Towards the end of June, this year, over a million women in the US will give birth to nearly a million babies. And, naturally, with the current Coronavirus crisis, there is an unprecedented strain among the pregnant ladies. Especially among those in their third trimester, having to deliver in the times of a pandemic. Hence, in such circumstances, when it is hard to find reliable information, reproductive fertility treatment centers across the nation are stepping up.
All of these centers are preparing to fight the virus spread while also responding to the most basic queries. Fertility clinic Arizona are closely monitoring all developments and adhering to recommendations from the World Health Organisation (WHO), Centre of Disease Control (CDC) and the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM).
We understand that moms-to-be may be in a state of confusion about what to do and what to avoid. Hence, the established information discussed ahead will help you continue your fertility journey successfully.
What Are the Risks Involved?
Be it the COVID-19 or other viruses that cause respiratory infections such as influenza; women have had a higher risk of developing the illness. So, logically, it is important that pregnant women protect themselves.
As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, contracting coronavirus while pregnant could make you more vulnerable to respiratory problems like pneumonia. The reason is that in pregnancy, the heart rate is high, and the lung capacity is weak, which affects the immune system. Hence, there may be a higher risk of miscarriage and premature delivery. That said, there are no reports of maternal deaths due to COVID-19, so far, including the reproductive fertility treatment center.
Can Coronavirus Affect Your Baby in The Womb?
In this case, there is good news. The virus is not found in amniotic fluid, placenta tissue, breast milk, or cord blood. This means that there are no possibilities of ‘vertical transmission’ – you won’t be passing the infection to your fetus.
However, a report from the UK verifies the presence of coronavirus in a new-born. This indicates that babies get infected in the same way as adults, which means through the respiratory droplets, including presumably from an infected mom.
How to Protect Yourself in Pregnancy?
Fertility clinics in Arizona highly recommend strengthening your immune system as much as possible. This will help you keep away from any situation that may lead you to a higher risk of being infected.
Besides, we also suggest that pregnant women take a flu vaccine. As per fertility specialists, it is of utmost importance for pregnant women to do everything possible to maximize their immune system. The flu vaccine is safe to take during pregnancy and also while breastfeeding. And the good news is, the immunity passes to the baby as well.
Take Advantage of Telemedicine
You know that staying away from the crowd and maintaining social distancing is key in protecting yourself from COVID-19. The Reproductive fertility treatment center and other hospitals are advising mom-to-be women to adopt a virtual option connecting with doctors.
So, here are some points that you can help you out:
Participate in reputed prenatal care and childbirth classes posted on YouTube, Skype, and Zoom.
Keep all the digital versions of your health report, including photos.
Consult your doctor by phone or video conferencing through a computer.
Create a home pharmacy for yourself, which has essential equipment such as blood pressure machines, urine test strips. Ask your doctor about what equipment you need to keep handy.
Talk to your health provider frequently to stay updated.
Fertility clinics in Arizona are reinventing their healthcare environment in real-time to ensure that pregnant ladies stay safe. Chandler-based MomDoc physicians across the Phoenix region are offering virtual healthcare to moms-to-be. Recently, a new telemedicine service has been launched by MomDoc, with 16 offices across the region. Take advantage of it while staying at home – and protect yourself.