Pregnancy is an exciting time for any expecting mother; it’s exhilarating to know you’re carrying a (or several!) life in your belly. But it can also be a time that causes stress, anxiety, and worry. Your hormones are all over the place, you feel like screaming, crying, and laughing all at the same time, all a part of the process of bringing a child into the world; after all, you were expecting a bumpy ride.

But no one ever said anything about having to deal with a pandemic during your pregnancy !

Not only are you having to cope with the ‘normal’ worries that come with being pregnant, but you also need to wash your hands every 5 seconds, you can’t see friends or family, and going to the shops has become a near impossible ordeal. And most importantly you’re concerned about your baby’s health and wellbeing. If you’re pregnant and feel like you’re at breaking point, given the current COVID-19 pandemic, the following advice may help alleviate some of your concerns and give you guidance on how to best look after yourself and the baby during this period.

Follow the News, But Set Limits

Covid-19 is the news item of 2020. Not surprising, considering it’s the most dangerous pandemic the world has faced since the Spanish flu pandemic in 1918. But while it’s important to know what the current official government guidelines are and what safety measures you need to follow, we don’t recommend watching the news 24/7.

Watching the news incessantly will only exacerbate any stress you may be feeling. It’s even got a name, Headline Stress Disorder. You get a sense of overwhelming powerlessness and your heart sinks every time you hear about yet another death.

The best way to cope with this is by setting fixed limits on how much news you consume per day. Instead of keeping your finger on the pulse, watch single news clip at the end of the day, for example. Instead of following Facebook for recent developments, pick up an old fashioned newspaper (or get the digital version). You’ll get a far more balanced delivery of the current state of affairs.

Avoid Fake News, Stick to Official (Health) Sources

When it comes to your health, stick to official sources. Your baby is too precious to put in the hands of Facebook advice, memes, and fake news spread via social media and alike. No, gargling with salt water or disinfectant will not kill the virus. If you can hold your breath for 10 seconds, congratulations. But it does not kill the virus. If you’re thinking that you’re too internet-savvy to fall for fake news, think again. Even those of you who have grown up with an iPad out of the cradle, it’s easy to fall for false advice. There’s so much of it, especially with this pandemic, and many look very official. Here’s how you can avoid these traps:

● Question the source. Where did you find the information? Have you seen proper references that you can verify? Fraudsters will often add impressive taglines, such as ‘a doctor from London says…” or “Oxford research reveals…”. If you can’t fact check it, it’s probably fake.

● Fake social media accounts. Fake accounts will often look exactly like the real thing, except the handle or account name will differ by one or two characters. Look for the blue check and ensure it’s the official one.

● Does it ask you to share? Fake news wants to get around. If the news item is a little too eager about you hitting that forward button, consider whether it’s real.

● Follow official health websites. Stick to official sites, such as the CDC, World Health Organization, and the Department of Health. Look for your state and local health websites that will give you concrete information and advice for your local area/suburb which is more secure than random Facebook accounts.

Priorities Your Social Connections

You’re probably tired of hearing about Zoom, right? But even though it’s inferior to meeting people in real life, it’s important to keep social contact near the top of your priority list. This is particularly important if you have a tendency to feel lonely, or if you’re starting to feel you and your partner are getting on each other’s nerves. It’s entirely normal to feel some cabin fever, try and alleviate this by doing the following:

● Host a film festival. Remember going to the movies? This may be the next best thing, at least during lockdown. Netflix is truly delivering during this time, launching the appropriately named Netflix Party. Grab yourself a glass of fake bubbly and enjoy a film with your friends!

● Stick to a schedule. Remember how you used to meet your best friend for coffee every Friday? Keep doing that! Arrange a Zoom call with friends or family at a fixed time every week. That way you both have something to look forward to, and you’ll have social contact guaranteed at least a few times per week.

● Think about joining an online course. If you have the energy, an online course with an interactive element may also be an option. Discuss topics you’re passionate about, learn from others, and continue your education despite Covid-19!

● Talk to friends who are pregnant or have been through it. They will know your worries, your stress. Your partner will likely offer support, but it’s not the same as getting feedback from someone who has lived it !

Priorities Your Health and Wellbeing

Anxiety during pregnancy can be combated by ensuring you stay fit, healthy, and just a little bit selfish so that you can focus on you. These tips will not only ensure you feel better, but it will help with the pregnancy as well:

● Do exercise. Even if it’s a short walk around the block, try and do a little bit of exercise every day. Being active is good for the mind and body, and going outside will replenish your vitamin D levels.

● Say no to caffeine. You’re exhausted all the time, the only thing getting you through is that daily dose of coffee, but it’s not necessarily good for you. If you can cut out (most) caffeine out of your diet, you’ll feel better long-term.

● Focus on a healthy diet. Lockdown has done wonders for pizza joints and delivery places. But if you’re pregnant, it’s best to stick to home cooked meals with plenty of veggies.

● Get your rest. Sleep and rest are two very important components of a healthy pregnancy and a content mother. Be selfish; ensure you get plenty of snooze time!

● Talk to your doctor/midwife. Don’t avoid calling medical professionals because you think you’ll take resources away from Covid-19. That’s for them to decide, not you. If you are concerned, get in touch. Stick to your regular appointments and share how you are feeling with health workers.

Remember, We Will Get Through This!

If there’s one thing we can say about humans, it’s that we’re resilient beings. Covid-19 may leave you exasperated; worried about the world you’re going to bring your child into. But it will pass.
Covid-19 will be a memory at some point in the future. Social distancing rules will be relaxed, infection numbers will go down, and scientists will come up with treatments and/or a vaccine. Focus on the future.

Remember that we’re in it together, and that we will get through this. Your baby will be surrounded by love and family. And that’s more than enough, even in the midst of a pandemic.

Useful Resources:

https://www.health.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0039/949683/c-covid-preg.pdf
https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/coronavirus-covid-19-and-pregnancy
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/covid-19/communities-of-practice/Pages/guide-pregnant-women-and-new-parents.aspx