“What should I do if I have a COVID infection during pregnancy?”
I am 4 months pregnant and was diagnosed with a COVID infection. What should I do if I have a COVID infection during pregnancy?
2 Answers
Here are some general guidelines for managing a COVID-19 infection during pregnancy:
1. Contact your healthcare provider: Inform them about your positive COVID-19 test result and follow their advice regarding specific measures to take.
2. Self-isolate: Stay home and avoid contact with others to prevent spreading the virus. If possible, isolate yourself in a separate room and use a separate bathroom if available.
3. Monitor symptoms closely: Keep an eye on any changes in your symptoms and seek medical attention if they worsen or become concerning.
4. Follow healthcare provider's instructions: Your healthcare provider may recommend certain medications or treatments based on your individual situation. It's important to follow their guidance.
5. Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating or touching your face. Use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if soap is unavailable.
6. Wear a mask: When you need to be around others, wear a face mask that covers both your nose and mouth to reduce the risk of transmission.
7. Stay hydrated and rest: Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated, get enough rest, and prioritize self-care during this time.
8. Seek emotional support: Dealing with COVID-19 during pregnancy can be stressful. Reach out to loved ones, friends, or professionals for emotional support.
It's crucial to consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice relevant to your specific case as they will consider factors such as the stage of pregnancy and any underlying health conditions you may have.
1. Contact your healthcare provider: Inform them about your positive COVID-19 test result and follow their advice regarding specific measures to take.
2. Self-isolate: Stay home and avoid contact with others to prevent spreading the virus. If possible, isolate yourself in a separate room and use a separate bathroom if available.
3. Monitor symptoms closely: Keep an eye on any changes in your symptoms and seek medical attention if they worsen or become concerning.
4. Follow healthcare provider's instructions: Your healthcare provider may recommend certain medications or treatments based on your individual situation. It's important to follow their guidance.
5. Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating or touching your face. Use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if soap is unavailable.
6. Wear a mask: When you need to be around others, wear a face mask that covers both your nose and mouth to reduce the risk of transmission.
7. Stay hydrated and rest: Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated, get enough rest, and prioritize self-care during this time.
8. Seek emotional support: Dealing with COVID-19 during pregnancy can be stressful. Reach out to loved ones, friends, or professionals for emotional support.
It's crucial to consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice relevant to your specific case as they will consider factors such as the stage of pregnancy and any underlying health conditions you may have.
The first thing is to contact your obstetrician and your family physician or primary care doctor. They will guide you through the appropriate treatments based on your symptoms. Any herbal medicines and supplements you're thinking of taking need to be run by your treating physician(s). Just like many other infectious diseases, pregnant and postpartum women are highly vulnerable and have statistically poorer outcomes. The most important protection against COVID-19 infection is vaccination so hopefully, you have gotten vaccinated and boosted.
Nicole Henry-Dindial, MD
Family Medicine - Summit Health
Clinical Professor- Dept of Family Medicine - Rutgers NJ Medical School
Volunteer Faculty - Overlook Family Medicine Residency Program
Secretary, Medical Society of NJ
NJ Alternate Delegate - American Medical Association
Work 908-232-5858
Cell 908-868-6493
Nicole Henry-Dindial, MD
Family Medicine - Summit Health
Clinical Professor- Dept of Family Medicine - Rutgers NJ Medical School
Volunteer Faculty - Overlook Family Medicine Residency Program
Secretary, Medical Society of NJ
NJ Alternate Delegate - American Medical Association
Work 908-232-5858
Cell 908-868-6493
