COVID is a big threat to everyone, but it is an especially large threat to pregnant women, or to women who have recently given birth. This is mainly because a woman’s body goes through many changes at such a time and so the immunity powers are lower. This makes the women more vulnerable to severe COVID-related complications that can even become fatal. However, there are many ways in which COVID can be controlled, and even prevented, during pregnancy. Read on to know more.
COVID and pregnancy – the risk
There are some serious risks associated with COVID infections in pregnant women. A pregnant woman with COVID can develop very severe respiratory problems. Also, the fever can spike very quickly and cause the various organs of the body to malfunction. This happens because the immune system of a pregnant woman is less powerful at this time, so the body cannot correctly fight the infections and manage the situation.
Ways to protect yourself
If you are pregnant, you need to be very careful and keep yourself COVID-free. To do this, follow these tips:
- Stay isolated –
Stay at home as much as possible and avoid meeting anyone, except the immediate family members you share your home with. - Wear a mask –
Never step out without your mask. Even if you go for a stroll on the terrace, keep the mask on. - Sanitise – Constantly sanitize your hands with an alcohol rub. Also regularly sanitize the surfaces you come in contact with and sanitize every product that enters your home.
- Avoid touching –
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Also, avoid making skin contact with other people. Refrain from handshakes, etc and stay safe.
These are some of the most effective ways in which a pregnant woman can stay away from COVID.
COVID testing during pregnancy
If you are pregnant and start showing the symptoms of COVID, get a test done on priority. If detected in the early stages, your chance of recovery is much higher. It would be better to get a home testing done, as visiting a clinic with many people around is not the safest option. If however, home testing is not possible, follow all the possible precautions and get yourself tested at the earliest.
COVID treatment for pregnant women
As a pregnant woman, your COVID treatment may vary from the regular treatment procedure. This is why you need to consult with your doctor and start the treatment right away. Follow what the doctor says and you should be able to recover soon. It is likely that the doctor will admit you to the hospital if you are very close to your due date and may even perform an emergency c-section to protect your child. There, however, is no evidence yet that a COVID positive mother passes on the virus to an unborn child. Even, the virus is not present in breastmilk, so you can feed your newborn. Just ensure you have a mask on and sanitize your hands frequently when handling your newborn.
