pregnant women during covid-19

By Melanie Nunez

The increase of spread and impact of COVID-19 in the world lead many individuals to fear, anxiety, stress. This trend has been impacting pregnant women, especially, being at a higher risk of testing positive while being pregnant. They were concerned about being safe themselves and the fetus.

Alejandra Acevedo is a 23-year-old pregnant woman who is currently 5 months and states how she’s been taking extra precautions during her pregnancy. During these tough times, she says “ my family, friends, and husband have been the biggest suppurative system. Although it is not the same in person being around family and friends we get to facetime and text all the time to check up on each other. “ she fears of getting covid during her pregnancy and wants to be protected for her baby.

According to Mayoclinic.org by Mayo Clinic Staff, they suggested for pregnant women to keep a distance for 6 ft, wearing a cloth face mask in public/work, limiting contact with others as much as possible. Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

According to one of the studies, “ a report of 33 infants born to mothers with COVID-19 pneumonia showed that three newborns tested positive for the virus two days after birth, despite precautions taken to prevent infection.”

“ In another study of six infants who were born to mothers with mild symptoms of COVID-19, the newborns had no symptoms of COVID-19 and tested negative for it. But there was evidence that some of the infants' immune systems responded to COVID-19 before birth. Further research is needed to determine the impact of the virus on babies during pregnancy and after birth.”

The increase of spread and impact of COVID-19 in the world lead many individuals to fear, anxiety, stress. This trend has been impacting pregnant women, especially, being at a higher risk of testing positive while being pregnant. They were concerned about being safe themselves and the fetus.

Alejandra Acevedo is a 23-year-old pregnant woman who is currently 5 months and states how she’s been taking extra precautions during her pregnancy. During these tough times, she says “ my family, friends, and husband have been the biggest suppurative system. Although it is not the same in person being around family and friends we get to facetime and text all the time to check up on each other. “ she fears of getting covid during her pregnancy and wants to be protected for her baby.

According to Mayoclinic.org by Mayo Clinic Staff, they suggested for pregnant women to keep a distance for 6 ft, wearing a cloth face mask in public/work, limiting contact with others as much as possible. Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

According to one of the studies, “ a report of 33 infants born to mothers with COVID-19 pneumonia showed that three newborns tested positive for the virus two days after birth, despite precautions taken to prevent infection.”

“In another study of six infants who were born to mothers with mild symptoms of COVID-19, the newborns had no symptoms of COVID-19 and tested negative for it. But there was evidence that some of the infants' immune systems responded to COVID-19 before birth. Further research is needed to determine the impact of the virus on babies during pregnancy and after birth.”

Alejandra has been taking exact precautions during her 2nd pregnancy. She’s been mindful of taking care of herself for safety by reducing the time she goes outside from being near people to staying home with her toddler and limiting the amount of people that she comes into contact with.

This pandemic has affected her pregnancy in many ways especially not being able to attend her doctor check ups with her husband. “ I have to go to my appointments by myself and I can't be outside like before pre-covid. I was very active during my first pregnancy and would work out outdoors (walks, runs, exercise), but with this pregnancy I am secluded most of the time taking care of my toddler. “ says Alejandra.

Her plans for labor and delivery is still to give birth at the hospital knowing her husband will be the only one there. Alejandra will be mindful to still take major precautions after giving birth by keeping a distance from people and unfortunately not allow visitors at her house due to her not wanting to risk exposure to covid to herself and her family!