The United Nations estimates that 360,000 babies are born each day. That is a staggering number of pregnant women dealing not only with the strains of carrying a baby, but during one of the most trying times in our recent history.
Plenty of health organizations continue to study the potential risk for both mother and baby. Pregnancy-specific data is limited, says a recent report by the March of Dimes, and there are still some unknowns such as whether or not pregnant women have a higher chance of contracting the disease compared to the rest of the general population and how ill they can get. There is, however, a belief that the risk of getting very sick from COVID-19 is higher for those pregnant.
- What complications can be expected for mother and baby if COVID is diagnosed?
- Are babies at risk of contracting COVID?
- What to do if mom with COVID goes into labor?
- How to care for mom with COVID after childbirth?
- Can a new mom breastfeed if diagnosed with COVID?
Until these questions are answered, pregnant moms need to follow the same guidelines as everyone else:
- Practice social distancing. Stay at home. Keep 6 feet away and remember that those without symptoms can spread the virus.
- Stay at home if sick and avoid contact with those who show symptoms.
- Cough or sneeze into a tissue or into your arm. Throw used tissues away immediately. Do not touch eyes, nose or mouth.
- Wash hands with soap and water before touching anyone. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Use enough hand sanitizer so that it takes at least 20 seconds for hands to dry.
- Clean and disinfect objects you touch regularly and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- When around others, wear a cloth face cover to protect nose and mouth.
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