For mothers who are expecting, there is the worry of visiting the hospital. A routine check-up is challenging. Then there is the wonder of how and why isolate yourself at a time like this. However, mothers-to-be seem to be taking all precautionary measures to ensure they remain safe and healthy. While information regarding the impact of COVID-19 on pregnancy is limited, doctors say that due to the changing immune system during pregnancy, women need to take extra precautions to avoid infection. The challenges in the process are never ending. For instance, at 7 months pregnant, Karishma Kaul from Pune is super excited to welcome her first child. She says that pregnancy during the pandemic has been stressful and that every doctor’s visit at the hospital has been distressing. With restrictions on travel, she is stuck and is not allowed to travel to her parents’ place and the worries don’t end here.
Pregnancy challenges in COVID-19 times
Once the baby is born, the new parents are confronted with a series of problems. Some of these are:
Delivering a baby for the first time can be a surreal experience and with social distancing norms in place, family members or relatives are not allowed. This can be overwhelming for a new mother.The struggle to not be able to hold or kiss the baby immediately after being warn as doctors’ advice an incubation period to ensure the newly born is sound and safe.Since the pandemic has led to the shutting of malls and shopping complexes, parents to be are not equipped to take care of the baby. The E-commerce portal has now started delivering but due to a slag in manufacturing industry, there is a strong demand-supply problemTaking the new life to the hospital for a check-up is a thought that scares the most. Since hospitals are taking care of the positive patients, mothers are scared to take their child for a routine check-up.
Also Read: TOP 5 PREGNANCY PRODUCTS EVERY NEW MOM NEEDS
Precautions Pregnant Women Need To Take In COVID-19
Prenatal health care is not to be ignored at any cost. If you have a slightest doubt that you are pregnant, it is best to start with Folate and a multi-vitamins, including Iron and Calcium,Now that you will be eating for two, it is suggested to follow a balanced diet. Although, it is not the time to follow a diet, it is essential to control the eating spree as the growing baby needs only an additional 300 calories. Follow a a well-balanced diet that incorporates the dietary guidelines including lean meats, fruits, vegetables, whole-grain breads and low-fat dairy product.It’s the time to increase your fluid intake as the blood volume increases dramatically during pregnancy. Drinking enough water also helps in preventing common problems such as dehydration and constipationThe U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends low-intensity workout for half an hour every day. Exercising regularly not only ensures that you don’t get gain weight but also paves way for easy and smooth delivery. Just check with your doctor, and then pick a workout regime.Getting enough sleep during pregnancy not only helps you relax but also allows the body to concentrate on the growth and development of the child. Lying on your side with your knees bent is likely to be the most comfortable position as your pregnancy progresses.Do not indulge in alcohol, caffeine, and do not smoke. There is enough evidence online to prove the harmful effects of the aforementioned. They not only cause potential damage to your health but to also of the growing baby in your womb.
From the first week till the fortieth, it is crucial to follow a healthy lifestyle for the well-being of you and your baby. Want to discuss more about pregnancy in the times of COVID-19? Share your feelings and experiences of pregnancy in COVID-19. We will be happy to help.
