Being pregnant is a magical, special time in your life. It can also be very stressful. As a soon-to-be mother, you prepare for the dirty diapers and the feeding schedules. You expect the standard level of care – doctor visits during pregnancy, blood work, and the dreaded glucose test. What you don’t expect, and what none of us could have predicted is to have to experience your pregnancy and possibly even your delivery during a global pandemic.
Though COVID-19 presents new and unexpected challenges, this unprecedented time shouldn’t keep you from enjoying your pregnancy. According to the CDC, we do not currently know if pregnant women have a greater risk of getting sick with COVID-19 than the general population. We also do not know whether they will experience a greater risk of serious illness if they do get COVID-19.
What does this mean for your pregnancy?
You should take steps to protect yourself and your family from COVID-19 during pregnancy the same way you should if you are not pregnant.
Wash your hands frequently.
Maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet.
Cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces often.
If you feel sick – think fever, cough, sore throat, loss of taste or smell – contact your doctor right away.
If you do get COVID-19, mother to child transmission during pregnancy is unlikely, but you may risk spreading the virus after birth to your newborn baby. The best practice is to stay home and self-isolate if possible during pregnancy to avoid getting the virus.
The CDC recommends breastfeeding – if possible and if you choose to do so – as the best source of nutrition and protection against many infections for infants. If you have COVID-19, it is suggested that you express milk and have a well person feed the infant from a bottle to avoid spreading the virus.
Your pregnancy during COVID-19 may look different from what you expected, but with the right precautions, pregnancy can still be a wonderful and safe experience.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or you have more questions about pregnancy, you can contact our office at (910) 323-2103.