Since March 16th, pregnant women have been included in the group of vulnerable individuals during the coronavirus pandemic by the Chief Medical Officer.
While there is no evidence to suggest that pregnant women will become more seriously ill if they develop the virus, or that there is an increased risk of miscarriage, they are advised to reduce social contact through social-distancing measures.
But that advice has also left some women wondering what their next steps are, particularly in a state of lockdown with GP practises closing their doors to in-person appointments.
“It is a scary and uncertain time for women falling pregnant, but it’s important to remember that systems have been put in place to ensure you’ll still get the advice and support you need,” says Dr Aragona Giuseppe, GP and medical advisor at Prescription Doctor. “The current measures of social distancing and self-isolating may mean that many clinics, support groups and antenatal classes won’t be as readily available, but there will be many online support groups, classes and medical advice sites which will give you the information you need.”
“Antenatal check-ups and scans will continue, but clinical classes and advice services will be operating appointments through mediums such as video link or over the phone, as opposed to actual walk-in appointments, so you should still be able to access the advice you need.”
As well as ensuring that you stay up to date with NHS guidelines and government news regarding Covid-19, Dr Giuseppe adds that “it is imperative that you attend your routine antenatal appointments and scans, to ensure everything is going well with pregnancy.”
In terms of emotional support, it’ll be tough not being able to visit your parents or friends during this time, but it’s important to maintain a strong network of support. “I would advise you to pick up the phone as much as possible to speak to friends and those who will be able to offer advice and reassurance,” advises Dr Giuseppe. “Also, depending on the type of class and the organisation, there should be a whole host of virtual classes available which you can join in on from the comfort of your own home. This may be through social media or a live stream online.”
And most of all, take care of your mental health. ” Try not to overwhelm yourself with worry – these are certainly unprecedented times, but the care and support you need will still be available, just in virtual terms,” assures Dr Giuseppe. “In the meantime, try to look after yourself, eat well, drink plenty of fluids, adhere to the social distancing rules, make sure to get outside for fresh air as well as do some sort of low-impact exercise. There are plenty of online resources, and pregnancy books which should be deliverable. You may also want to try meditation, yoga or have regular evening baths to help calm any anxieties.”
