This year has certainly been challenging and uncertain, testing our faith, resilience and human compassion.
With the addition of pregnancy hormones and pregnancy aches and pains, this may all be overwhelming for you and your family. You may not have your much awaited baby shower, gender reveal celebrations, babymoons (for the older generation like me, it means a holiday before the baby is born). But I can assure you, the moment your little one is here the overwhelming love and awe you will have is unimaginable. It evokes every sense of fulfilment and the journey will all have been worth it.
Here are a few tricks and tips to keep you and your precious cargo safe:
1. If you have any symptoms call your gynae immediately. A Covid-19 test will be ordered. Symptoms include a fever, headaches, muscle aches, cough, sore throat and breathlessness.
2. Wear a mask at all times.
3. When you arrive at the gynaecologist offices, call the rooms and wait in the car until it is your turn. Enter the consulting rooms when it is safe to do so.
4. Sanitise your hands before entering the rooms, after you touch any surfaces and on leaving.
5. Do not touch your nose, eyes or mouth with unwashed hands.
6. When coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue and discard tissue immediately.
7. Keep a safe 1m distance from the next person.
8. It is recommended you take the flu vaccine. Please discuss this with your gynae.
Risk to mum
Evidence suggests that pregnant women are at no greater risk of becoming seriously unwell if you develop coronavirus.
You are however at higher risk if you are:
• Older than 35
• Obese
• Pre-existing medical conditions like hypertension/diabetes
Risk to your unborn baby
As this is a new virus, we are just beginning to learn about it. Vertical transmission (in the womb) from you to the baby is rare, but possible. Current evidence suggests that even if baby develops coronavirus soon after birth, these babies are well and it has no impact on baby’s development. You can rest easy, your little one is safe in your belly.
I wish you the best on this journey!
By Dr Navashree Dhaver, obstetrician and gynaecologist – Umhlanga and St Augustines Hospital.
Admission rights at Life Health Care Facilities.