The Covid-19 pandemic appeared to likely continue for at least several months. The numbers of infections continue to rise and expectant mothers are worried about how the disease could affect pregnancies and the health of their newborns – By Prudence Wanza.
Generally, pregnant women are usually at a higher risk for infection because pregnancy suppresses the immune system. Some illnesses can impact the health of the fetus, but the risks of Covid-19 are not yet clear.
Therefore the anxiety in pregnant women during this season is evident even though there no a conclusive prove on effects of Coronavirus in pregnant mothers.
Both UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his fiancee, Carrie Symonds had tested positive for Coronavirus but they are now recovered having tested negative twice.
Symonds however could not hide her anxiety about the impact of the disease on her pregnancy.
Unnecessary contact with people
In a tweet on April 4th, Symonds said: “Being pregnant with Covid-19 is obviously worrying. To other pregnant women please do read and follow the most up to date guidance which I have found to be reassuring.”
So just what should pregnant women do protect themselves and ensure they have a healthy pregnancy despite the current global challenges.
All pregnant women are currently advised to avoid unnecessary contact with people and going out of the house except in special circumstances especially to women on their third trimester(more than 28 weeks).
However there is no prove that pregnant women will be mere severely unwell than the rest of the population if they develop Coronavirus, most of them will experience mild or moderate cold or flu like symptoms.
According to Tommy’s pregnancy hub, it is considered to be unlikely for mother to who infected with the virus to cause problems in baby’s development.
Therefore pregnant women are advised to follow the set guidelines which includes; washing hands regularly with soap and water and staying home.
