New coronavirus leaves pregnant women with wrenching choices, but little data to guide them. Every pregnancy is a wonder, the act of carrying a life and growing it till delivery is beautiful. Getting pregnant is not as easy as it was in previous generations, maybe what is ingested and the polluted air coupled with contraceptives contributes to this phenomenon and labor and delivery amid covid-19 pandemic makes it more complicated.
As such, every actively sought-after positive pregnancy test brings delight. From that moment on, extreme care and caution is observed to ensure your utmost health and the baby’s is in tip top condition.
Ailments as simple as a common cold have been known to heighten in pregnant women although with early intervention it is always managed. It is vital to attend your assigned pre-natal doctor visits. They are important as anything amiss can be pin pointed.
With the emergence of Corona Virus-Covid-19, it has been a whole different ball game as it is a new respiratory virus affecting a large population of the world and has been classified as a pandemic. No known cure or vaccine has yet been discovered.
This does not bode well will the societal vulnerable, pregnant women are classified under this because of the immunological changes that heightens susceptibility to ailments. It is not all gloom and doom; the medical fraternity is working on a cure and have outlined ways to stay safe.
General Hygiene Tips
This applies to you and everyone around you during labor and delivery amid covid-19 pandemic. Whenever anyone gets back indoors, after handling money and deliveries there should be frequent sanitizing and hand washing for 20 seconds. It is also wise to get a change of clothing.
Any food supplies from the market or supermarket should be washed properly and rinsed off with a solution of water and vinegar. In cases of fruits, wash with soap then rinse off with the same solution. It is ideal to buy sealed packages of supplies.
Stay away from anyone showing signs of a cold. Whenever you have a cold be vigilant and contact your doctor at any rise in temperature. Direct your coughs into your elbow and or into a disposable tissue which then is immediately disposed.
Do not attend any social gathering and while you’re out of the house always ensure to keep the required social distancing parameters. For pre-natal hospital visits, it is recommended to carry out consultation over the phone and only go in for vital checks for both you and the baby.
Forgo public transportation as much as possible, cabs or Uber is safer. Motor bikes are not a safe option either. Always remember to wear a mask anytime you’re out in public, even while taking a stroll around your home area.
Maximizing on Final Preparations
Working from home has definitely been a positive for you as an expecting mom during this pandemic. You get to rest more while still putting in work hours boosting your mental health in not going stir crazy after having to make regular work place appearances.
Listen to soothing music and practice pre-natal yoga to calm labor anxieties while getting the required stretches and exercise you need. It also improves sleep which has always been elusive during the last weeks.
Stock up on food and household items as you will be grounded in the house for quite a while after delivering. Also get reliable help at this point especially when you have other children who need supervision.
In light of the 7pm curfew, you cannot truly tell what time labor will strike. Get a permit from your area chief and keep in handy your area OCS’s number. These are the people who will make your night hospital run accessible.
Assemble baby and your hospital needs and have the bag ready and set-out in an easy location near the door. Do not forget to pack sanitizers and baby wipes, there’s no harm in having yours handy even if the hospital will provide.
Work in Tandem with Your Doctor and Hospital
Make an advance visit to hospital and learn the layout and fill out forms that may take time during your admission. Discuss with your doctor on his/her availability and a referral in instances where they will not be available.
Choose a modern hospital with amenities such as an updated theatre in case of an emergency surgery, a functional and operational ambulance and the most important, a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). A hospital that has all these is a safe haven in the face of this pandemic.
Pre-eclampsia is a complication during the last trimester that you need to be on the look out for as it can be fatal for both you and the baby. Inform your doctor of any swelling on your legs and rapid body water retention. Your blood pressure will be taken and a test done to check for protein in your urine.
Most hospitals allow one person to accompany a pregnant woman in labor to act as a support system, some allow spouses in the delivery room and even theatres. Let the hospital know in advance and prepare your plus one for a safe labor and delivery amid covid-19 pandemic.
Fully Trust in God
“Therefore, I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”- Mark 11: 24
Children are blessings direct from God. Pregnancy is a time you will truly connect with a higher power. Reading up on the bible and bible literature should calm anxiety and the feeling of helplessness in not having full control over your own child’s birth.
There have not been cases of an infant being infected with Covid-19 through breastmilk. Breastfeed the baby as often and as much as possible to build their immune system from the antibodies present in breastmilk since all infants are born with low levels of antibodies.
After putting all these measures in place and dealing with competent doctors you will have done your part, the rest, God will handle. “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”- Philippians1:6