Pregnant women or recently pregnant women who are older, overweight, and have pre-existing medical conditions such as hypertension and diabetes seem to have an increased risk of developing severe COVID-19. When pregnant women develop severe disease, they also seem to more often require care in intensive care units than non-pregnant women of reproductive age.
Due to changes in their bodies and immune systems, we know that pregnant women can be badly affected by some respiratory infections. It is therefore important that they take precautions to protect themselves against COVID-19, and report possible symptoms (including fever, cough, or difficulty in breathing) to their healthcare provider. According to WHO, ensure you follow these guidelines during the pandemic to minimize your exposure:
Stay active
Maintain social distancing
Wash your hands regularly
Drink at least 2.5 Litres of water
Attend online antenatal classes
Monitor your baby's fetal movements
if you are concerned about your baby's movement, call your maternity unit right away
If you are low risk, you can do the latent phase of labour at home to reduce your exposure to the hospital
Call your maternity unit and go to the hospital if you experience any of the following :
If you have general concerns.
If your waters break before 37 weeks.
If your baby is not moving as much as usual in utero.
If your waters break and it is anything other than clear.
Flashing lights, shapes, or stars in your eyes or any other visual disturbances.
A persistent headache that does not go away with paracetamol or after drinking enough water and having a good rest.
As nursing mothers, please avoid visitors. Also please note, it is safe to breastfeed your baby as long as you observe all the safety precautions passed down from the WHO