The pandemic Coronavirus, created a lot of anxiety over the past few months. We can understand the stress of a pregnant woman and her family during this pandemic situation. Pregnant women must be having lots of query regarding the safety of her and her baby. However, its too early to tell how Coronavirus is affecting baby and pregnant moms, but we are learning everyday.
Here what you need to know if you are pregnant in 2020.
What precautions should pregnant women take during Covid-19 to protect themselves to not get infected?
General guideline: The most important precaution rule for every pregnant lady is to follow the government guidelines of Corona-virus. The same general guidelines which are given to common people is also applicable to pregnant women. Social distancing, hand washing, avoid public gatherings, wearing nose masks, face shields and gloves for sure if going out for unavoidable reasons.
Avoid touching your face, eyes & nose: If you are pregnant and have a habit of touching your nose or eyes or face, you need to change it immediately. It's unhealthy for you as well as for your baby too. Try to keep your-self away from germs and infections to not fall sick.
Avoid any traditional ceremony: In India, Baby shower(god bharai) ceremony is a must to do ritual during the seventh and eight month of pregnancy. But in order to avoid the public gatherings family should avoid these ceremonies even with few people. Parents and in-laws should understand the pandemic situation and consider not to organize any public gatherings.
Take extra precautions: If you are pregnant, you must need to maintain hygiene anyway even in the absence of Coronavirus, to protect yourself from any infections and flu.
Maintain hygiene: Always clean your surroundings and disinfect the things which are regularly touched and used like TV/AC remotes, mobile phones, electric switch, door knobs, tables, etc. Use fresh towels everyday, change your bedsheets alternate days and must wash your clothes in hot water.
Don't take stress: Taking stress in pregnancy will give a bad impact on your health and baby's development. Here are some interesting ideas to keep you engaging and stress free during pregnancy 2020. Read the blog: 7 Ways for a stress free pregnancy
Eat healthy and stay hydrated: The secret mantra of a healthy pregnancy is to eat healthy. Must include nutritious food in your diet to meet all the required minerals and vitamins in the body. Drinking lots of fluids is also necessary during pregnancy. Staying hydrated is indeed a most necessary thing during pregnancy.
Sleep well: Though sleeping in pregnancy is quite tough because of a heavy belly bump, rest is so important. Try to take rest as much as you can, proper sleep will help you in boosting your immunity. Only thing that can beat Corona-virus is a strong immunity.
Is it true, pregnant women are a vulnerable group for covid-19 infection?
Till now there is no enough evidence or valid data that proves pregnant women are a vulnerable group of Covid-19. However, a pregnant mother undergoes lots of hormonal changes, which sometimes makes them more susceptible for the covid 19.
During pregnancy the size of the chest cavity decreases which is quite normal. This leaves the lungs with less space and pressure from growing womb causes difficulty in breathing. This is why pregnant ladies sometimes feel suffocated or have difficulty in breathing during the late months of pregnancy. Therefore, it is advisable for pregnant women to be safe and take precautions because covid-19 infection can make the situation more severe.
Is delivery of a baby safe at the hospital in the current Covid-19 situation?
Every hospital is taking preventive measures and following the covid-19 protocols to make sure your baby is delivered safely. You should ask your gynae and hospital’s medical workers where you are planning to deliver your baby. Do not hesitate to ask all the questions you want to know regarding coronavirus safety guidelines of hospitals. These days visitors entry is banned in many hospitals (may vary from hospital to hospital), so have all the prior information with you so that you do not face any problem during delivery.
Can Corona-virus be passed from pregnant mom to his newborn baby or fetus?
As of now there is no report showing transmission of covid-19 infection from mother to baby through amniotic fluid or cord blood. However, doctors take extra precautions to ensure the baby is safe from any infectious exposure.
How do I manage my prenatal care visit in covid-19 situation?
These days hospitals are conducting online prenatal groups where pregnant ladies can be peer mentors as well as share their live experience. Through video conferencing you can consult with your gynae for routine checkups. During screen tests you may have to visit your gynecologist, so in the hospital less patients are scheduled and invited at a time in order to maintain the social distance.
What necessary precautions should I take when coming home from the hospital with my newborn baby?
New babies have very weak immunity so it is necessary to take extra precautions for them. Wash and sanitize your hands before holding the baby.
It is strongly recommended to not allow visitors at home, when you are with a newborn. Strictly avoid any visitors at home if you live in the containment zone.
Can an infected mom transmit the corona-virus to her newborn through breastfeeding?
Mothers can breastfeed their babies, as per the WHO reports there is no evidence that mother can pass corona-virus through breast feeding. However, a covid-19 carrier mother can risk her baby because of the close contact with the newborn while feeding. Therefore, it is necessary to take precautions while sneezing and coughing when you are feeding your baby.
What should I do if I get exposed to any corona-virus infected person during pregnancy?
If you are pregnant and feel fever, cough as you think you are exposed to coronavirus then immediately contact your doctors and seek help.
What should I do If I am diagnosed with Covid-19 during pregnancy?
If you are pregnant and diagnosed with covid-19 positive then you must need to follow the advice of your OB-GYN and the CDC.
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