Allie Guidry contracted the coronavirus while she was pregnant. Guidry was due in October, and was admitted into the hospital in late May because of cover-19, according to WBRZ-TV in Baton Rouge, an ABC-affiliate site. She was placed on a ventilator, but her condition was not improving.
Guidry passed away early on June 25 at 29 years old. The doctors at Woman’s Hospital were able to successfully deliver Madaline after Guidry died via emergency C-section. Madaline weighed only two pounds at birth and is in stable condition, WBRZ reported.
Guidry’s family is urging people to take extra precautions amid the coronavirus pandemic. “We’d like people to know to take this virus seriously,” Guidry’s mother, Denise and Guidry’s fiancé, Michael Conish, told WBRZ. “But do not stop living your life - be cautious, be careful. It’s no joke.”
The GoFundMe campaign, titled “Michael Conish: Medical Bills and Funeral Expenses,” has been established to help Conish pay for the funeral and medical treatment for the premature baby, who is currently in the hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit.
“Michael Conish is one of our hospital transporters. He is a wonderful person who was dealt the most devastating hand this morning,” the campaign read. Many have made donations to help the family during this difficult time.
As of June 26, the fundraiser has amassed over $20,000 towards their $50,000 goal.
Dr. Pamela Simmons, a Maternal-Fetal Medicine Physician at Woman’s Hospital in Baton Rouge recommends that pregnant women “should follow the same infection prevention guidelines recommended for the general public and pay especially close attention to their health for any symptoms of COVID-19.”
The precautions Dr. Simmons listed were to “wear a mask in public, wash your hands frequently, and monitor your temperature daily. Avoid going out in public when at all possible to minimize exposure.” She also highly recommended “self-isolation the last two weeks before delivery.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or caring for young children may be at an increased risk of contracting the coronavirus, compared to those who are not pregnant. There also may be an “increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as preterm birth, among pregnant people with COVID-19.” They should limit their interactions with people and take precautions when they do have to interact with others, the CDC noted.
Additionally, anyone who needs emergency care should not delay seeking it because of the coronavirus, and call their healthcare provider with any emergency questions. If you are concerned with how your healthcare provider is taking precautions during the pandemic, the CDC recommends reaching out and ask how they are taking steps to separate healthy patients and those who may have contracted the coronavirus.
Updated 6/65/2020, 1:25 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with medical advise for pregnant women from Dr. Pamela Simmons, a Maternal-Fetal Medicine Physician at Woman’s Hospital in Baton Rouge.
