What to Know About Covid-19 and Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a unique and special time in any person’s life, and a pregnancy during a global pandemic is new territory. As the world continues to grapple with the effects of the COVID-19 virus, pregnant women may be wondering what they need to know.
It’s normal to feel a little overwhelmed or anxious, so we’ve put together some helpful information about life with a growing baby in the age of the coronavirus.
Understanding the Risks
The most important thing to remember about coronavirus and pregnancy is that pregnant women may be more at risk for severe illness from the virus than men and women who are not pregnant.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have noted that pregnant women with COVID-19 may be at an increased risk for:
- Pregnancy loss
- Preterm birth
- Severe illness requiring intensive care
The CDC also notes that pregnant women with confirmed cases of COVID-19 may have a higher risk of developing complications like preeclampsia.
However, the majority of pregnant women who have contracted COVID-19 have had the same symptoms as non-pregnant people — including fever, cough, and difficulty breathing — but in more severe cases.
Prevention Tips
As with any disease, prevention is key when it comes to protecting yourself and your baby during pregnancy. The best way to protect yourself and your unborn child is to continue to follow the existing guidelines and regulations around the world for COVID-19 prevention.
Here are some of the basic CDC guidelines for pregnant women:
- Wear a face covering when you go out in public.
- Stay at least six feet away from other people.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Avoid large gatherings and large groups of people.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects.
It is also important to note that pregnant women are not at greater risk of contracting the virus from food and food packages when following proper food safety guidelines.
Seeking Medical Advice
One of the most important things to do during pregnancy is to practice good communication with your health care provider. With the pandemic in full swing, be sure to keep them updated with any questions or concerns.
If you decide to get tested for COVID-19, you should let your health care provider know ahead of time so they can advise you about the best and safest way to receive the test. Additionally, if you have any symptoms or have been exposed, it’s important to alert your health care provider right away.
You should also discuss your individual needs and any specific risks or concerns with your health care provider.
Things to Keep in Mind
Pregnancy during a pandemic is no easy feat, but it is important to remember that it is also a time of great joy and excitement.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s ok to take a step back and remind yourself that the most important thing you can do is take care of yourself and your baby. Remember to take care of your mental health and talk to your health care provider if you need advice or support.
The most important thing to remember is that although this virus takes extra precaution, it doesn’t mean having a baby is impossible. Pregnant women have still been able to safely deliver babies during this pandemic and with the help of their health care team and support personnel.
Covid-19 has presented pregnant women with unprecedented health concerns and uncertainty. Every expecting mother needs to be aware of the risks Covid-19 presents and take necessary steps to minimize the chance of contracting the virus. Most importantly, expectant mothers need to keep their health care providers in the loop to ensure they receive the best possible care during their pregnancy. With the right precautions and support, mothers-to-be can look forward to a safe and healthy pregnancy during these uncertain times.
