Research-backed
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While testing positive for your pregnancy was good news, we’re sure that you didn’t feel the same delight when you saw the result of your COVID-19 test. Positive? The mere idea of being pregnant and infected can cause waves of anxiety to most. You being infected is one thing — but what about your baby? As mothers, we do all we can to protect our little ones. It can be a real letdown to know that your infection might pass on to your child as well. However, before you go on a guilt trip with your own assumptions, read on for some verified facts to ease your mind a little.
What The Experts Say
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Research about the virus and what it does is still at its nascent stage. One study conducted by JAMA Pediatrics went on to say that a COVID-19 positive pregnant mother transfers antibodies to the unborn baby through the placenta (1). This means that if you are infected when pregnant, your baby might be protected from the virus thanks to the antibodies passed on from you.
In another recently conducted study, a group of pregnant women in their third trimester was under observation. These women were tested positive for COVID-19. The researchers involved in this study found that the cord blood and the placenta had no sign of the virus. They concluded, as per their study, that there was no noticeable viral transmission to the baby (2).
Much more research is needed to conclude the exact impact the infection can have on your unborn baby.
What Do You Do If You’re Pregnant And Infected?
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The first thing you need to do if you’ve found out that you have tested positive for COVID-19 is to stay calm and not panic. It would be best if you keep the following things in mind as well:
- Prevention Is Better Than Cure
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If there’s one mantra that works best for the COVID-19 pandemic, it is this: prevention is better than cure. Time and again, we’ve been reminded of the most basic precautions that one must take. Wear your mask at all times if you are stepping out. Of late, it has been suggested that two masks should be used to protect yourself from contracting the virus. Wash your hands with soap and water every time you return home from the outdoors. Keep a hand sanitizer with you at all times and use it when need be.
- Isolate Yourself From The Rest Of Your Family
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If you have been tested positive, you must isolate yourself. This is to prevent you from infecting other family members. Make sure you keep a drinking glass or water bottle only for yourself, so others don’t accidentally drink from it.
- Take Only Prescribed Medicines
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The virus is not the only thing that is spreading — a lot of false information is too. You’re probably exposed to several sources that tell you what medication to take and what not to. The best thing to do is ignore what you’ve read or watched. Instead, consult your doctor. Talk to your gynecologist to confirm if the tablets you take can be consumed during pregnancy.
- Do Not Forget Your Vitamins
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Your immune system is the leading player in this fight against the virus. Boost your immune system with Vitamin C. You can either take natural supplements or incorporate foods that are rich in Vitamin C into your diet. Take your multivitamins as well. It is also beneficial to take zinc supplements. Check with your doctor before taking supplements as well.
- Eat Healthy, Stay Hydrated
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Eating healthy and staying hydrated during pregnancy is of utmost importance — more so if you’ve been infected with the virus. Make sure you are having a well-balanced meal. You’re not the only one that needs the nutrition; your unborn baby does too. Drink plenty of water, preferably eight to ten glasses a day.
It’s natural to get scared and anxious. Pregnancy is an overwhelming time, to begin with, and having to deal with a pandemic might seem all the more stressful. Just when you think that things can’t get worse, you’ve got the news that you’ve been tested positive. But do not worry. With the proper care at home, and if your symptoms are mild, you might not even need to go to the doctor. At this time, it is essential to prioritize your health — physical and mental. Have you found yourself in this situation lately? Please share your thoughts with us!
