As the world continues to fight and contain the Covid-19 pandemic, it’s still apparent that the disease will be around for the next few months. This virus has caused panic among all the nations, and even though measures are being put in place to slow down the spread, it is still spreading at an alarming rate. However, as much as the virus affects all categories of people, pregnant mothers are more vulnerable to the disease.
In this post, we’re going to look at the challenges pregnant women face during this global pandemic. But first, let’s take a look at what Covid-19 is.
What is Covid-19?
Covid-19 is an infectious disease from the novel Coronavirus, which affects your respiratory system leading to a shortage of breath and may lead to death. The virus was initially not found in human beings; however, towards the end of last year, the first Coronavirus case on a human being was reported in China. What are Covid-19 symptoms? The symptoms are
- High temperature.
- Breathe shortage.
- Loss of smell
- Running nose
- High temperature.
Therefore, what are the challenges you may face as a pregnant woman during this Covid-19 Pandemic?
Covid-19 Challenges on Pregnant women
If you are pregnant and expecting a baby, or you recently gave birth, and you are breastfeeding, you are more likely to be concerned about the challenges Covid-19 may present on you and your baby. The challenges are as follows:
1. Risks from other illnesses
Currently, it’s not clear whether pregnant women are more vulnerable to Covid-19 or at high risk of developing other serious illnesses. However, if you are pregnant, you are susceptible to other respiratory diseases such as flu. Therefore, you could be at an increased risk of contracting Covid-19.
2. Mother to child transmission
There’s no sufficient research indicating that a pregnant woman can transmit Covid-19 to her child during pregnancy or birth. There have been no indications of the virus in amniotic fluid or breast milk. However, there are a few cases where babies born to mothers with Covid-19 have ended up testing positive to the virus.
This is probably the main reason why a doctor can recommend that you be separated from your newborn baby if you test positive for Covid-19.
3. No Visits from friends and relatives
It’s usually celebrations among family members and friends whenever a baby is born. It is typically the time when you receive many visitors who want to have a glimpse of the baby. However, when expecting a baby or have given birth, you should practice social distancing. Recently conducted research found that infants born to mothers who don’t practice social distancing are more vulnerable to Covid-19.
4. Separation from your baby
Medical professionals may separate you from your baby once you test positive for Covid-19 or under investigation for having the virus. The facility can, therefore, room you separately until precautions are completed.
Your healthcare provider will, however, discuss with you the importance of separation and the risks which may be involved. However, separation may be necessary if you happen to test positive for Covid-19.
Those, as mentioned above, are some of the challenges you may face as a pregnant Covid-19 patient. So, how can you protect yourself as a pregnant woman? You should protect yourself from the virus just as the general public. You should:
- Cover your mouth when coughing.
- Stay away from sick people by keeping physical distance.
- Prevent sick people from visiting you
- Always wash your hands for 20 or more seconds or use a sanitizer with high alcohol content.
- Keep social distance
- Minimize traveling.
- Avoid touching your eyes or mouth with unclean hands.
- Disinfect the most-touched areas or objects like kitchenware.
- Stay at home if unwell.
- If you have been asked to self-isolate because of contact with somebody with COVID-19, or have the ailment, reach your obstetrician through phone and follow the appeal of your health care provider.
- You should also bear in mind that some hospitals limit guests and even assist individuals and not the partner. This is to ensure that the community is safe from the Covid-19 risk
5. Prenatal Care
Prenatal visits are essential, but if you miss a couple of appointments, you should not stress yourself. If you’re able to get an early discharge, then it’s okay.
If you are set up for an emergency clinic, heaps of precautions are put in place to limit the danger of contamination. In most cases, births will continue as arranged, and returning home earlier would be perfect and might be supported if you and your baby are doing well.
6. Postpartum Care
After giving birth, postpartum care is highly recommended to be an ongoing process. You should talk to your health care provider regarding the issue of virtual visits. Office visits should also be another option.
You might be highly concerned about the health of your family members or friends. Therefore you should be more cautious with your mental health. Contact loved ones for help while playing it safe to lessen your danger of COVID-19 contamination.
In the event that you experience extraordinary emotional scenes, excess tiredness, and you are not happy in life soon after giving birth, at that point, it’s an indication that you might be having postpartum anxiety. You should, therefore, contact your medical provider if you feel you may be depressed. Notably, if you have increased side effects and sometimes find it hard to complete your daily assignments or you contemplate harming your baby or hurting yourself.
Infographics from WHO
The above challenges are what significantly affect pregnant women. Therefore, if you are pregnant or recently gave birth, you should take good care of yourself and your baby. In case of any concern, you should be able to contact your health care provider. Moreover, contact your health provider for issues related to stress management and strategies on how to cope with them.
Amy has 19 years of parenting experience, with a teenager and a preschooler under her wings.