Pregnancy is the time when you practice a lot of caution and care for the little one nesting inside you. It is also the time when your immunity is compromised. Hence, it is said that pregnant women stand to be more at risk of falling sick to chronic infections and illnesses.
While the world is in a state of panic due to the Novel Coronavirus outbreak, it is natural for pregnant women to fear for their health. Some countries have also imposed necessary travel ban and restrictions for pregnant women travelling to countries affected by the outbreak. But, should you be worried about yours and your baby's health? Does Coronavirus pose a grave risk to your baby? We tell you.
What is happening?
Falling prey to illnesses are bad enough already, but when you are pregnant, they just become more cumbersome.
If you have been following the news, you would be aware that a deadly strain of viral, named, nCov-2019 (novel coronavirus) is affecting people. While the symptoms start as simple cold and flu, it can turn deadly in no time. According to experts, the family of viruses responsible for the current outbreak trigger pneumonia-like symptoms and require quarantine and treatment.
While scientists are still studying exactly how the virus spreads, there is no conclusive proof that coronavirus poses danger for you or the baby.
Scientists have also claimed that if you happen to catch the virus, the chances of infection transmission are fairly low. Till date, there aren't known respiratory viruses which can spread on to the fetus or cause birth-related complications as of now and it won't impact your baby, even if you do get the infection.
Hence, there is no real worry behind it for you to lose sleep. Still, avoiding all possible risk factors and being aware of the complications is a good preventive measure to practice.
What should you do then?
Since the symptoms are similar to a flu-like infection, it is always better to take extra precautions.
During pregnancy, your body goes through a sea of changes and not all of them are pleasant for you, it can be a little tough for the body to fight off infections. Practising good measures is a way to avoid risks and carry on a healthy pregnancy.
Good preventive measures for pregnant women are the same as with other healthy adults. If you suspect you are developing symptoms like high-grade fever, cold or flu, follow these measures:
-Regular hand washing is a must. According to newly released WHO guidelines, practising hygiene and rigorous handwash is more important than wearing masks to prevent infection and germ spread and stop the spread of other contagious diseases.
-If you feel unwell or suspect problems, do not step out. Staying at home and taking plenty of rest should be your priority.
-Drink ample of fluids, stay hydrated and make sure you are not missing out on any of your pre-natal supplements and drinks.
-Do not take medications on your own will. Certain medications can be harsh for the body during pregnancy. Keep your doctor in loop with every development.
-If your symptoms progress or worsen, consult a doctor at once.
-The chances of catching the Coronavirus are the highest for people who have visited Wuhan in the past 14 days and develop symptoms of flu. Otherwise, the risk of contracting the virus is low.
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