If you are pregnant, you recently delivered a baby or you are breastfeeding, you’re probably concerned about the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on you and your baby. Here’s what you need to know.
Risks during pregnancy
The overall risk of COVID-19 to pregnant women is low. However, pregnancy increases the risk for severe illness and death with COVID-19. Pregnant women who have COVID-19 appear more likely to develop respiratory complications requiring intensive care than women who aren’t pregnant, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Pregnant women are also more likely to be placed on a ventilator.
In addition, pregnant women who are Black or Hispanic appear to be disproportionately affected by infection with the COVID-19 virus. Pregnant women who have underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes, also might be at even higher risk of severe illness due to COVID-19.
Some research suggests that pregnant women with COVID-19 are also more likely to have a premature birth and cesarean delivery, and their babies are more likely to be admitted to a neonatal unit.
Contact your health care provider right away if you have COVID-19 symptoms or if you’ve been exposed to someone with COVID-19. It’s recommended that you get tested for the COVID-19 virus. Call your health care provider ahead of time to tell him or her about your symptoms and possible exposure before going to your appointment.
If you have COVID-19 and are pregnant, your treatment will be aimed at relieving symptoms and may include getting plenty of fluids and rest, as well as using medication to reduce fever, relieve pain or lessen coughing. If you’re very ill, you may need to be treated in the hospital.
Impact on prenatal care
Community efforts to control the spread of the COVID-19 virus might affect your access to routine prenatal care. Talk to your health care provider about precautions that will be taken to protect you during appointments or whether virtual prenatal care is an option for you. Ask if there are any tools that might be helpful to have at home, such as a blood pressure monitor. To make the most of any virtual visits, prepare a list of questions ahead of time and take detailed notes. Also, consider researching your options for online childbirth classes.
If you have certain high-risk conditions during pregnancy, virtual visits might not be an option. Ask your health care provider about how your care might be affected.
Postpartum guidance
It’s recommended that postpartum care after childbirth be an ongoing process. Talk to your health care provider about virtual visit options for checking in after delivery, as well as your need for an office visit.
During this stressful time, you might have more anxiety about your health and the health of your family. Pay attention to your mental health. Reach out to family and friends for support while taking precautions to reduce your risk of infection with the COVID-19 virus.
If you experience severe mood swings, loss of appetite, overwhelming fatigue, and lack of joy in life shortly after childbirth, you might have postpartum depression. Contact your health care provider if you think you might be depressed, especially if your symptoms don’t fade on their own, you have trouble caring for your baby or completing daily tasks, or you have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby.
It is highly recommended that you do some research on which medical clinic you choose. Because there are a lot of clinics here in the Philippines, it can be overwhelming to choose which one can fit your need the best. The medical cost of these things should also be taken into consideration when choosing.
A much recommended medical clinic that offers all of this at an affordable price is Kaiser Medical Center! Kaiser Medical Center is based here in the Philippines and they offer different packages and services catered to your preference. Get treated with your medical needs in a happy and safe environment! Schedule an appointment today!
