Pregnancy & Coronavirus

[Niffler1988]

Hi ladies,

Anyone else concerned about getting the coronavirus whilst pregnant?! I'm 11 weeks and so paranoid about getting it. There is barely any advice for pregnant mothers and I work in a college so I'm exposed to germs all the time! I just feel like the NHS aren't giving us any proper advice for expecting mothers and it has me so worried. Our immune systems are lowered and I'm so terrified of catching it, however as there's no advice, I can't just stop coming to work.

Please tell me I'm not the only one worrying about this? I've taken to carrying around my hand sanitiser everywhere I go...obviously using soap and water where possible.

@billyandemily that's dreadful. If you had a cold weeks ago you should be fine? Can you try speak to someone else of contact PALS? It sounds like you need to be seen. I'm so sorry for you going through this.

@Viletta yes I saw that too. Heartbreaking they've been separated but sounds like both are ok for now.

It would be good if they could produce some clearer terms for pregnant women and what to expect now with all the guidelines and changes. Understand the research about the impact of CV on the mums and babies but more things like what happens if we have symptoms when we give birth, scans, apps etc. I would feel happier knowing what the plan is. Will be asking my MW even though it's a long way off for me.

Just had an email with the latest information. Tells all about when to attend apps or not

https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/guidelines-research-services/guidelines/coronavirus-pregnancy/?utmsource=Royal%20College%20of%20Obstetricians%20and%20Gynaecologists&utmmmedium=email&utmcampaign=113986611Coronavirus%20guidance%20-%20%232%20%7C%20March%202020%20%7C%20Public%2FSeedlist&utmcontent=%3E%20Guidance&dmm_i=15N0,6SB9H,1JD0RK,R5HVF,1

I am 37 with IVF pregnancy, 16+4, and have been off teaching for the past week. I'm in Ireland and our Unis, schools creches have been closed, and I don't think it will be long until the pubs are closed given some warnings last night from our health minister (he posted a video to twitter of loads of people in a pub hugging and singing Sweet Caroline!). I don't know the full story but it's very hard to see why Boris Johnson isn't taking similar action. I think it's very hard to be reassured about outcomes at the moment because all of the studies are so small. I have so much admiration for everyone working on the frontlines. Here, pregnant women who work in hospitals are, as far as I know, allowed to go on leave. I was allowed to go on leave about 5 days before school was officially closed. I'm not sure exactly what herd immunity is, but we are told to stay home, stay a metre or two away from people - on the streets, on transport and in shops. I'm hoping that the UK and Northern Ireland will take the same measures, as vulnerable people are not just elderly, and our elderly people are our people, our wisdom, our histories and our loved ones. Sorry, hope I don't sound preachy! Hoping for all of us that the right decisions are being made and that our babies will be born safely. Also that there might be a push in the UK to close schools and allow pregnant women the choices they need to make for themselves. Mx

i'm 31 weeks pregnant. asthmatic and have anxiety. i feel crap. can i start mat leave today? my in laws who look after my DD once a week are self isolating and will no longer see/ visit people to protect them selves.

how do i tell my manager / work place to commence mat leave.

@facevalue you can start maternity 12 weeks before your due date. Only thing is -if you can may be worth holding out as presuming once schools stop people might all be put on lock down and so you would be paid for longer? What job do you do?

@mouse thanks for your reply. my dd is in nursery and i work in COVID 19 +ve confirmed environment.

i have no family at all and my husband has no family except his over 70 parents. so if i become ill or have to deliver early - we have no one.

@facevalue I think it's best to discuss your concerns with your employer. Hopefully they'll come up with a plan.

Hi all, can I have your opinion on the following topics (both DH and I wfh now as our offices are closed till further notice)

1. We were planning a friendly meeting of about 9 girls at a friends house this Saturday. A friend who is 12w pregnant cancelled as her midwife suggested to socially distance herself. No one there knows I am 11w, bit is it indeed unreasonable to go? Surely if people are sick or have been in contact they would not go... also if I cancel I need to go by anyway to drop a cake. MIL thinks I shouldn't see anyone..
2. I got really panicky about missed miscarriage as booked a private scan for tomorrow and GP wants to see me on Wednesday about my thrush that I developed due to progesterone pessaries. DH thinks I should avoid medical establishments at all cost. Apart of 12w scan next week as we want a screening.

What do you think? Is it unreasonable to go to appointments and friends gathering or would you avoid?

@Viletta

1. I wouldn't go to gathering

1. GPs only really need too see you face to face if they have to examine you, if not it's telephone consultation. I would see if they can speak to you by phone instead of you attending
2. I would go to 12w scan and be careful to wash hands and reduce contact etc. An above poster posted a link to the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists advice re: attending appointments which is really useful.

Just my opinion! Best of luck at your scan x

@6000choccybiccies thank you! Yes GP wants the nurse to take a swan test and asked if I travelled recently or have any symptoms before booking me in. I decided not to go to the social gathering.

@6000choccybiccies swan test- not swan test 🙈

Swab.... gees autocorrect!

I think most GPs surgeries are now doing video calls and are very quiet. Maybe call them and see what they say but you definitely need to still go to MW and scan apps.

www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1701216320302747
New paper on the topic