Pregnancy and Quarantine

by Torrie Smith

Hey y’all. I am halfway through my pregnancy and I am finally feeling better.

But can I be honest with y’all? With everything going on in the world, I. Am. Scared. I fear the virus going around. Not only am I afraid I will get it, but I am more scared with how the guidelines affect my doctor appointments and, if this goes on long enough, my birth plan. This week I will have my BIG ultrasound. The one where we will see Magnolia in more detail. The one Michael and I have been waiting to share with our families, but now we don’t get to share this with them. Heck, I don’t even get to share this with Michael. As of right now, I can’t have anyone come with me to my doctor appointments and I am not okay.

In this time of uncertainty, I find the more informed I stay the better I feel. Unfortunately, since this virus is new, we don’t have a lot of information about how this virus affects pregnant women or their unborn child. What we do know, is that pregnant women are part of the immunocompromised demographic and therefore are more likely to get the virus. So, taking extra precautions to remain healthy during this time is the best way to keep you and your unborn child safe.

Here are my top tips for keeping you and your baby safe during this time.

Don’t go to the store. Send your spouse or another loved one to the store to get your supplies. According to a video put out by Conway Regional with one of their OBGYNs, she stated that it wasn’t worth the risk of pregnant women making the trip to the store. If you don’t have someone to go to the store for you, check into store pick or delivery for a nominal fee.

Use proper hygiene. You’ve heard this ONE MILLION times since this all started but it stands to be said again; practice good personal hygiene. Wash your hands frequently, use hand sanitizer when needed, disinfect surfaces, and DON’T touch your face. Now is the time to be overly cautious. 

Make sure you are eating healthy foods. It can be very easy to mindlessly eat unhealthy foods while we are stuck inside. But it is very important for you and your baby for you to continue to eat healthy foods and drink lots of water. It might be hard to keep fresh fruit and vegetables on hand when we are trying to go to the grocery store less frequently. Add frozen fruit and veggies to your shopping list or freeze your fresh fruit before it goes bad. Even canned fruits (canned in juice, not syrup) and vegetables (with no/low sodium) can be great options.

Get up and move. It’s easy to become sedentary when you are stuck at home, but it is so important to continue to keep moving. Do what it takes to get yourself up and going. My mom has been on my case about me getting up and moving. She claims it will make my labor easier but she isn’t a research expert, she just has three kids.

Make your baby registry. Now is a great time to work on your baby registry, especially if you are like me and have been putting it off. Find your mom tribe and ask them what the best things were and that they used most their baby registry. There are certain stores and websites that will give you free gifts when you use their registry.

Have a creative non-contact baby shower. We don’t know how long this social distancing is going to last, so we may have to get creative with our baby showers. Baby showers are an excellent way to prepare for your bundle of joy. Drive by baby showers or maybe a virtual baby shower could help you get the things you need for your baby.

Do something that makes you happy. We have a lot to be stressed and worried about right now. Take some time each day to do something that makes you happy. Take a nap, watch your favorite show, call a friend. Whatever it is that makes you happy, do it.

To all my pregnant readers out there, I hope you stay safe during this pandemic. To all my readers that know a pregnant lady, check on them, because we are not okay. These times are unprecedented and are uncertain and just know, I am here for you.

If you have some suggestions for my baby registry, please email them to me because I am at a loss! Stay safe everyone and continue to keep your distance.

For more COVID-19 information, checkout Extension's research based information at uaex.uada.edu/covid19.