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COVID-19: Am I at Risk During Pregnancy?

COVID-19: Am I at Risk During Pregnancy?
The COVID-19 pandemic has freaked out everyone around the world, especially pregnant women.
Though pregnancy is included in the list of clinically vulnerable conditions to COVID-19, there is no concrete evidence. Due to the evolving nature of the virus, researchers don’t have conclusive evidence yet. To be on the safer side, there are certain precautions that you could take. If you have a slight doubt or symptoms of Corona, you should immediately buy flowflex lateral flow test kit and check yourself with it. In this article, we will be discussing the risks, vulnerabilities, precautions, and a few other important things that pregnant women should know.

Are pregnant women more vulnerable than others?

Pregnant women don’t seem to be at more risk than others. In most cases, they only reported mild to moderate flu-like symptoms. However, one can’t just entirely rule out the possibility. If you are pregnant and your symptoms are getting worse, it might mean that your chest infection is getting severe, and hospitalization may be required. In this case, contact a hospital near you immediately. If you are in Coimbatore, you can look for various multispecialty hospitals in Coimbatore with world-class doctors who can give you precise advice.

Will an infected mother affect the baby’s health?

Prenatal transmission through pregnancy has been disproven. Even if the mother has tested positive, she is not likely to pass it on to the fetus during prenatal development.  Experts also state that it is unlikely for the unborn baby to have any developmental defects in the womb. But newborn babies are at risk soon after birth from the infected mother. As of now, there isn’t any new evidence that states otherwise.

Do I need special care during the first trimester?

A study was conducted on 427 pregnant women diagnosed with COVID-19. The majority of women who developed complications were in their third trimester of pregnancy. This doesn’t mean that women in their first few weeks of pregnancy can expect lesser risk. During prenatal development, you need to be extra cautious by avoiding crowded places, eating a healthy diet, and washing hands regularly. Consider booking virtual prenatal consultations instead of in-person visits to your gynecologist. Only visit the hospital or clinic for mandatory prenatal procedures like ultrasound, blood tests, and fetal testing. Request medical shops for door delivery. The most important thing is to not get stressed out, especially during the initial weeks. Relax your mind by taking long showers, meditating, or reading good books.

Breastfeeding and Coronavirus

The health benefits of breastfeeding your baby outweigh the risk of transmitting the coronavirus through breastmilk. The only possible risk is the close contact between you and your baby. It may cause a droplet infection that can spread to your baby. Wash your hands thoroughly before feeding or touching your baby, breast pump, or feeding bottles. It helps to wear a mask while you feed. Ask a family member to help feed the baby if you are using a breast pump. Sterilize the breast pump properly. Follow your doctor's advice religiously.

Baby Moon and Baby Showers during COVID-19

During pregnancy, social gatherings and travel must be avoided at all costs to reduce the spread of the virus. Consider holding a simple virtual baby shower for your friends and family. They can always ship their presents to you. Parenthood comes with a little sacrifice. Once the situation gets better, you can travel and introduce your baby to your friends and family. Take your doctor’s help if you expect a travel situation.

Diet Plans to Prevent COVID-19

When you eat a well-balanced diet during pregnancy, you will be healthier with stronger immune systems and there is a lower risk of developing complications. Giving birth also becomes simple when you are healthy. Here are some nutrition tips that doctors recommend:
  - Foods to include: Fresh and unprocessed foods such as vegetables, fruits, nuts, meat, unprocessed maize, millet, oats, wheat, and brown rice every day to obtain the vitamins, minerals, dietary fibre, protein, antioxidants and the nutrition that your body needs. Drink plenty of water.
  - Foods to avoid: Avoid sugary, fatty, and salty foods like pizzas, cakes, butter, etc as they may cause weight gain which can lead to high blood pressure and diabetic complications, especially during pregnancy.
  - Foods to limit: Limit your salt intake. Add less salty content to your food when you’re cooking. Switch to almond or soy milk instead of cow’s milk.

What to do if you have symptoms?

If you develop symptoms of the coronavirus during pregnancy, do not panic. Stay calm and contact your doctor. You may have to undergo a test. If tested positive, you will be kept in self-isolation. In most cases, pregnant women only show flu symptoms and recover shortly. There is less chance of developing prenatal complications that require hospitalization.

Wrapping it up,

New findings of the coronavirus are being updated every day, the risks and effects of the virus are not fully known as the virus keeps evolving. It’s better to be safe than sorry, especially during pregnancy. Always consult a doctor regularly till childbirth. Take precautions while stepping out or avoid it altogether. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional if you experience symptoms.

About the Author:

Ragaavi is a Content Writer and loves to blog about health-related articles particularly about health care. She enjoys learning and  She specializes in guest blogging, blog publishing, and social media. She is an avid reader and loves writing impeccable contents pertaining to health care.
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