Pregnant woman and covid-19

WHAT IS COVID-19?

COVID-19 is a new illness that affects the lungs and breathing. It is caused by a new coronavirus.

Symptoms include fever, cough, and trouble breathing. It also may cause stomach problems, such as nausea and diarrhea, and a loss of your sense of smell or taste.

Symptoms may appear 2 to 14 days after you are exposed to the virus.

PREGNANT WOMAN AND COVID-19

Current reports show that pregnant women do not have more severe symptoms than the general public.

Pregnant women to take the same steps as the general public to avoid coronavirus infection.

Research is limited but some pregnant women with COVID-19 have had preterm births.

WHAT SHOULD PREGNANT WOMEN DO?

Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

Cleaning hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if you can’t wash them (rub until your hands feel dry).

Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

Staying home as much as possible.

Staying at least 6 feet away from other people if you need to go out.

Avoiding people who are sick.

The virus spreads mainly from person-to-person contact.

Pregnant women should wear a cloth face covering when in public.

Eating healthy meals (see Nutrition During Pregnancy).

Exercising regularly (see Exercise During Pregnancy, though be mindful to stay at home or away from other people while exercising).

Get plenty of sleep.

Avoiding alcohol and drugs (see Tobacco, Alcohol, Drugs, and Pregnancy).

HOW TO MANAGE STRESS, ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION

Reaching out to friends and family during this time may help.

Phone calls, texts, and online chats are safe ways to stay connected.

There also are treatment and support resources you can access over the phone or online. Talk with your provider.

Physical activity also may help your mental health. And it may be useful to focus on your breathing each day, especially if you are feeling anxious. Breathe in for 4 seconds, hold for 7 seconds, and breathe out for 8 seconds. Repeat three times.

PREGNANCY AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Times of crisis can be very hard for people in abusive relationships.

Abuse at home is known as intimate partner violence or domestic violence. Abuse can get worse during pregnancy.

If you need help, call the 24-hour, toll-free National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-SAFE (7233) and 800-787-3224 (TTY).

You can text LOVEIS to 22522 or use the live chat option at www.thehotline.org.

PREGNANCY AND TRAVEL

Avoid travel at all if possible.

If you have to travel then use the precautions such as washing hands, social distancing, avoid touching surface and cover the face. See above for the details.

PREGNANCY AND COVID-19

If you have emergency warning signs, call 911 or go to the hospital right away.

Emergency warning signs include the following:

  • Having a hard time breathing or shortness of breath (more than what has been normal for you during pregnancy)
  • Ongoing pain or pressure in the chest
  • Sudden confusion
  • Being unable to respond to others
  • Blue lips or face

If you are diagnosed with COVID-19 then:

  • Stay home except to get medical care. Avoid public transportation.
  • Speak with your health care team over the phone before going to their office. Get medical care right away if you feel worse or think it’s an emergency.
  • Separate yourself from other people in your home.
  • Wear a face mask when you are around other people and when you go to get medical care.
  • Call your OB provider if needed.

NEWBORN AND COVID-19

How can you avoid passing COVID-19 to the baby:

Staying in a different room from your baby is the safest way to keep your newborn healthy.

Use expressed breast milk if possible.

If you and your family decide to keep your baby in the same room as you, keep a distance of at least 6 feet from your baby. When closer than 6 feet, wear a mask and make sure your hands are clean.

Wash your hands before touching your baby.

Wear a face mask while breastfeeding if possible.

Wash your hands before touching any breast pump or bottle parts and clean all pump and bottle parts after use.

If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment with our OB providers please give us a call 509-488-5256

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