You planned to have a baby and conceived at the desirable time but than corona emerged and it no more looks like a suitable time to be pregnant. With all the raging hormones, cravings, weight gain, and mood swings now there is one more thing to worry about. Thanks to corona.
While all the rumors and continuous bombardment of information can make you feel overwhelmed or out of sorts it is important to seek authentic information regarding corona to stay safe.
Here we have rounded up some of the most commonly raised concerns pregnant females may have. Consider these in lieu of misinformation regarding current pandemic Covid-19!
DOES COVID19 HAVE ANY EFFECTS ON MY PREGNANCY
Symptoms of corona remain the same for pregnant women like persistent dry cough and high-grade fever. It may feel like having a common cold or flu for most expectant moms. But those who have other conditions like asthma or diabetes may experience complications.
CAN MY UNBORN CHILD BE AFFECTED BY COVID19
Reports from China tell us that there were no mal effects of corona noticed on the health of babies born to females with corona infection.
IF I CONTRACT COVID19, WILL MY CHILD BE SAFE?
Some babies born to women with corona got the infection but it is still unclear whether they got it in the womb or immediately after birth.
DO I NEED TO TAKE ANY PRECAUTIONS DURING THIS TIME?
You need to consider all the precautions being told by healthcare professionals regarding safety from the corona. There are special guidelines for pregnant women issued so far.
If you have tested positive for corona you and have manageable symptoms you might be advised to self-isolate at home. Your antenatal appointments may also get delayed till you recover if deemed suitable by your gynecologist. So far no evidence has been collected that having corona can affect the mode of delivery. If all goes well you can still go for a natural birth. If you have other health issues your doctor may offer to go for a cesarean for your baby’s safety.
CAN COVID19 LEAD TO PREMATURE BIRTH?
It is not yet confirmed that corona can lead to preterm birth. Some females in China did gave birth before term but it is still unclear why and hence cannot be designated specifically to corona.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I WANT TO TALK TO MY DOCTOR DURING ISOLATION?
It is not advised to visit hospitals just for the sake of satisfaction. If you must talk to your doctor on the phone or use telemedicine services to consult a doctor online.
IF I HAVE COVID19, IS IT SAFE TO BREASTFEED MY BABY?
Yes, it’s perfectly safe to breastfeed your baby even if you get the corona infection. But you will need to practice strict precautions like this can get transmitted by other means like droplets from breathing, coughing, and sneezing and also via infected hands. the best way will be to express milk hygienically and as someone else to feed it to your baby.Remember it is important to keep calm while staying safe during these trying times. We wish you a safe pregnancy and a healthy baby.
DISCLAIMER: Our Contributor, Sehrish Ramez has a degree in medicine.
