Pregnancy and COVID-19: Should I Be Worried?

April 20, 2020 0 Comments

We’re still not sure about how the virus affects the pregnant. But to be sure, it’s crucial to also do social distancing, avoiding people who are sick and washing your hands regularly. After all, pregnancy makes people more vulnerable to infections whether it’s a coronavirus or not.

 

What about my baby?

Will the virus affect your newborn? Doctors and medical professionals apply measures to ensure there will be no transmission and that newborns remain healthy and safe. If you want peace of mind, you can ask the doctor or your healthcare facility about those measures. Instead of worrying about the risks and potential threats, a good way to have peace of mind is to find out everything you can about how medical professionals put safety measures in place.

Will the pregnant pass on the virus to their babies? Scientists and medical professionals are working day and night to figure this out. With the still very limited studies about the virus and its effects, we can’t come up or rely on solid conclusions yet. What we can do for now is to limit and slow down the spread. We might just need that extra time for the vaccines and treatment to come along.

 

What about vaccines and treatment?

It usually takes months and years to develop the vaccines and treatment. But with this urgency, development will speed up especially when brilliant minds all over the globe are working on it. It even gets better because they can connect and share their ideas and findings. The results will be faster and more effective.

It’s just the first step though. That’s because we also have to think about the production and distribution. Raw materials, chemicals, packing, storage and transport are some of the things to coordinate. Also, doing it in the lab is totally different from producing it on a large scale. In mass production, we also have to think about the costs and efficiency. The processes should be cost effective so that we’ll need less funds and resources in producing the vaccines and medicines. This helps in making sure the vaccines will reach more people and as soon as possible.

As mums, what we can do for now is wait and stay safe. Prevention is indeed better than cure and this time, prevention is our best weapon right now because the cure is not yet available. And during this pregnancy, what you can do is prepare and make sure everything’s ready before, during and after childbirth.

 

How do you prepare?

Hospitals and other healthcare facilities are getting equipped and prepared for the virus and its potential impact even to non-COVID patients. They’re now implementing measures to ensure safe childbirth and quality healthcare.

What’s left then is to do our part as mums. To prepare, we have to think about Work, Home and Hospital. Things should be ready and in order so that when that time comes, it will be a bit easier for us (and make the transition a bit less overwhelming).

At work, you should talk with your employer or human resources manager so that everything will be clear. Also plan your finances for the coming weeks and months because we don’t know when it will become fully normal again. At home, the meals should be easy to prepare or there’s someone else to deal with the laundry, cleaning and other chores. At the hospital, you should have your medical and insurance files ready for faster and easier processing. Contact information of the hospital and your loved ones should also be ready.

What are the things you should bring? Things and supplies for you and your baby should be ready. After all, it will all be quick and overwhelming once labour starts. Some of the things you should have with you are cash (e.g. for parking), slippers, underwear, toothbrush, toothpaste, loose-fitting clothes, outfit for the baby, socks and baby car seat. These supplies should be ready near the door or better if you already put them in the car so you won’t forget. It’s also good to plan for the trip (knowing the routes to take, which vehicle to use, travel time and who will drive). Preparation is the key here so things become a bit easier.

It’s tough and uncertain especially right now during pregnancy. It’s a huge transition where our lives will change drastically because of new responsibilities. Then, this new virus adds to our worries (and the lockdowns and business closures). Because of the worry and stress, our bodies and immune systems also suffer. Our minds and bodies are not just built for chronic stress. Sooner or later, it will affect our health and during pregnancy, the baby’s health might get affected too.

As a result, the best you can do is to stay healthy and prepare everything for the labour, childbirth and going home with your newborn. A lot of things are uncertain now but it’s still certain that preparation can reduce overwhelm and smoothen the transition.

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