Pregnant in COVID pandemic- what to do next?

The COVID-19 pandemic has everyone anxious and in fear. If you are pregnant, undoubtedly you have a lot of queries about whether coronavirus poses a threat to you and your baby. The answers are not crystal clear yet, due to the evolving nature of the disease. Knowledge from past epidemics due to similar respiratory illnesses help understand and manage viral infections during pregnancy.  Here are the common queries among pregnant women answered.

Is pandemic-related stress a concern in pregnancy?

Nearly 10% of women experience anxiety during pregnancy. During the pandemic, rates of anxiety during pregnancy and postpartum have more than doubled.

While 29% of pregnant women reported having anxiety prior to the pandemic, a staggering 72% are dealing with anxiety during the pandemic. Anxiety can lead to depression and isolation, which makes it difficult to have a healthy pregnancy or care for a newborn.

Before conceiving, talk with your doctor about options to manage new or worsening anxiety during pregnancy.

Are pregnant women a vulnerable group for Coronavirus?   

It is not yet known if pregnant women are more susceptible to be infected by COVID-19 when compared to the normal population. Despite this, pregnant women are advised to reduce social contact by social distancing. It is an established fact that in some women, pregnancy alters how the body fights some viral infections. Though evidence for coronavirus is still insufficient, it is for this reason that pregnant women are advised to be extra cautious during this pandemic.

Precautions for pregnant women against Coronavirus

Here are some actions you can take to prevent getting the disease during pregnancy:

• Wash your hands frequently. Hand hygiene can really protect you from exposure to COVID-19. You may hear this over and over but with good reason.

• Practice social distancing. Always maintain a distance of at least 2 metres or 6 feet from others when you are in a public place. Avoid contact with others as much as possible.

• Get your flu vaccination on time. Though the flu vaccine does not protect you from exposure to COVID-19, it does make you less susceptible to influenza, which can cause complications during pregnancy.

• Use a tissue when you cough or sneeze, throw the tissue in the dustbin. Wash your hands right after.

• Do not ignore any respiratory symptoms. If you develop a cough or any respiratory distress, do not hesitate to call your doctor. After taking a detailed history, your doctor will decide if you need to get tested for COVID-19.

• Go virtual. As much as possible, consider virtual consultations instead of prenatal visits to your gynaecologist. Try to minimize or altogether avoid spending time in the doctors waiting room or in the hospital. However, some tests will require you to be there in person such as the ultrasound, blood tests and fetal testing.

• Work from home whenever possible.

• Stay safe. Symptoms such as high fever with or without continuous cough may indicate a possible coronavirus infection. Avoid coming in close contact with anyone showing these symptoms.

& its the time to look for support from your family and friends. Keep in touch via emails, messages or video chats. Consider taking up a new hobby or acquiring a new skill. Do things that make you happy and put your mind at ease such as taking a long shower, meditating or reading a book. Exercise as per your doctor’s advice and regularly do your Kegels and squats as recommended.

Do not stress too much if your due date is nearing, as hospitals have a system in place for safe deliveries and to ensure minimal risk of exposure for newborns.

Dr. Ruchi Tandon is a reputed Gynecologist practicing in leading hospitals in South Delhi namely Max and Apollo hospitals with over 14 years of experience in handling all kinds of Gynecological conditions including high risk Pregnancies and Pregnancies in the pandemic.