The concern of expectant mothers is understandable, and the burdens for pregnant women, their partners, and families are extreme.
I am pregnant during a pandemic
Due to the coronavirus crisis, I receive many inquiries from pregnant women every day about the coronavirus’s danger for pregnant women and the unborn child.
The concern of expectant mothers is understandable, and the burdens for pregnant women, their partners, and families are extreme.
The same general rules apply:
- “Social Distancing” regarding friends and the extended family circle
- Hygiene rules
- Staying away from public places and groups of people
- Wearing masks for your protection and that of others
- Reporting symptoms to your gynecologist or family doctor.
Typical symptoms of a coronavirus infection are sore throat, fever, rhinitis, flu-like symptoms, loss of smell and taste, aching limbs, diarrhea, and severe fatigue or exhaustion. Pregnant women should be tested if one or several of these symptoms occur. However, coronavirus tests cannot be carried out by all doctors, but only at certain places and not at all laboratories.
So far, there is no obligation to remove symptom-free pregnant women from the workplace or exempt them from Switzerland’s work. But it is recommended to do home office, if possible, to protect a pregnant woman from a corona infection. Pregnant women are generally susceptible to viral diseases such as the seasonal flu and have lower immunity, so it would be in an employer’s interest to protect pregnant women and their unborn children.
Here are some tips to prevent from contracting COVID-19:
Healthy lifestyle
Healthy lifestyle is the basis for an intact immune system:
- Sufficient sleep
- A balanced diet (fresh fruit and vegetables)
- Plenty of vitamin C in the form of citrus fruits or hot lemon juice with honey supports the immune system
- Exercise such as go for a walk (preferably outdoors)
- Ventilate the rooms often but only briefly (2-3 min), do not heat too warm (also helps the environment)
- Stress avoidance
Hand hygiene
Compliance with hygiene rules is the most important measure!
The coronavirus is transmitted by sneezing, coughing, and all kinds of droplet infection.
- Wear gloves in public transport to avoid infection at door handles, vending machines, etc.
- Door handles, computer keyboards, and cell phones are the most significant sources of bacteria and viruses.
- Disinfect your hands after using public automats/computers etc.
- Abstain from the usual welcoming ceremonies (no shaking hands, no kissing!)
- Wash your hands before you go to the toilet, and after you have been to the toilet.
- Wash your hands when you come home, to the office, or your workplace.
- Wash your hands before eating.
- Only touch your eyes with your hands if you have washed them before.
We hope we could answer some of your questions about the situation.
Please stay healthy and get through your pregnancy well.
Yours, Prof Breymann