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Pregnant San Diego mom with COVID-19 improving in hospital

Posted at 11:42 PM, Apr 06, 2020
and last updated 2020-04-07 11:15:22-04

SAN DIEGO (KGTV) -- A pregnant San Diego mother's fight against the coronavirus has taken a turn for the better.

Doctors put 33-year-old Ashley Duque in a medically induced coma last week, according to family members. Duque is 17 weeks pregnant and needed a ventilator.

However, over the weekend, her condition improved.

"She doesn't have her breathing tube anymore," her husband Diego Duque said. "She doesn't have her feeding tube anymore. Some slight oxygen, but that's because she's pregnant because the baby is asking more oxygen from her."

Family members say the baby is also doing well.

"We were able to get a sonogram today," Diego said. "The baby has a healthy heart and is alive and kicking."

During the difficult time, family members went on social media to share Ashley's story and how the virus has impacted their family.

Ashley's uncle, Ken Pecus, said their family has deep roots in Coronado and the idea is to make the virus real for their circle of family and friends, and beyond.

They're also encouraging anyone who knows someone impacted by the virus to share their story, like they did, hoping to move others into following the protocols and guidelines from local, state, and federal officials.

Ashley's family hopes she will be able to leave the hospital in the next few days.

"The doctors have said she has made a pretty speedy recovery," Diego said, "but at the same time, we want her to stay there so she can completely recover."