Pregnant During A Pandemic – How To Deal With Covid-19 During Your Pregnancy
Being pregnant during a pandemic is not an ideal situation. However, with facts from reputable sources, you can know what to expect and what to look out for.
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Are Pregnant Women More Likely To Get Infected With The Coronavirus?
According to the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (RCOG) based in the UK, there is no current evidence that pregnant women are more likely to get seriously ill from Coronavirus than non-pregnant individuals. However, pregnant women are included in the list of people who are at moderate risk as a precaution.
New Zealand’s Ministry of Health recommends that pregnant women beyond 28 weeks should take extra precautions and keep themselves well this time because a growing baby means higher oxygen demands on the mother.
According to the CDC, there may be an increased risk o preterm birth among pregnant women with COVID-19. In addition, high fevers caused by any infection during the first trimester of pregnancy can increase the risk of certain birth defects.
What Precautions Should I Take If I’m Pregnant During The Covid-19 Pandemic?
- Wash your hands with soap and water often (for at least 20 seconds) and dry thoroughly. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
and rub hands together if soap and water are unavailable. - Avoid touching your nose, face, or mouth.
- Cough or sneeze into your bent elbow or a tissue.
- Clean surfaces regularly. This includes items frequently touched like door handles and phones.
- Play it safe. Stay home if you’re feeling unwell. Don’t go to work, and keep unwell children home from school or early childhood education.
- Keep a record of where you have been.
- Keep a distance of 6 feet/ 1.5 meters away from people when outside your home.
- Wear a face covering when you’re in public and in indoor places where social distancing may be difficult and where you will come into contact with people you do not normally meet.
- Connect with your partner, friends, and family members. Talk to them about your thoughts and feelings.
- Take a break from the pandemic news and keep to a daily routine. If it’s not contraindicated, do gentle exercises to keep yourself physically fit. Meditation and yoga are also recommended for mental health.
and rub hands together if soap and water are unavailable.Should I Skip My Prenatal Visits Or Avoid Trips To The Hospital Or Doctor’s Office?
Do not skip your prenatal or post-childbirth care appointments.
Ask your health care provider if virtual prenatal visits are possible. You can also opt for off-hour visits for ultrasounds and label testing.
What Should I do If I Develop Symptoms Of Coronavirus?
If you have a high temperature, a new continuous cough, or a loss or change to your normal sense of smell or taste, get in touch with your healthcare provider or nearest community health center for further recommendations. Most people with Coronavirus have at least one of these symptoms.
Can I Transmit The Coronavirus To My Baby?
According to the CDC, newborns can be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 after being in close contact with an infected person.
While some babies have tested positive for the virus shortly after birth, it remains unknown if these babies got the virus before, during, or after birth.
Pregnant During A Pandemic – Should I Take Vitamin D Supplements?
Vitamin D supplementation is recommended to all women during pregnancy as it can help reduce the risk of respiratory infections.
However, there is not enough evidence to show that taking Vitamin D prevents Coronavirus infection or is an effective treatment.
Talk to your healthcare provider about the right dose of Vitamin D for you.
How Can I Get Ready For Delivery?
Get in touch with your primary health care provider or community health center if there are any restrictions on the number of support persons (e.g. doula, spouses, family) during labor and delivery.
If you have COVID-19 and you’re already in labor, inform the hospital staff or maternity clinic so they can properly prepare and protect your baby and others from being infected.
Disclaimer
The information that we’re highlighting above is sourced from reputable health and government organizations.
While we do our best to ensure that we are providing accurate, up to date information, please fact-check the data and information.
Please note that the information in this blog may change due to the evolving nature of the COVID-19 Pandemic.
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