In these weeks of confinement to protect ourselves from Covid-19, pregnant women must take care of themselves through exercise and healthy eating. These habits will keep them away from stress that can harm the little one in the womb. Dr. Santiago Córdova, Head of the Gynecology Area at the Metropolitan Hospital, tells us what pregnant women should do for adequate care and for everything to be under control until the baby is born.
The specialist comments that they hold meetings with other doctors every week using different technological communication platforms. This is done to know the latest updates regarding surgeries, cesarean deliveries that cannot wait at the Metropolitan Hospital. “With these meetings we also made decisions regarding the use of biosafety equipment for nurses and doctors, as well as for security personnel in this health home.” Communication is constant both nationally and internationally regarding Covid-19 and pregnancy.
What tests are necessary to undergo during pregnancy?
The woman should have a complete blood count, and sometimes an EMO, to rule out possible urinary tract infections that are common in some women during their pregnancy. In the first trimester, a screening ultrasound is performed, which is very important to know the development of the embryo.
At week 22 it is necessary to perform an anatomical echo to know how the embryo is doing. In week 28 we perform a test to find out how the glucose is and to prevent gestational diabetes. It is also very important to do TSH and T4 tests. During pregnancy, women should take multivitamins, folic acid and calcium.
What factor can affect the peace of mind of a pregnant woman?
Patients may experience anxiety about what Covid 19 means. A big problem regarding this global pandemic is the misinformation that sometimes appears on social networks. People believe everything they read. Doctors also enter into this fight to adequately inform patients so that they do not fall into unnecessary nervousness.
We always insist that social distancing must be respected and the instructions of the authorities must be followed, but without panicking.
Can a pregnant woman infect her baby if she has Covid-19?
Pregnant women do present a risk of contagion, like everyone else, and must take care of themselves. Despite this, vertical transmission of the virus has not been demonstrated; That is, a woman passes the virus to her baby through blood. There is no evidence that babies contaminated with Covid-19 have been born through the placenta.
On the other hand, there have been women who have given birth and been affected by the virus. Obviously, pregnant women should be more careful at this time, do frequent exams, avoid exposing themselves to contaminated areas, not stand in lines with people who are physically close, and not stay in closed areas without good ventilation.
What discomforts can occur during pregnancy?
Limited social contact can cause anxiety, anguish and insomnia in pregnant women. Many eat more than they should and this is how they become overweight. The best thing for them is to do scheduled exercise at home with the help of online platforms.
A body that exercises generates endorphins that give us a feeling of peace and pleasure; If we don't do physical activity, anxiety and bad moods are more likely to visit us.
How does the family help the pregnant woman?
It is necessary to support women to exercise and maintain balanced nutrition. You should consume vitamins, minerals and proteins, but avoid excess foods such as bread, potatoes, noodles, rice and sweets. Women should eat salads, vegetables, fruits and the proteins found in meat, milk and eggs.
If you support your family member to do 45 minutes of exercise daily, you are giving them a hand. With these practices, the immune system is not weakened. The woman who becomes depressed is easy prey for any virus, so she must always keep her system very strong.
What is the frequency of prenatal check-ups?
In the first 14 weeks, biweekly checks are done and in the last four weeks, before giving birth, weekly checks are done. In the intermediate period of pregnancy, a monthly check-up is sufficient.
From week 20 onwards, the patient feels her baby's 'kicks'. A few in the morning, others in the afternoon and also at night. The absence of kicks within 12 hours should be reported to the doctor immediately.
Dr. Santiago Córdova
HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT OF GYNECOLOGY
METROPOLITAN HOSPITAL
Patients
Doctors
