While pregnancy can be a stressful experience at times, the pandemic has introduced a new set of challenges to expectant couples and their families. Covid-19 has amplified the stress levels among to-be-parents due to the fear of spreading the infection to the fetus, be it teratogenicity or mother-to-baby transmission. While the possibility of spreading the infection is extremely low as per evidence, couples stress about it due to many unknown facts about Covid-19.
Many expecting mothers are anxious about catching the infection and transmitting it to their newborns. Couples are extremely concerned about keeping their babies safe during infancy due to the pandemic. Social isolation and restrictions to stay indoors have resulted in an increase in anxiety and depression among to-be-mothers. An increase in stress levels can put pregnant women at higher risk of pre-eclampsia,( a state of hypertension in pregnancy), or having a pre-term birth or low birth weight baby and suppress the immune system.
To clear all your doubts regarding covid-19 and pregnancy, you can consult the best gynecologist in Mangalore at Manipal Hospital.
During a pandemic, the routine pregnancy check-ups and hospital visits for couples have drastically changed. The number of antenatal visits has been reduced, and to-be-mothers are advised to avail video consultations with their doctors. Pregnant women in labour are restricted to walking within the Labour Delivery and Recovery Room (LDR), with only 1 person being allowed to support the woman in labour. It’s even more challenging when the partner is coming from another state or city and they are not allowed to be the birth companion due to the risk of potential exposure to laboring women and their newborns if they are in the quarantine period. Additionally, if a pregnant woman turns out to be Covid positive, she faces isolation from family members which can be very stressful to handle.
Suggested a few steps for expecting mothers to reduce stress during current times:
- Ensure frequent and open communication and share all the fears and concerns with your doctor who can address them in a scientific manner.
- It is essential to stay connected and seek all the support from friends and family during pregnancy. Use social media forums and virtual platforms.
- Adopt a healthy lifestyle routine with a good diet plan and regular exercises like gardening, household chores, and online prenatal classes. Doing meditation daily helps to reduce stress levels.
- Immerse in relaxation activities like book reading, listening to music, pursuing a hobby, and adopt mindfulness techniques as this helps in staying calm and joyful.
It is necessary to consult a doctor if you are going through postnatal depression. You can visit Manipal Hospital for postnatal treatment in Mangalore.
Here are a few suggestions and facts that pregnant women and new mothers who turn Covid positive need to know:
- If one is Covid positive, attempt to get the facts right from the treating doctor. Most of the patients are asymptomatic, or mildly symptomatic with a possibility of complete recovery.
- Self-isolation is for at least 10 days. During this time, ensure vitamin supplements (Vitamin D, Vitamin C, and Zinc) are taken as per the advice of the consulting doctor.
- There is no evidence to suggest an increased risk of miscarriage and mother-to-child transmission of covid infection is extremely rare.
- There is no major difference in the mode of delivery (with exceptions in a few cases), breastfeeding practices and the new mom and baby can stay together. However, certain precautions have to be taken. It is important to discuss these issues with the treating obstetrician to allay the fears and anxiety.
- Keep oneself physically active, hydrated, and well-nourished and take adequate rest to beat the stress and recover from Covid.
- During the isolation period, it is essential to focus on more positive moments throughout the day and stay occupied with activities.
‘Most healthcare facilities are taking all precautionary measures for the safety of the patients. Manipal Hospital is one of the best maternity hospital in Mangalore where patients are assured of utmost care and safety. The hospital is dedicated to allaying the fears of every patient about Covid, and provide complete support during labor and post-delivery.’
Dr. Vidyashri Kamath C
Consultant Obstetrician, Gynecologist, and Laparoscopic Surgeon
Manipal Hospital Mangalore
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