Pregnant during COVID-19
TL;DR So far, it’s believed that pregnant women aren’t vulnerable any more or less than the general population if infected with the novel coronavirus. The usual recommendations of washing hands and social distancing is in place.
As the entire world grapples in fighting this yet unknown virus, pregnant women must be especially anxious. Adding to the confusion, there is no set guideline yet because there just haven’t been enough subjects to study.
There is optimism as from the cases so far, all women and their babies (if also infected) have made full recoveries. From the limited number of cases, they are unsure how newborns got the infection. Most are suspected to have gotten sick after delivery (person-to-person), not in the womb.
Guidelines for pregnant women are the same as everyone else:
Avoid travel, avoid gatherings and wash hands frequently.
Women are told to advise a doctor at the first sign of any symptoms like fever, coughing or difficulty breathing.
If the mother is infected or showing symptoms, it’s recommended to pump breastmilk and for someone else to feed the baby or if not possible, to wear a mask when nursing.
It’s advised to schedule newborn health checkups over the phone or to space them farther apart.
The only reason to give extra caution to pregnant women during the coronavirus is because of their immune systems being weakened during pregnancy.
There are already a million things to worry about during a regular pregnancy and this is a really unhelpful addition. It’s a terribly extraordinary time to give birth. Practice social distancing, wash your hands and stay home.
Everyone in the world is going through the same fear. Many of them are pregnant. Let solidarity become a comfort.
Lots of hugs to all my preggos out there, xo
Abbie’s Mom
The New York Times : What pregnant women should know about Coronavirus
