We are living through a very challenging time of the coronavirus pandemic, but while it has affected all kinds of people, no one is probably more stressed about their health than pregnant women. The effect of COVID-19 on pregnancy is still in its early research stages, but here is how you can lower your risk of getting infected with the coronavirus.
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1. Follow the usual precautions
Ever since the pandemic started, medical professionals have been saying that the most effective way to prevent the coronavirus is to exercise several simple precautionary measures. You probably already know them well, but let’s take another look at what you need to do:
Read more: Five Signs That Show You Might Have A Weak Immune System
- Stay away from people in public who display visible signs of respiratory infections and try to maintain at least 1.5 meters between you and other people even if they are not visibly ill.
- Wash your hands with water and soap for at least 20 seconds every time you come home from the street, touch anything that has been outside lately, or have contact with people who don’t live in the same household as you.
- When water and soap are not available, use an alcohol-based sanitizer to clean your hands between washing sessions.
- Wear a face mask in the street, markets, shops, and other public location, but only visit them when absolutely necessary.
- Use a clean paper tissue to touch door and transportation handles and other objects that can potentially be touched by thousands of other people during the day. Discard the tissue immediately afterwards.
- Avoid touching your face unless it’s a necessity and you have clean hands. Touching your eyes, ears, nose, and mouth, as well as the area around them, exposes you to the risk of getting infected.
2. Work from home
Even though many countries are now starting to lift lockdowns and millions of people are returning to their jobs, it is still advised that pregnant women continue working from home. Obviously, it’s not always possible and there are numerous jobs that can be done remotely, so if you have a job that requires your presence in the office or other public spaces, make sure to exercise the same precautionary measures we discussed earlier.
3. Avoid public transportation
This is one more safety measure that is not always doable but can greatly lower your risk of contracting the coronavirus. Public transportation is used by dozens of people at a time who sit or stand very close to each other, so when one person sneezes, all other passengers are exposed to COVID-19. Ask the people you know to give you a lift, use taxi services or carpooling options, but always remember to wear your face mask.
Read more: How To Make A Face Mask For Prevention Of Coronavirus
4. Regularly check in with your doctor
Regular check-ups are essential for a healthy pregnancy, and this is even more true in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. Your doctor must make sure everything is going smoothly and you and the baby are doing well at every stage of the pregnancy. There is also a chance your doctor may do online check-ups to make it possible for you to avoid regular visits to crowded hospitals, so make sure to ask if it’s possible.
5. Take care of yourself
Pregnant women are always advised to remain stress-free and happy for the duration of their pregnancies, but it’s not always easy when millions of people are suffering from the coronavirus. However, your and your baby’s health should be your top priority and you need to do everything you can to ensure a normal course of the pregnancy even in these uncertain times. It means getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, drinking plenty of water, and keeping a positive outlook to prevent your baby from being harmed by the stress.
Read more: 14 Foods To Avoid Eating During Pregnancy
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