Early Pregnancy Concerns in the Age of the Coronavirus

June 4, 2020

Finding out you’re pregnant during this season of the cornonavirus can be extra stressful. A trip to the grocery, or even a medical appointment, can seem downright life-threatening as the number of infected people with the coronavirus increases in our region. Add the fact that many pregnant women are uninsured and without easy access to healthcare, and you have a recipe for worry and anxiety.

The good news is that if you are uninsured or unsure about your pregnancy, you can receive official proof of pregnancy (free) from Options for Women. Proof of pregnancy is necessary in order to apply for Medicaid before you can see a provider or can help you in your decision-making process.

Options has adopted a new policy to accommodate recent Covid-19 health restrictions that will allow us to operate during these troubling times. Just call our office to make an appointment, and our nurse or appointment scheduler will tell you all you need to know before your verification appointment.

We understand that If you’ve just found out that you are pregnant during the thick of the pandemic, finding prenatal care is a priority.

Our goal is to get you connected to a healthcare provider as soon as possible. We know that you have deep concerns about your pregnancy especially now in the early stages when there is so much uncertainty. The fact is that there is yet, little known about the pathology of the coronavirus. According to a recent NY Times article, there is no current data on Covid-19 and first-trimester pregnancy. What is known is that pregnancy alters the immune system so it is best not to take any chances and limit your exposure as much as possible to anyone who is sick in general.

How can you keep yourself safe from the coronavirus?

The CDC and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommend pregnant women follow these guidelines:

• Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Try not to touch your face, nose, eyes, and mouth
• Use hand sanitizer if you can’t wash with soap and water
• Keep your distance (at least 6 feet)
• Stay home
• Avoid people who are sick
• Wear a cloth mask when out in public
• Talk to family and friends online or on the phone to feel less isolated
• Talk to someone if you feel sad or overly anxious, preferably your doc
• Take a break from social media and news outlets in order to stay positive
• Get your sleep
• Eat healthy and exercise reasonably

The most important thing is not to panic but know that if you take precautions, access prenatal care, follow your doctor’s instructions and keep yourself positive, you will be doing everything you can to have a healthy pregnancy.

Now more than ever, you are not alone.

Sources:

https://www.acog.org/patient-resources/faqs/pregnancy/coronavirus-pregnancy-and-breastfeeding#What%20should%20pregnant%20women%20do%20to%20avoid%20the%20coronavirus

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/pregnancy-breastfeeding.html