Are you pregnant during the pandemic and concerned about staying healthy throughout your pregnancy? Here are a few tips.
1. If you have an emergency related to your pregnancy do not delay emergency care due to COVID-19.
- You may be afraid to enter an emergency room with such high volumes of COVID-19, but did you know that emergency departments have protocols in place to protect pregnant people if you need care.
2. Get Recommended vaccines by your healthcare provider.
- Vaccines can help protect you and your baby during pregnancy.
- At this time, health care providers and the CDC recommend the Flu Shot and Whooping Cough Vaccine during pregnancy (CDC,2020).
3. It is crucial to keep all your healthcare appointments during and after pregnancy.
- Visit your healthcare provider for all pre- and postnatal recommended appointments.
- If you are concerned about your safety, talk to your healthcare provider about measures being taken to protect pregnant people from sick patients.
- Talk to your healthcare provider about the best and safest place to deliver your baby.
4. If possible, keep at least a 30-day supply of non-prescription and prescription medicine at home
- Keeping a 30-day supply of medicine will help limit trips outside, trips to the pharmacist, and help prevent exposure to COVID-19.
- Talk to your health insurance representative and pharmacist about getting an extra supply of medicine before purchasing.
5. Always wear a mask in public
- If you must go out in public, be sure to wear a mask and practice social distancing, keeping your distance six feet away from others.
During the harsh reality of the Pandemic, being pregnant can put you at a higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19 and death compared to non-pregnant people. If you are pregnant with Covid-19 you may also be at an increased risk of preterm birth (CDC, 2020). Use these tips above to stay healthy during your pregnancy, and please share with other expectant individuals.
Source—CDC (2020). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/pregnancy-breastfeeding.html