COVID-19 & Pregnancy: When It Calls for A Trip to the Hospital–COVID-19 has affected everything we do, but can leave some detrimental damage to those who are pregnant. Learn more about the effects of the virus while pregnant right here on Newsymom!
This is Public Health is brought to you in partnership with the Tuscarawas County Health Department.
COVID-19 has altered everything we do: the way we live, work, play, and interact. For those who are currently carrying their babies, it’s even scarier to go about their day as more news on the virus hits the media everyday. We’re two years into the pandemic and still have a lot of “unknowns” when it comes to COVID-19.
Don’t fret! We have the knowledge accessible to us to take proper precautions so we can save our mommas currently carrying their littles. Let’s talk about what we do know so our moms and babies can have safe deliveries and live healthy lives.
What We Know
Pregnant mothers are much more likely to experience symptoms that will send them to the hospital.
Pregnancy causes so many changes to the body and your immune system. Contracting COVID-19 while pregnant seems to make illness more severe for moms, sending higher rates of moms to the hospital, admitting more in the ICU, and increasing the need for a ventilator. In those worst cases, moms aren’t able to be saved with treatment.
Getting vaccinated lowers your risk for severe complications, but prevention should still be your top priority regardless of your vaccination status.
Pregnant women are already at a higher risk of contracting the COVID-19 virus compared to the general population. While getting vaccinated lowers the risk of experiencing severe symptoms, prevention should still be your top priority!
When pregnant, continue to take the precautions to avoid contracting the virus:
- Avoid places where you’re confined in places with large groups of people (airplanes, events, stores, etc.)
- Wash or sanitize your hands frequently
- Avoid touching your face (wash your hands before and after when you need to)
- Wear a mask
- Regularly disinfect things you come into contact with (i.e. your phone/tablet/computer, door knobs, handles, light switches, etc.)
- Stay away from those you know who are sick
If you’re sick with symptoms, call your doctor right away.
Don’t go out UNLESS you’re experiencing life-threatening symptoms such as: struggling to breathe, high fever, or chest pain. If it’s urgent, head to the ER. If it’s mild, self-isolate, get lots of rest and fluids, and try to stay away from others to prevent getting them sick.
Prevention is the number one way we can fight back against the effects of COVID-19 on our community. To kickstart your prevention for contracting deadly symptoms of the virus, get your vaccination. The CDC recommends getting your COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy as soon as it’s available to you! To get yours, you can call the Tuscarawas County Health Department at (330) 343-5555 x. 100 to schedule your appointment.
The Tuscarawas County Health Department wants all moms to have healthy, happy babies. For vaccinations, women’s health, family planning, and more, visit them on their website https://www.tchdnow.org/ or follow them on Facebook @tchdnow.
Melissa Klatt
Reporting