Here’s what you need to know and can
do
We’re currently
bearing witness to a grave moment that has caused the world to come to a
grinding halt. Every one of the globe’s citizens is crippled with shock, fear
and seem to be at a loss for ways to deal with the highly unprecedented
situation that we know as the Coronavirus pandemic.
Out of them,
pregnant women constitute a faction that has a reason to worry a bit more.
Coronavirus is a virus that causes the respiratory disease called COVID-19.
Another factor of this disease is that its infection is asymptomatic, meaning
that the symptoms don’t show even if there is a good chance that an individual
is carrying it. And pregnant women are not exempt from being exposed to the
threat either.
It’s
unsurprising that some women may feel like only yesterday their pregnancytest kit results from the pregnancy test at home displayed the good
news and now, in just a matter of 4 months, they’re confined in a state of
inflated stress when they’re to be found in the absolute opposite. However,
strict lockdown, social distancing and quarantine has impeded that possibility.
However, hope
isn’t lost. As every predicament has a silver lining of some sort, this crisis has
a glint of silver lining too that expecting women can find solace in. Let’s
cross that lining and find the essential facts that are important to know.
Also, ways in which to create a sanctum of peace, joy during this pandemonium.
Though pregnant women may face minor
symptoms that could be mild or moderate like cold, cough, shortness of breath
or other flu-like symptoms, it’s not true that they’re more susceptible to the
viral illness. Although the changes their immune system undergo may be
associated with more severe symptoms. This is more plausible towards the end of
pregnancy.
Sever symptoms like pneumonia and marked
hypoxia (a condition in which the body or a region of the body is deprived of
adequate oxygen supply at the tissue level) are major indicators in old people
who are tested positive for COVID-19.
These aforementioned symptoms could also
occur in pregnant women so it’s necessary to get prompt medical care. However,
according medical experts and their analysis, absolute risks are small.
As per the analysis of the Indian Council
Medical Research, there is a possibility of transmission of Coronavirus from a
pregnant woman to a newborn. However, the proportion of pregnancies affected by
the virus is still unknown. There are also scientific evidences that point out
that the transmission of the virus can happen even before the baby is born.
So, now the important details have been
dished, it’s time to share some ways in which women can quell their fear, tension
and keep themselves as well as their unborn babies healthy.
Let’s go over the basics once more because,
why not:
· Wash your hands (especially if
you just found out you’re pregnant with a best pregnancy test kit)
· Always wash any fruits, vegetables
and meat brought from the market before cooking and eating them
· Do not step out of the house
unless it’s a medical emergency
· Close your mouth while coughing
or sneezing
· If you’re sick, maintain
distance so that the germs don’t spread
Now, on to some other ways in which you can
take care of yourself:
Diet and fitness
Since many restaurant outlets are closed or
only have limited availability of your favourite dish, now’s the time to
experiment with healthy and clean eating. Oh, and do not forget to hydrate
yourself. Since your daily routine is on a hiatus, the day’s long stretch may
make you lethargic on keeping up with healthy habits like drinking water.
And because lockdown has also temporarily
severed your access to fitness centres and parks, try easy workouts at home,
provided in abundance by the internet. If you live in a residential building,
go down and take a few rounds around the building, for it’s good for blood
circulation. If you live in an individual housing plan, then walk up and down
on the side of the road outside, for 15-20 mins. You can couple this with some
yoga for a healthy breathing rhythm, flexibility and toned muscles.
Destress
By now, it’s strongly established that
stress in inevitable. So, take to some breathing exercises, keep your hands
busy with something as all the stress and restlessness will be directed there,
allowing your mind to declutter and your lungs to breathe.
Doctor’s Appointment and Medical Care
Pregnant women are still allowed to go to
appointments when it’s necessary. If you can’t make it to the appointment in
person, set up a virtual one. Having your doctors affirm that you’re on the
right track of healthy pregnancy is assuring. Also exchanging questions and
answers about other topics can give better clarity on how to go about being a
mama-to-be.
Times are tough. So, it’s essential to
focus on the positive to emerge out of this crisis as early and strong as we
can. Till, they stay safe and stay home.
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