What Pregnant Women Should Know About Coronavirus
What Pregnant Women Should Know About Coronavirus
If you're expecting, you know that being pregnant can be stressful. But now the coronavirus (COVID-19) has caused states all across the country to close down. Your routine has been disrupted and social distancing has become a daily practice.
Naturally, you're worried about what COVID-19 means for your pregnancy and your baby. Even though you're taking precautions, you might be looking for more guidance and reassurance during this unprecedented time.
When it comes down to it, COVID-19 is hard for pregnant women because it's added uncertainty. You feel less in control and feel uncertain about the virus and the state of your community when your baby is born. In this post, we're going to break down what you need to know about coronavirus and pregnancy.
Pregnancy and COVID-19
It's common knowledge that pregnancy can weaken your immune system. This fact is causing many expecting mothers to worry about COVID-19. And while it's normal to feel that way, the current data on the virus isn't showing cause for panic. While COVID-19 attacks the immune system, it's not the same for everyone. For example, seniors over 70 are at the highest risk because their immune system has a harder time fighting off the virus.
The Importance of Social Distancing
Even though pregnant women who get COVID-19 tend to do well, it's important that you practice social distancing. After all, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists classify pregnant women as an at-risk group. That means you should:
- Try and have someone else go to the grocery store and run any errands for you.
- Limit your interaction with people, avoid crowds and stay away from anyone who seems sick.
- Be sure to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds regularly.
- Disinfect high touch areas like counters and door handles a few times a day.
While there is still much to learn about how COVID-19 affects pregnancy, practicing these tips can lower your risk.
Concerns About Becoming Sick
It's normal to have concerns about getting COVID-19 if you're pregnant. But it's important to follow the proper procedure if you suspect that you’re sick. If you have a fever and a dry cough, your first step should be to call your doctor. They help you assess your symptoms over the phone and talk to you about next steps.
Is There a Risk of Passing the Virus to My Baby?
While there are only a limited number of studies available on the subject, the risk of passing the virus to your baby is low. A recent study of 38 women who had COVID-19 found that none of their newborns had the virus. Passing the virus to your baby before you give birth has not been completely ruled out. But it seems very unlikely to happen even in women who have more severe symptoms.
Can I Breastfeed if I Have Coronavirus?
According to the CDC, there is no evidence that COVID-19 is present in breastmilk. Which means that you can breastfeed if you have COVID-19. But there are some precautions that you should take:
- Wash your hands and face before breastfeeding.
- If you choose to breastfeed directly, be sure to wear a mask.
- For breast pumps, be sure to clean them regularly and clean any parts that come in contact with your skin before each use.
Limiting Stress and Anxiety
While COVID-19 requires precautions, it's important to pay attention to your stress and anxiety levels as well. COVID-19 is still new, which leads to misinformation. Do your best to get you news from trusted sources and contact your doctor or OBGYN with any pressing questions.
We know that COVID-19 is causing some extra stress. So, it's important to reach out to friend and family for support when you need it.
Expert Maternity Care Meets Peace of Mind
At King's Daughters' Health, our maternity care is known for its quality. Our compassionate staff take the time to get to know you so we can offer personalized care for you and your baby. Our family-centered obstetricians can answer your questions about pregnancy and COVID-19. If you want a healthier and safer pregnancy, contact our OBGYN team to see how we can help you reach that goal.
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