Pregnancy is a special time full of excitement and anticipation. But in a pandemic, additional anxiety due to the coronavirus is added to the fears of a pregnant woman.
In this article, you'll find answers to pregnancy questions about COVID-19, as well as expert advice on how to ensure a safe pregnancy during the pandemic — source: unicef.org.
1. I'm pregnant. Am I at higher risk from COVID-19?
Pregnant women do not seem to be at higher risk of contracting COVID-19. However, you are at higher risk of serious illness or of delivering your baby prematurely if you get COVID-19. That’s why it’s important you – and people around you – take precautions to protect against COVID-19. Seek medical care early if you experience COVID-19 symptoms.
2. What should I do to protect myself from COVID-19 while pregnant?
Pregnant women should take the same precautions to avoid COVID-19 infection as other people:
- Consider vaccination in consultation with your healthcare provider.
- Wear a mask where physical distancing from others is not possible.
- Keep a physical distance from others and avoid poorly ventilated or crowded spaces.
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub.
3. Can I get the COVID-19 vaccine if I’m pregnant?
Although there is little data on vaccination in pregnant women, there is increasing evidence for the safety of the vaccine during pregnancy. Therefore, you can get vaccinated if you are pregnant, after consulting with your healthcare provider.
4. Should I get the COVID-19 vaccine if I’m breastfeeding?
Yes. None of the current COVID-19 vaccines have live viruses in them, so there is no risk of you transmitting COVID-19 to your baby through your breastmilk from the vaccine. The antibodies that mothers have after vaccination may go through the breast milk and help protect their babies.
5. I plan to have a child. Can COVID-19 vaccines affect fertility?
No, you may have seen false claims on social media, but there is no evidence that any vaccine can affect fertility in women or men.
6. If I have COVID -19 will I pass it to my baby?
Transmission of the virus while your baby is in the womb or during birth is possible, but very rare. The best thing you can do is to take all necessary precautions to reduce the risks of passing the virus to the baby.
7. Is it safe to continue prenatal check-ups?
Many expectant mothers are fearful of going to appointments. But both, during pregnancy, and after your child is born, it is important to continue receiving professional support and guidance, including routine immunizations. Speak to your healthcare provider about the safest way to have these appointments for you and your baby.
8. Can my partner or family member be nearby when I give birth?
Policies in this question vary by country or maternity hospital, where you plan to give birth. But by the preliminary convention, it is allowed to have someone nearby to support you, as long as the proper precautions are taken.
9. I have COVID-19. Can I safely breastfeed my baby?
Yes. Transmission of active COVID-19 (the virus that can cause infection) through breast milk and breastfeeding has not been detected to date, so there is no reason to stop or avoid breastfeeding.
10. How to protect a newborn from the virus?
Try to limit contact with everyone except family. Although it’s a difficult time, try to see the positive side of having this time to bond as a family. Without the influx of visitors, you can focus better on spending time with your new baby.
Of course, the pandemic has made its adjustments to the standard pregnancy and childbirth plan, but it is important even at this time to remain calm and confident that everything will be fine and, of course, follow the safety rules.
When planning a pregnancy, HomeTest pregnancy and ovulation tests will be very useful at such a time. Ask at the pharmacies of your locality or order at home-test.com.ua.
