Lockdown, in response to the coronavirus, has been a new experience for us all, no matter who we are or how we handled it. All of us had to cancel plans, stay away from loved ones, significantly reduce our social lives, our transport, our outings and adopt better hygiene practices. It has been a worrying time for everyone, and especially so for anyone with underlying conditions, older people or people considered ‘at risk’. Since nothing was known of coronavirus, many groups of people had to be overly cautious, pregnant women included. With lockdown regulations easing, people might have been expected to feel more confident and at ease, but we are actually seeing the opposite. The public is nervous about returning to the new normal. So, we thought we’d talk about it!
It’s Normal to be Nervous
It’s important to acknowledge that mental health has been tested for everyone during lockdown. We are all naturally social beings and often prone to our habits and what is familiar. Therefore, reducing our social contact, actively isolating ourselves and completely changing our daily routines at the drop of a hat has done some damage to people’s mental health. Lots of people have suffered with anxiety and loneliness and may have picked up agoraphobic tendencies during this time. It’s normal to feel nervous and anxious, it is normal to be somewhat apprehensive about returning to everyday life and none of us are the same as we were. So, don’t give yourself a hard time for feeling whatever it is you feel!
Pregnant Women are Not More at Risk
During the pandemic, lots of scientists and medical professionals gave time and research to exploring the relationship between pregnancy and the virus. The findings were reassuring! Whilst it is true that pregnant women are more prone to infection generally, they are not more prone than anyone else when it comes to contracting coronavirus. For those that did experience the virus, they were also not more or less likely to experience symptoms. It looks like pregnancy made no discernible difference.
Babies are Not More at Risk
Research also suggested that babies do not seem to contact coronavirus vertically, in other words, whilst they are in the womb and from their mother. Babies who experienced coronavirus were most likely exposed to the virus after birth. With mothers being actively tested, along with medical staff, and lots of hygiene regulations in place, most countries were able to protect babies from the virus.
The Latest Advice for Pregnant Women
The government has suggested that everyone who has been previously shielding can come out of shielding in early July. It seems that people will be able to go about their days with some more normality and that’s a positive thing! Remember to go at your own pace, based on how you are feeling and still practice the following guidelines:
- Wash your hands regularly
- Avoid public transport and crowded areas
- Keep social visits outdoors
- Maintain a social distance of 2 metres apart
- Keep the home well-ventilated
If we are careful and slowly build our confidence, we can get back to normal in a healthy way! Well done on handling a pandemic during pregnancy, it’s an unusual circumstance but you’ve done brilliantly!
