Nearly 600 pregnant women in Mumbai have been affected by Covid in the third wave, data from the BMC has revealed. Of these, 250 were treated at BYL Nair Hospital alone, followed by Cama and Albless Maternity Hospital, where 161 received treatment. While the number of pregnant women infected in this wave was on the higher side, doctors said that most of them had mild symptoms. The recovery rate was also faster, when compared to the first two waves.

Dr Amol Pawar, associate professor, gynaecology and obstetrics department, and nodal officer, Covid-19 at Wadia Maternity Hospital, said they witnessed a sudden spurt in cases in December 2021. “Till October, we had six pregnant women admitted with us for Covid-19. In November, we had four patients. By December, the numbers went up to 20 and in January till date, we have had 59 patients. We are only admitting pregnant women, who are in their eighth or ninth month,” he said. Dr Arun Nayak, head of the gynaecology department, Sion Hospital said, “We discharged most of them within four to five days. Compared to the first two waves, this wave was uneventful. It may be because of the milder strain or because of the vaccination. We have been encouraging pregnant women to get vaccinated.”