Getting Covid is scary enough, but what happens when pregnant mothers get Covid? They have a higher risk of the virus causing severe symptoms. It’s common to wonder about the relationship between Covid and pregnancy.
In this article, we’ll explain precautions pregnant mothers can take, the risks of Covid during pregnancy, what to do if pregnant mothers contract the virus, and more.
How to Avoid Covid During Pregnancy
If you’re pregnant, it’s best to follow the same policies and precautions as the general population. Using these guidelines, pregnant women can help reduce the risk of contracting Covid. Hopefully, when you take preventative measures, you’ll go through the whole pregnancy without any incidents.
- Wash your hands frequently, using soap and warm water. Scrub your hands for 20 seconds or more.
- Don’t touch your face, eyes, mouth, or nose.
- Stay away from crowded areas as much as possible to avoid exposure.
- Utilize social distance (stay at least six feet away from others).
- Follow mask requirements.
- Sanitize surfaces that are frequently touched.
- Avoid traveling unless it’s absolutely critical.
Working with a healthcare provider is best. And that’s especially true if you’re pregnant with Covid. So, how do you go about treating Covid symptoms? We’ll go into more detail before, but here are a few pointers.
Treating this virus involves getting plenty of rest, staying hydrated, and taking medication to manage symptoms. When you work with a healthcare provider, they can help monitor you for severe side effects like pneumonia or respiratory issues.
What Are the Risks of Covid During Pregnancy?
Next, we’ll discuss a few possible risks of getting Covid during a pregnancy. Keep in mind that Covid is still a relatively new virus, and we only have a set amount of information and reports. We can look at research that’s available now and continue to stay updated as more comes out.
Let’s take a look at what the National Institutes of Health has to say about it. According to their research, pregnant people are at a higher risk of complications from Covid. What complications, exactly?
Well, they may be more likely to experience respiratory failure or other severe symptoms. Plus, some evidence shows that preterm births are more likely in pregnant people with Covid.
Ready for some good new? It’s unlikely for a fetus to be infected through the placenta. It’s very rare that newborns are born with Covid, and in the few cases of this circumstance, it’s unclear when the newborns contracted Covid.
Stress and anxiety due to Covid may also affect pregnant people at a higher rate. Both pregnancy and Covid increase the risk of blood clots, so pregnant people with Covid may receive medication to lower the risk of developing blood clots.
How to Avoid Contracting Covid
If you’re pregnant, you may feel worried or anxious about Covid. However, many preventative steps can help ensure your safety. Below is a list of our top tips for avoiding Covid.
- Avoid large groups and people who have tested positive for Covid.
- Get vaccinated to reduce your chances of contracting Covid or getting severe symptoms.
- Take measures to reduce your stress levels.
- Use a mask if you must enter crowded locations (like when you’re shopping for groceries or maternity dresses at Target.)
- Use social distancing.
- If you contract Covid, work with a healthcare provider to manage your symptoms and avoid others.
- Remember that most people (even newborns) recover from Covid without complications.
What Can You Do if You Think You Have Covid?
Have you spent time with someone who discovered they had Covid? Are you feeling Covid symptoms? If you think you have the virus, follow a few steps. First, consider an at-home test. It’s best to quarantine yourself until you test negative.
Even if you have Covid, try not to feel too stressed. Follow the safety tips listed above: wash your hands frequently, avoid people, etc. Most pregnant people only have mild symptoms. If you’ve had the vaccine, you should not experience severe symptoms. There’s still more research to be done on this virus, but pregnant people with Covid generally survive.
Tips for a Healthy Pregnancy
Pregnant patients often feel some level of anxiety about their pregnancies and Covid. There’s still much uncertainty about the combination, but with proper healthcare, you and the baby are likely to be fine. Consider the following tips to stay as healthy as possible during your pregnancy.
How to Stay Healthy During a Pregnancy:
- Receive all vaccines available to help prevent illnesses. There’s no evidence that the Covid vaccines pose a threat to pregnant people or fetuses or decrease fertility levels.
- Maintain exceptional hygiene. Wash your hands with soap and water frequently.
- Stay away from sick people.
- Avoid travel.
- Get adequate sleep, eat healthy foods, and exercise regularly to keep your immune system healthy.
When you follow the tips in this article, and with the support of a trusted healthcare provider, you’re likely to have a safe and healthy pregnancy.
