COVID-19 and other ailments can pose risks for everyone, especially pregnant women. Here’s how to stay healthy while pregnant during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
- Keep Your Prenatal Appointments. Your doctor knows your current condition, health risks and can provide the best recommendations for you. They may be able to take care of prescriptions and other needs by phone or video chat.
- Have a 30-day supply of your medicines.
- Routine vaccine are an important part of protecting your health. Take to your doctors about flu shots
- In case this outbreak disrupts your normal healthcare, keep your medical records easily accessible.
- In case of emergency, call 911 or go to your local emergency department. If you are not driving, call the emergency department on the way to explain that you are pregnant and have an emergency. They should have an infection prevention plan to protect you from getting COVID-19 if you need emergency care. Do not delay getting emergency care because of COVID-19.
Follow these general tips for staying healthy during this COVID-19 pandemic and to avoid sickness any time:
- Know the symptoms of COVID-19 and the differences between it, flu and a common cold. You want to avoid fever.
- Effective hand washing is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your family from getting sick and spreading germs.
- Practice the 6-foot social distancing rule. Viruses spread through contact with other people and COVID-19 spreads through respiratory droplets – think sneezes and coughs.
- Carry gloves and sanitizing wipes. That way if you do have to leave the house, you can clean before/after you touch a surface or come in contact with someone.
- Thorough home cleaning. You’re probably doing a great job cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces and objects, but don’t forget the light switches, microwave and refrigerator handles. Even baseboards can harbor germs when you have small children. The Centers for Disease Control has good information if you want to know more about how to clean and disinfect.
- Have a 30-day supply of your medicines.
Being cooped up gets old after a while so break things up:
- The benefits of exercise. Exercise will help your mood, improve your sleep and help generate more energy for all the cleaning you’re doing. Check our guidelines so you don’t overdo it. Not sure how? Try an online yoga, dance or light weights exercise video.
- Enjoy nature. Fresh air and sunshine actually help your body metabolize key nutrients like Vitamin D.
- Develop your birthing plan. This helps you think through numerous choices and communicates your preferences to your medical team – such as how to manage labor pain and if you want umbilical cord blood collected.
- Cook new nutritious recipes. Safe Catch has delicious recipes featuring salmon and tuna. Check out their ahi tuna nachos and crispy pan-fried salmon tacos.
- Reading engaging stories and watching uplifting movies can brighten your mood. Just avoid being a couch potato. Try Nightfoods’ Nighttime Ice Cream when the CraveMonster hits. Nightfood has eight fabulous flavors and a pregnancy-friendly nutritional profile. You can easily order online and they will ship it to you free. Just use promo code PREGNANT.
- Video chat with friends and family. There’s nothing like smiling face to face with those you love to lift your spirits.
Join the American Pregnancy Association in our social media channels and share your favorite fun quarantine activities.
