CFNU notes increased risks of COVID-19 for pregnant health care workers

Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions statement

If physical changes due to pregnancy make it difficult for a health care worker to don and wear the required personal protective equipment in a safe manner, they should not be providing care for COVID-19 suspected or confirmed patients.

In an updated statement on pregnant health care workers, the Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions notes that new data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control indicates pregnant women are at increased risk for severe illness from SARS-CoV-2 infection compared to workers who are not pregnant.

The CDC also indicated that there is increased risks of adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as pre-term birth, among pregnant women with COVID-19.

Given the potential risks of severe illness among pregnant health care workers, the CFNU urges employers to exercise the precautionary principle and err on the side of compassion to alleviate the anxiety of workers and any potential health risks to the mother and her fetus.

“If physical changes due to pregnancy make it difficult for a health care worker to don and wear the required personal protective equipment in a safe manner, they should not be providing care for COVID-19 suspected or confirmed patients,” a statement issued this week by CFNU says.

Click here to read the entire CFNU statement.

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