These days, we all know a lot about the COVID-19 virus. But if you are a loving mother who is expecting a baby, you may have special questions and maybe even a little fear about this virus. So, don't worry. Today, let's talk about the most important things you need to know about COVID-19 during pregnancy.
Can COVID-19 affect a pregnant mother and her baby?
Most of the time, when a pregnant woman gets COVID-19, it's just like a common cold and she recovers . Many people recover completely. That's true. But we need to understand this too. Some medical studies have found that if a woman gets COVID-19 during or near pregnancy, she's more likely to have a more severe illness . That means some people may even need to be hospitalized. That's why it's important to talk about this.
Additionally, there are some potential risks to the baby of a mother who has COVID-19 compared to a pregnant mother who has not contracted COVID-19. For example, the baby is more likely to be born prematurely (preterm birth) . And, in rare cases, the baby can be stillborn . Hearing these things can be scary, but it's important to be aware of the risks and take steps to protect yourself. That's why it's so important to do everything you can to protect yourself from COVID-19 during pregnancy .
So, what can you do as a pregnant mother to protect yourself from COVID-19?
These things will help you protect yourself not only from COVID-19, but also from other infectious diseases. Think of them as a protective shield for you and your unborn baby.
- Get your COVID-19 vaccines right, on time: This is the most important thing. Get all your COVID-19 vaccine doses, including any newly recommended boosters, on time, as directed by your doctor. This will not only protect you, but your baby from getting seriously ill from COVID-19 in the first 6 months of his or her life . Think about how much you can help your baby by getting vaccinated! So definitely think about this.
- Wash your hands often: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If you are out and about and don't have access to water, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. This habit is not just a habit, it's a great safety measure.
- Know where to wear a mask: It is especially wise to wear a mask in crowded, poorly ventilated indoor spaces (for example, on a bus, train, or in a crowded store), or in areas where COVID-19 or other respiratory illnesses are spreading. Your family doctor can also give you more advice on this.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth: How many times a day do we unknowingly touch our faces? So keep this in mind and try to reduce that habit.
- Stay away from people who are sick: If someone is suffering from symptoms like fever and cough, it is best to stay away from them and maintain a loving distance.
- Avoid crowded places as much as possible: It's also very important to keep a reasonable distance from people who don't live in the same house as you. It's okay to skip small events and parties, right?
- Keep frequently touched objects and surfaces clean: It's a good habit to wipe down things like doorknobs, light switches, table surfaces, and your phone with disinfectant at least once a day.
If I get COVID-19 while pregnant, can it be passed on to my baby?
This is a big concern for many mothers, and it's something that brings fear to the mind. Doctors and scientists believe that the risk of a pregnant mother passing COVID-19 to her unborn baby, the fetus, is very low . That is, the possibility of it happening is very limited, but it's not impossible. What's currently known is that this risk may be slightly increased, especially if the mother has had a very difficult time with COVID-19, or if the mother was infected with the virus near the time of delivery.
Doctors also recommend that mothers who have been infected with COVID-19 have their healthy babies tested for COVID-19. This will help plan how to care for the baby in the hospital and after bringing them home.
Now let's look at what happens after the baby is born. After the baby is born, the chances of the baby catching the virus from an infected parent, especially the mother, are high . But there is a good thing here too. Even if the mother has COVID-19, unless she is too ill to care for the baby, doctors do not recommend separating the mother and the baby . If the mother feels well, she can wash her hands thoroughly, wear a mask, breastfeed the baby, and take care of the baby with love . It is good for both the baby and the mother. The mother-baby bond can be maintained.
What should I do if I get sick or develop symptoms of COVID-19 while I'm pregnant?
COVID-19 symptoms can sometimes be similar to a common cold, fever, and body aches . Therefore, you cannot know for sure whether it is COVID-19 or another virus until you have a ``COVID-19 test.`` Therefore, if you have one or more of the symptoms listed below, please call your health care provider immediately without delay and seek advice .
What are these symptoms?
- Cough
- Fever (increased body temperature)
- Difficulty breathing or a feeling of chest tightness
- Cold symptoms (e.g. sore throat, stuffy or runny nose)
- Chills
- Muscle pain or body aches
- Headache (headache)
- Loss of taste or smell
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea (stomach ache)
In most cases, when these symptoms occur, you can recover at home by drinking plenty of fluids (such as water, porridge, fruit juice), getting plenty of rest, and getting better . However, since you are pregnant, it is wise to seek medical advice. If you absolutely need to see a doctor, be sure to call the hospital or the doctor's office before going and explain your situation . That way, they can make the necessary arrangements for you when you arrive and keep others safe.
Your doctor may prescribe antiviral medicine to treat COVID-19, or suggest other ways to manage your symptoms.
Want to know more about COVID-19?
If you want to know more accurate and up-to-date medical information on this, you can visit the website of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) . It is also a good idea to pay attention to information released by institutions such as the Ministry of Health of Sri Lanka or the Directorate of Health Services in your area. Always use only reliable sources of information.
So, what are the take-home messages you need to remember from today's discussion?
COVID-19 is something to be a little more careful about during pregnancy. But there's no need to panic unnecessarily. The most important thing is to be informed and follow safe practices.
- Get the COVID-19 vaccine exactly as recommended. It provides great protection for both you and your baby.
- Make safety precautions a part of your daily life: Don't forget simple things like washing your hands thoroughly, wearing a mask where necessary, and minimizing social contact.
- If you have any symptoms that you think could be COVID-19, seek medical advice immediately without delay. Acting quickly can often prevent problems before they become serious.
- Talk openly with your doctor or midwife about any questions, fears, or doubts you may have. They are there to help you.
We wish you and your beloved baby a safe and healthy pregnancy!
` COVID-19, pregnant, pregnant woman, baby, virus, safety, vaccine, symptoms, delivery
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