measures to guarantee that there is no risk of cross contamination and that all our patients are in safe hands.”
