This year, 2020, by now needs no introduction! It’s thrown curve balls left, right and centre, and whether or not your baby was planned or more of a curve ball, it may be daunting being pregnant during the current climates.
There has been a lot of change and uncertainty, and naturally, that can lead to worry and feelings of uneasiness. If you’re pregnant you may be worried about the implication of Covid-19 on your bump or new-born. But don’t’ worry – we’ve got the facts for you, so you can understand the ins and outs of Covid-19 and pregnancy, worry less and look forward to the arrival of your little one.
The main advice for pregnant women
Whilst it is so understandable for you to feel anxious being pregnant in the midst of a pandemic, it’s really important to know that there is no evidence that pregnant women are more likely to get seriously ill from coronavirus.
The reason that pregnant women have been added to the list of people at moderate risk is simply a precaution, this means, effectively, that you should stay alert, practice social distancing and avoid those who have symptoms suggestive of coronavirus. If you are in your third trimester it’s recommended for you to be reasonably strict with your adherence to social distancing.
Some key bits of advice it can be worth considering
Keep mobile and hydrated to reduce the risks of blood clots in pregnancy;
Stay active with regular exercise, a healthy balanced diet, and folic acid and vitamin D supplementation to help support a healthy pregnancy;
Contact your maternity team if you have concerns about the wellbeing of yourself of your unborn baby.
If you want more information on pregnancy and coronavirus is available on the NHS website.
Why are pregnant women a vulnerable group?
You may be wondering why you’re automatically classed as vulnerable when pregnant, if there is no evidence suggesting that you’re more likely to get seriously poorly from Covid. In fact, it’s not just concerning coronavirus that pregnant women are in a vulnerable group, it’s also for seasonal flu and other viruses. This is because in a very small number pregnancy can alter the way your body handles severe viral infections. But again, it’s really important for you to keep in mind that all evidence there is suggest that pregnant women are at no greater risk of becoming seriously unwell than other healthy adults if they develop coronavirus.
What should you do if you develop symptoms of coronavirus?
The main symptoms which may indicate you have coronavirus are:
A high temperature;
A new continuous cough, or
A loss or change to your normal sense of smell or taste.
If you think you may have coronavirus:
Let your midwife or maternity team know that you are experiencing symptoms
If you feel your symptoms are worsening contact your maternity team again, GP or call 111 for advice. Don’t be afraid to call 999 if you feel really unwell. Your peace of mind if important for both your own and your baby’s wellbeing.
If you are concerned about you or your baby seek medical advice.
What will happen to your baby if you contract coronavirus?
As you’ll be aware, it’s important to try to avoid stressful situations when you’re pregnant as the stress hormone, cortisol, your body releases in stressful situations, can have negative implications on your pregnancy. In some ways this is more likely to be harmful to your unborn baby than contracting coronavirus itself. There is actually no evidence to suggest that the virus will cause any problems with your baby’s development, so this if you do get symptoms, try to relax and not stress about your baby and let your body recover and right off the virus.
Evidence suggests that the transmission of corona virus to babies during birth is very low, and those that have contracted it during birth have been able to recover fully.
The impact of coronavirus on your pregnancy
The pandemic now is not such a new situation, and this means that the adaptions everywhere in response to the virus are no longer rushed and panicked, but instead well thought through and tried and tested.
The NHS has made appropriate arrangements to make sure you will be fully supported and cared for safely through your pregnancy, birth and the period afterwards. Whilst, it’s true there has been a bigger strain on our health services this year, you don’t need to worry that your care is not a top priority. The new systems in place will make sure you and your baby are safe at each and every step of the way.
Maternity services are absolutely essential, and your safety is paramount, and the health services are doing every to ensure safe and personalised care is provided. Many maternity units and providing an increasing number of consultations on the phone or by video when appropriate, which means you even get to avoid the sting of hospital parking charges! Of course, this doesn’t mean that essential visits in person with a doctor or midwife have been put on hold, and it’s important you should still attend these routine checks.
Conclusion
You want to be able to enjoy every step of your pregnancy without added stress (some stress is always unavoidable!). Remember to take comfort in knowing there’s thousands of women going through the same experiences as you. Keep in mind that the evidence really doesn’t consider Covid as a serious threat to your pregnancy, and to call your midwife or GP with any concerns you have rather than sit and worry about them! Keep your peace of mind wherever possible. Sit back, try to relax and enjoy the peace and quiet you won’t have when your little one has been born!
If you want to arrange an appointment to meet your baby at our clinic, we would love to hear from you, or you can book a complimentary consultation with us.
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