What to do if you are pregnant during the times of Covid-19?

Team Udayavani, May 12, 2020, 12:37 PM IST

Covid-19 has given rise to a series of problems and complications, especially for those who are pregnant.

There is no evidence that pregnant women are at higher risk of contracting Covid-19. Women are anxious due to cancellation of weekly check-ups, increased risk of Covid-19 infection during hospital visits, and delay in life-saving procedure like caesarean sections due to shortage of staff and lack of infrastructure like operation theatres.

Some pregnant women with coronavirus have had problems, like premature birth, but it is not clear if the virus caused them. Also, it is not known if coronavirus can spread to babies during pregnancy or birth. The virus has not been found in amniotic fluid or breast milk, but some babies born to mothers with coronavirus have tested positive for the virus.

Pregnant women must protect themselves from coronavirus and other infections by:

Washing their hands well and often or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

Staying away from sick people.

Keep away from others as much as possible by staying home.

Clean and disinfect things that people touch a lot, like phones, doorknobs, and counters.

Also, once you deliver the baby

Keep your baby at home and away from others as much as possible.

At home, all caregivers should wash their hands before and after touching your baby.

Keep all surfaces clean.

If someone in your home is sick, take all recommended precautions and keep your baby away from anyone who is sick.