Breastmilk is the best for babies. The World Health Organisation recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life. Unnecessary introduction of bottle feeding or other food and drinks will have a negative impact on breastfeeding. After six months of age, infants should receive age-appropriate foods while breastfeeding continues for up to two years of age or beyond. Consult your doctor before deciding to use infant formula or if you have difficulty breastfeeding.
Pregnancy and Coronavirus
Being a pregnant mum already stirs up a lot of questions about the future. Throw Coronavirus into the mix and it makes things a little more uncertain. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), as of today, there is no evidence that pregnant women are at a higher risk of catching the Coronavirus than the general population.
Pregnant women who contact the virus are expected to have mild to moderate flu-like symptoms. Therefore, you still need to take the necessary precautions and consider that the changes in your body and immune systems can make your more prone to respiratory infections.
In the meantime, WHO continues to review and update its information and will give advice once more evidence becomes available. In any case, talk to your doctor to get proper medical advice on a regular basis.
I’m pregnant. How can I protect myself and my baby?
You should take the same precautions to avoid the Coronavirus as everyone else. Here are some rules that can help protect yourself and your baby:
- Wash your hands frequently with an alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
- Keep space between yourselves and others and avoid crowded spaces.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Practice respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.
If you have a fever, cough or difficulty breathing, seek medical care immediately. It’s also important that (affected by the Coronavirus or not) you continue your routine pregnancy appointments.
Should I be tested for Coronavirus?
The WHO recommends that pregnant women with Coronavirus symptoms do take priority. Talk to your doctor to check if you are showing symptoms.
Can the virus be passed on to my unborn baby?
We still do not know if a pregnant woman with the Coronavirus can pass it on to her foetus or baby during pregnancy. To date, the virus has not been found in samples of amniotic fluid. Please talk to your doctor if you have any other question related to the health of your baby.
How can I stay positive?
Try to stay away from social media, TV news, and negative people as much as possible. Turn to those who make you laugh and smile, TV shows or positive sources of news. Laughter and positive thinking support the immune system and all the little happiness hormones you release will also make your baby happy!
Also, don’t believe in everything you read or hear. Social media is a hotpot for unfiltered, false information. Make sure you choose reliable sources like the MOH website and local news sources, because fake news is spreading like a virus and it can have a detrimental effect on your mental and physical health. And in case of doubt, talk to your doctor to get proper medical advice.
What special care should I take during pregnancy?
All pregnant women, including those with Coronavirus, have the right to the utmost care before childbirth. If you’re diagnosed with or are suspected of having Coronavirus, everyone around you, including healthcare professionals, should take the appropriate precautions to reduce risks of infection - including hand hygiene and the use of protective clothing like gloves, gowns and medical masks.
I have the Coronavirus, do I have to give birth by caesarean?
Talk to your doctor. The WHO says that Caesarean sections should only be performed when they are medically justified.
How you give birth is ultimately your choice. You should choose it based on your personal preferences and your doctor’s recommendations.
I’m pregnant. Can I meet my relatives and friends?
We know that as a proud mother-to-be, you can’t wait to show your growing tummy to family and friends. But due to social distancing this is not the time for face-to-face meetings. So how about Facetime? We’re lucky to live in an era of Skype, Zoom and Google Hangouts that makes it easy to communicate with friends and family or share your stories with other pregnant mums in forums. So, for the moment stay in touch online, because we’re all in this together.
What if a relative wants to touch my tummy?
As tempting as it may be, keep your personal distance, even with relatives. Do not shake hands, hug or let anyone touch your tummy or pick up your child during this time. All of this means “contact” and will increase the risk of you or your baby getting the Coronavirus
And if you’re worried about hurting their feelings, remind them of social distancing and how it protects your and your baby’s health, as well as their own.
How can I improve my state of mind?
Mindfulness is about paying attention to your feelings, your body and what is around you. It is also defined as “being in the moment”. It helps protect you from the anxiety caused by all the unpredictability and inability to control what’s going on.
Please make time for relaxing your pregnant body, mind, and soul. That will help you keep the stress levels low and support your immune system and health.
If you’d like to know more there are plenty of mindfulness apps out there.
What if I need professional help?
It’s normal to feel anxious and even slightly depressed during pregnancy. There are lots of hormones flying around inside your body at this time. Add in the fear of catching the Coronavirus and it’s only normal to feel worried
If you feel overly anxious, don’t be afraid to seek professional psychological and medical support, particularly when you are in self-confinement away from your loved ones.
What else can you do to relieve your stress? Deep breathing from time to time. Or sharing your worries with loved ones. Basically, don’t keep it inside.
Philosopher Immanuel Kant said human beings have been given “three things to balance the odds of life: hope, sleep, and laughter.” Keep this in mind and try to make all 3 of them part of your daily life.
