Under ‘normal’ circumstances, pregnancy can be quite a challenging period, and most women can expect some level of anxiety throughout their nine months’ gestation. Issues such as finance, the baby’s health, finding a good daycare after maternity leave is over, and even stretch marks, etc – are things that commonly affect pregnant women.
During the pandemic, things these worries may or may not be relevant, but as most pregnant women (and new moms) can testify right now, there are new challenges to face, and they can get a tad overwhelming for some. Here, we offer you some simple yet effective advice, or for some, reminders, on how to tackle some of the most common issues pregnant women are facing during the pandemic.
Will my baby be alright?
It is perfectly normal to worry about the health of your baby, and during a pandemic, it stands to reason that a pregnant mom has cause to overthink this issue due to the current situation out there. The Covid-19 virus, after all, is still very much alive and people are still getting infected everyday. To this, we advise pregnant moms to take appropriate measures to keep themselves safe and away from danger as much as they can. It may not be as simple as that, for many have errands to take care of which require them to brave the outdoors, such as grocery shopping and doctor’s appointments.
Both these examples can have disastrous outcomes if a pregnant mom does not take it upon herself to keep herself safe by sanitising her hands whenever needed, keeping a safe distance from other people, and of course, donning a good facemask for the entire duration of being outdoors. These are the basic steps no pregnant mom can afford to overlook to keep herself and her unborn baby safe from harm. Apart from that, it would be a great, or even life-saving idea to stay away from crowded places, especially if it is a place where you think it would be difficult to observe the recommended SOP of keeping a distance of a meter away from each person. There is no way of telling who is a carrier of the virus, or even if anyone out there whom you met is sick and does not know it. Hence, the best way for you to keep yourself and your baby safe is to do what’s right – no compromising! How to ensure your baby is healthy is, of course, a whole other story, which brings us to our next trip.
How can I take care of my baby’s health?
Now, more than ever, it is essential to stay well and avoid falling sick. Pregnancy can affect the immunity of some pregnant women, and jeopardize their wellbeing. This will, of course, affect the unborn baby at some level. It will be a great idea to try and stay healthy and strong throughout your pregnancy, so as to not put your wellbeing at risk, and just as importantly, keep your baby safe and healthy. Our most important tip is to nourish your system and flood it with nutrient-dense foods. Vegetables and fruits should be prioritised followed by healthy carbohydrates and of course, good quality protein. Try taking a green smoothie each day, made from at least two types of green leafy vegetable, one cruciferous vegetable, and one each of red, blue, yellow, orange, purple and white fruit or veg. Choose fruits that are your favourite, for they will help sweeten up your smoothie and taper off the taste of chlorophyll from the leafy greens! Don’t forget to also add a dash of curcumin powder, a few peppercorns, and last but not least, some flaxseed. Add the appropriate amount of water (or any other liquid such as green tea, soy, etc), blend and drink it through the course of the morning. Your body may never get the chance to fall ill, and that’s not a bad thing at all, isn’t it? What’s even better is, that your baby will get accustomed to the taste of these good foods and will be more likely to lean toward them later on in his or her life!
Resist trying to control everything in your life
Here is where we tend to place unnecessary stress on our lives- by trying to micromanage the goings-on not just in our own lives, but in others as well, such as our hubby, family members, co-workers, etc. Most people are quite sensitive to the needs of a pregnant woman and will have no issues making a few exceptions in their own lives to accommodate the needs of a lady with a baby. However, this has a limit, and it is easy to overstep that boundary if you’re not careful enough, or if you’re too caught up with your own needs and wants.
Get enough sleep
Not getting enough sleep is bad enough if you’re not pregnant, but when you are, it can get extremely detrimental to your health! If you’re going to put yourself first in any area of your life, let this be it – get the appropriate amount of rest no matter what, no matter where. A well-rested body is better able to cope with the rigours of everyday stress, especially if you are pregnant and working, or if you are pregnant and are having to look after an older child or two, coupled with housework. Lack of sleep can easily lead to frustration and confusion due to exhaustion, so don’t underestimate a good night’s snooze – your body and your mood will thank you for it!
Stay well-hydrated all the time
Water, smoothie, juices, soups – as long as you’re getting the good stuff free from sugar, artificial flavourings, colourings, preservatives, etc, you can be sure to be on the right track to wellness throughout your pregnancy. Your body and your baby need to stay hydrated to be healthy and well. A well-functioning body will have a much better chance of fighting off an infection, compared to a dehydrated one. You’ll also be less prone to headaches as well as joint aches. Staying well-hydrated, especially if it’s by drinking eight glasses or more of water a day, will also keep constipation at bay, and that is something each and every pregnant mom would appreciate, very much!
Keep your doctor in the know
Having a good doctor-patient relationship with your doctor is a great way to feel just a little more confident about your wellbeing, for you can always give him or her a buzz to inquire on anything that is bugging you, in terms of your pregnancy, or your baby’s wellness. This will definitely help eliminate some stress while being pregnant during this era of a worldwide pandemic. You can also ask your doctor for tips on how to stay healthy and safe throughout your pregnancy, as well as recommendations for good quality supplements that will help protect your pregnancy from within.
