Testing protocols and whether you should be tested currently depend on where you live. Talk to your doctor.

The WHO recommends that pregnant women with Coronavirus symptoms do take priority.

We still do not know if a pregnant woman with the Coronavirus can pass it on to her foetus or baby during pregnancy. To date, the virus has not been found in samples of amniotic fluid. Please talk to your doctor if you have any other question related to the health of your baby.

Also, don’t believe in everything you read or hear. Social media is a hotpot for unfiltered, false information. Make sure you choose reliable sources, because fake news is widespread and can have a detrimental effect on your mental and physical health. Trusted sources are the WHO recommendations and the guidelines issued by your local health authorities about pregnancy and the Coronavirus, so check them on a regular basis. And in case of doubt, talk to your doctor to get proper medical advice.

All pregnant women, including those with the Coronavirus, have the right to the best care before childbirth. If you’re diagnosed with or are suspected of having the Coronavirus, everyone around you, including healthcare professionals, should take the appropriate precautions to reduce risks of infection. These include hand hygiene and the use of protective clothing like gloves, gowns and medical masks. 

Talk to your doctor. The WHO says that Caesarean sections should only be performed when they are medically justified.

How you give birth is ultimately your choice. You should choose it based on your personal preferences and your doctor’s recommendations.

As a proud mother-to-be, you may be excited about showing your growing tummy to family and friends. But due to social distancing this is not the time for face-to-face meetings. So how about Facetime? We’re lucky to live in an era of Skype, Zoom and Google Hangouts that make it easy to communicate with friends and family or share your stories with other pregnant mums in forums. So, for the moment stay in touch online.

As tempting as it may be, keep your personal distance, even with relatives. Do not shake hands, hug or let anyone touch your tummy or pick up your child during this time. All of this means ‘contact’ and will increase the risk of you or your baby getting the Coronavirus.

And if you’re worried about hurting their feelings, remind them of social distancing and how it protects your and your baby’s health, as well as their own.

Mindfulness is about paying attention to your feelings, your body and what is around you. It is also defined as “being in the moment”. It helps protect you from the anxiety caused by all the unpredictability and inability to control what’s going on.

Please make time for relaxing your pregnant body, mind, and soul. That will help you keep the stress levels low and support your immune system and health.

If you’d like to know more there are plenty of mindfulness apps out there.

It’s normal to feel anxious and even slightly depressed during pregnancy. There are lots of hormones flying around inside your body at this time. Add in the fear of catching the Coronavirus and it’s only normal to feel worried.

If you feel overly anxious, don’t be afraid to seek professional psychological and medical support, particularly when you are in self-confinement away from your loved ones.

What else can you do to relieve your stress? Deep breathing from time to time. Or sharing your worries with loved ones. Basically, don’t keep it inside.

Philosopher Immanuel Kant said human beings have been given “three things to balance the odds of life: hope, sleep, and laughter.” Keep this in mind and try to make all three of them part of your daily life.