The COVID-19 pandemic has made life stressful and scary for all of us. However, some of us are more impacted by the effects of this illness than others.
The elderly, those with existing medical conditions, and pregnant women are especially worried about how it will affect their health. Moms-to-be have the added stress of wondering how it might affect their baby.
If you’re expecting, the last thing you should do is sit around all day watching the news, worrying about how this illness is affecting the world. Instead, try these tips that will help you get through the COVID-19 pandemic while reducing the impact it has on your mental health.
Be Familiar With the Risks
Although it is scary, it is important to be familiar with the risks COVID-19 poses for pregnant women. The good news is that “Early, limited data on COVID-19 does not indicate that pregnant women are any more or less likely to become infected by the virus.”Preliminary studies are showing that the transmission from mother to baby in utero is very unlikely, and there is no conclusive evidence that this virus causes miscarriage or birth defects.
Knowing this information can ease anxiety, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take precautions to prevent yourself from getting ill while you’re pregnant. You should still follow the guidelines for washing your hands and practicing social distancing, just to be safe.
Decorate the Nursery
COVID-19 has changed the way we all live our lives, especially if you or someone you love has lost their job or has been hospitalized. It’s hard not to think about the effects this virus is having on your family, your community, and humanity every minute of the day, but distracting yourself is important.
It’s not healthy or helpful to spend a lot of time worrying about things you can’t change. Instead, give yourself something fun and exciting to focus on by decorating the nursery so it’s ready for your baby when he or she arrives.
If you have extra time, you can think a little more carefully about your nursery décor. A few tips for decorating your little one’s room include:
- Make sure everything you need is within reach of the changing table.
- Avoid clutter that you might trip over during late-night feedings.
- Use nightlights so you can see the nursery easily at night.
- Choose fabrics and accessories that are easily washable.
Babyproof the House
A lot of work goes into babyproofing the house. It’s something many parents put off until after the baby is born, but before you know it, your little one will be crawling, and you’ll be panicking to plug every outlet.
While you’ve got the time, and while you could use the distraction, spend the time to babyproof your house before your little one arrives.
Focus on the living room, but don’t forget about the kitchen and the bathroom. If you get it all done before baby arrives, you won’t have to worry about getting it done after you get home from the hospital.
Start Stocking up on Essentials
This pandemic has made it difficult to come by normal household supplies. Many are struggling to find hand sanitizer and toilet paper, while other stores are all out of baby wipes. For your peace of mind, start stocking up on essentials before baby arrives so you aren’t worried about running out of diapers and wet wipes.
That might mean buying a pack of diapers or wipes every time you go to the grocery store, but you may also want to consider a diaper subscription service.
Sign up and you’ll get all the supplies you need for your baby delivered to your doorstep!
Find Effective Ways to Manage Stress
A little stress is normal during pregnancy while you experience common symptoms, like nausea and swollen feet.
However, when you combine normal pregnancy stresses with regular life stresses and the uncertainty that comes with COVID-19, things can get out of hand.
Stress can negatively affect your health and the health of your baby, so it’s important to find effective ways to manage your stress. A few ideas include:
- Listen to calming music
- Practice meditation techniques
- Do deep breathing exercises
- Read a book
- Take a warm bath or shower
- Speak to a therapist
Making it through your pregnancy can be difficult during the best of times. Combine normal pregnancy symptoms and stresses with that of COVID-19 and stress levels can reach a whole new level.
Take your mind off of things and stress less with the tips on this list.
