PREGNANCY DURING COVID-19
Pregnancy is a special time full of excitement and anticipation But for expectant mothers facing the outbreak of the corona -virus disease (COVID-19), fear, anxiety and uncertainty are clouding this otherwise happy time.
A woman's body gets most vulnerable when she is carrying another life in her womb. Amid the coronavirus pandemic, it gets more important for women to take care of themselves if they are pregnant as the infection spreads through respiratory droplets, or getting in contact with the infected.
Though, it is not that pregnant women are at a higher risk of contracting the disease. A recent study from The Lancet, tells that when a Wuhan based pregnant woman who was in her third-trimester contracted pneumonia due to coronavirus. However, the baby didn’t get infected and the mother got cured soon. The chance of passing the infection to the foetus was found to be very less with no recorded foetal abnormalities due to the infection of COVID-19 to the mother.
Pregnant ladies should keep a check over their health “This is because pregnancy suppresses a person’s immune system. Additionally, in the later stages of pregnancy, the foetus and uterus can start squashing other organs, including the lungs.
STEPS TO TAKE CARE IF ONE IS PREGNANT AMID CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC:
Steps are being taken by the Government of India to avoid crowding. Pregnant women should avoid going out to run errands to avoid contracting the infection. If for some reason you have to venture out, use a mask that covers your face properly. Also, do not touch the mask other than the straps to wear it and remove it. Ensure you practice social distancing of at least one metre from any person.
1. Always practice social distancing.
2. Awareness is the key, if a woman is aware of the symptoms only then can one make way for early diagnosis.
3. Practising proper sanitation.
4. Keep consulting the doctor by regular Online checkups.
CAN AN INFECTED MOTHER BREASTFEED HER CHILD?
Yes, a mother suffering from coronavirus can breastfeed her child. This is because breast milk does not get affected by respiratory viruses such as COVID-19. Breast milk is a natural immunity booster for the child and can never get your child affected. However, it is recommended that you use a face mask, and regularly wash your hands before and after getting in contact with the child.
CAN A PREGNANT WOMAN PASS COVID-19 TO HER UNBORN?
There is not much evidence if an infected pregnant woman can transmit coronavirus to her child. However, it is recommended that she continues to follow safety precautions to protect herself and the baby. Also, make it a point to consult a doctor if you have a cold, cough, fever and difficulty breathing.
WHAT DO YOU DO IF YOU FALL ILL?
If you become ill with symptoms of cough, fever and face difficulty in breathing, it is advised to stay at home and call your local healthcare services for advice. If you are found ill with COVID-19, please call your midwife or antenatal care provider and inform them about your illness. Request instructions on how to proceed with antenatal care appointments and delivery plans during the course of your illness.
“In fact many hospitals in our country are stressing on the priority testing of pregnant women with COVID-19 symptoms, isolation of pregnancy wards from confirmed COVID-19 cases, an elevation of care for any pregnant women with respiratory illnesses, and extra care for all women in delivery, in case breathing complications should arise,” informed Dr Shweta Goswami, senior consultant gynaecologist and IVF expert, Jaypee and Cloudnine Hospital, Noida.
KNOW ABOUT THE INFECTION
Be very aware of the potential symptoms of coronavirus and regular flu symptoms so that pregnant women can call their health provider if they have experience any, which include fever, respiratory symptoms or possibly even diarrhoea. Additionally, if you have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, you should monitor your own temperature and be especially aware of any respiratory symptoms. Your doctor can advise best steps for care and testing.
ENSURE NECESSARY PRECAUTIONS
It is necessary to wash your hands thoroughly with soap several times a day for at least 20 seconds. If you are in a place where water is not available, then keep using an alcohol-based sanitiser to clean the hands.
REGULAR ONLINE CHECK-UPS
Regular check-ups during pregnancy are very important for the health of your baby and you. To minimise any potential danger, it is necessary that you have your check-up periodically. “But during this hour of corona crisis, except important pregnancy check-ups, try consulting your doctor online. Many offices are already working to consolidate in-person appointments; for example, if someone is coming in for an ultrasound, a routine prenatal check might be added to the same visit. So apart from social distancing, try and cut your routine checks ups to online consultations. But at the same time it is very important to inform your doctor immediately if any health problems arise,” advised Dr Anubha Singh, gynaecologist and IVF, Shantah Fertlity Centre.
If you have a habit of repeatedly touching your mouth, eyes, nose and ears, change this immediately. It is even more important for pregnant women because it can be harmful to their health as well as to their baby. Our hands touch door handles, keyboards, taps and numerous other surfaces, so the virus could easily be picked up this way. Rubbing tired eyes or touching your nose or mouth could transfer the virus from your hands into your body.
GET ENOUGH SLEEP
It is important for pregnant women to keep the body and mind fully energetic. To keep the body and mind energetic, you need to get enough sleep. It has been proved in many researches that by getting enough sleep each day, our body’s immunity increases amazingly. If your immunity is good, you can easily avoid many health problems. Along with this, moments of rest are very important for the baby growing in your womb. So do not compromise and make sure you get enough sleep.
BALANCED DIET
The immune system’s efficacy dips during pregnancy, which places pregnant people at a higher risk for contracting many transmissible illnesses whether food borne or respiratory. So it is necessary for expectant mothers to have a nutritious diet. Your child also gets nutrients from what you eat. A balanced diet should be your first priority to provide proper nutrition to your baby during pregnancy. The right diet and all kinds of vitamins increase your body’s ability to fight against diseases. So without delay, get a diet chart from your specialist and eat a balanced diet according to it.
WASH YOUR HANDS REGULARLY
Clean your hands thoroughly and often, using plenty of soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub to kill any virus on your hands. Scrub for at least 20 seconds, making sure you clean fingers, thumbs and palms.
PRACTISE RESPIRATORY HYGIENE
If you cough or sneeze, use a tissue and throw it in the trash afterwards. If you don’t have a tissue, cough into the crook of your arm instead of using your hand. If possible, avoid coughing or sneezing near other people.
Be aware of people around you and keep your distance from anyone coughing or sneezing. Stay at least 1 metre away to prevent inhaling the small liquid droplets sprayed by coughs and sneezes. If any symptoms develop, seek medical care early
Stay at home if you feel unwell, and if you develop a fever, cough or difficulty breathing seek medical attention. Call in advance of your visit, and follow the advice of your local health provider – they will have the most up-to-date information on the situation in your area.
Stay at home if you feel unwell, and if you develop a fever, cough or difficulty breathing seek medical attention. Call in advance of your visit, and follow the advice of your local health provider – they will have the most up-to-date information on the situation in your area.
STAY INFORMED
Accurate information about COVID-19 and its spread is essential. But beware, because there is a lot of misinformation, scaremongering and fake news floating around on social media that can hamper efforts to contain the virus.
The latest information is available by visiting trusted sources like the World Health Organization’s (WHO) information page.
DRINKING AND SMOKING
The WHO has warned about the risks of alcohol consumption, with it likely to "increase the health risks if a person becomes infected with the virus." The agency also warns about the negative effect of alcohol on immune systems. Additionally, it says there's a risk from smoking. Both through the increased risk of transmission of the virus from hand to mouth as well as smoking's impact on the lungs.
MENTAL HEALTH
The WHO tells us to remember that the COVID-19 outbreak will have psychological as well as physical impacts. Here are its tips on coping:
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A PANDEMIC AND AN EPIDEMIC?
An epidemic is an unexpected regional outbreak of specific illness. A pandemic is an epidemic that has spread worldwide.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF THE NEW CORONAVIRUS?
The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, dry cough, and shortness of breath. These symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, call your health provider.
ADVICE ON THE SAFE USE OF ALCOHOL-BASED HAND SANITIZERS
To protect yourself and others against COVID-19, clean your hands frequently and thoroughly. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer or wash your hands with soap and water. If you use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, make sure you use and store it carefully.
1. Keep alcohol-based hand sanitizers out of children’s reach. Teach them how to apply the sanitizer and monitor its use.
2. Apply a coin-sized amount on your hands. There is no need to use a large amount of the product.
3. Avoid touching your eyes, mouth and nose immediately after using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, as it can cause irritation.
4. Hand sanitizers recommended to protect against COVID-19 are alcohol-based and therefore can be flammable. Do not use before handling fire or cooking.
5. Under no circumstance, drink or let children swallow an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. It can be poisonous.
6. Remember that washing your hands with soap and water is also effective against COVID-19.
CAN I GO FOR MY APPOINTMENTS AND SCANS DURING THE LOCKDOWN?
The government has asked everyone to stay at home and doctors are also asking all patients to follow this advice.
Don't hesitate to call your doctor if you are worried about any symptom, but all routine appointments and ultrasounds are presently on hold.
If you go into labour or have a complication that needs medical attention, you will be allowed to meet your doctor.
If possible, try to go to a maternity only hospital or your gynaecologist's private clinic. This will prevent you from meeting other sick patients that go to a multi-speciality hospital.
If your doctor can only see you at a general hospital, make sure to keep your distance from any other patients and carry hand sanitiser so that you can clean your hands after coming in contact with any common surface or health care worker.
I'M FEELING STRESSED ABOUT COVID-19. HOW CAN I CALM MYSELF?
If you're worried about the coronavirus, you're not alone. In fact, it's perfectly normal to be feeling more anxious during pregnancy even when everything is okay in the world. Dealing with your stress head on and taking care of yourself in this time is the best thing you can do for a healthier pregnancy.
TRY THESE TIPS TO HELP YOURSELF WEATHER THE STORM
· Just say no and slow down or even cut down on your to-do list. Now is not the time to be a rock star.
· Drop or reassign some chores. Use the time you get back to decompress with a book, a nap, or however you prefer to relax.
· Use sick or vacation days, if you have them, to just concentrate on yourself and staying calm.
· Give deep breathing, stretching, or yoga a try.
·
Plan healthy, well-balanced, and energy-boosting meals and snacks.
· Go to bed early.
· Listen to some relaxing music. It might just help take your mind off things. Try our relaxing garbh sanskar music, which are composed in classical ragas and consist of traditional prayers for the wellbeing of an expecting mum.
·
Give yourself some pampering with a home spa. See how to create your home spa here.
·
Skip the news overload. Yes, the coronavirus is a fast-changing story with developments that you probably should know. But you don't need to be tapped into the newsfeed all day long. Also, consider avoiding the more panicked social media pals or feeds you follow. You do need to be informed, but you don't need to be crazed about the outside world. What matters most is a focus on yourself and your health.
· Check in with support groups that offer real comfort. Explore the BabyCenter Community to connect with women who are sharing your experience.If you feel like you're near snapping or losing it, ask your doctor for a recommendation for a therapist. Many can consult with you over the phone. Listen to their advice for dealing with your anxiety and stress. The more self-care you can do now can pay off not only in a healthier pregnancy but in the reduction of your chances for postnatal depression.
Dr. Suchi Gupta's Gynae Clinic
(Gynaecologist in Gaur City, Greater Noida West, Noida Extension)
Shop No 130, FF, Gaur City Plaza Market, West,
Gaur City 1 Rd, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201301
facebook
twitter
instagram
pintrest
Comments
Post a Comment