India has seen an increase in Covid-19 cases and new variants are spreading rapidly. Pregnant women, especially women with gestational diabetes, should follow these 12 precautions tips.
A new wave of Covid-19 is spreading across India, with 6,483 cases reported, including 620 in Delhi. Two new variations, NB.1.8.1 and LF.7, have been discovered domestically. These are mainly subvariations of Jn.1, omicron. They spread easily and can avoid immunity from past infections and vaccines. Most people recover well, but taking precautions to keep them safe is still important. This is especially important for pregnant women with gestational diabetes, who are at high risk of infection. Wearing a mask is a must, but there are more steps to follow.
What is gestational diabetes?
Gestational diabetes (GD) is a type of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy. It occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas. Without sufficient insulin, blood sugar levels can rise. Gestational diabetes can affect women who have never had diabetes before. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 5-9% of U.S. pregnancies are affected annually, making them very common.
Most often, gestational diabetes disappears after the baby is born. However, some women may continue to have high blood sugar levels after delivery and may require follow-up care.
Gestational diabetes and COVID-19
If you are pregnant or have recently given birth, you are at a higher risk of becoming seriously ill from Covid-19 compared to people you didn’t expect. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Covid-19 during pregnancy can lead to complications for both mothers and babies.
What makes the situation even more serious is the continued emergence of new variations of Covid-19. Some strains are less severe, but more contagious and lead to pregnant women who have a particularly vulnerable immune system.
Covid-19 symptoms
Beware of these signs and symptoms of Covid-19:
- snot
- sore throat
- shortness of breath
- Body pain and mal lazy
- Abdominal discomfort
- diarrhea
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of taste and smell
- Fever or cold
- Abnormal fetal movement or reduced baby activity (in the later stages of pregnancy this may require urgent attention)
Pregnant mothers are considered a high-risk group because their immune system is naturally weak during pregnancy. This makes it easier for infectious diseases like Covid-19 to have more serious consequences. With new, more contagious variations still appearing, pregnant women must take extra precautions to protect themselves and their babies.
Preventive measures for pregnant patients to take during Covid-19
Below are 12 tips to follow to reduce the risk of catching Covid-19.
1. Wash your hands frequently: Clean your hands regularly with soap and water or disinfectant.
2. Do not touch your face: Do not touch your face, especially your eyes, nose or mouth. Also, do not touch common surfaces such as door handles or tables.
3. Disinfect frequently touched items: Cleans mobile phones, doorknobs, kitchen counters and other surfaces in your home to reduce the risk of infection.
4. If unknown, it will be tested: If you have symptoms of a respiratory infection, follow your doctor’s advice and get tested for Covid-19.
5. Don’t self-control: Do not take over-the-counter immune boosters without consulting your doctor. Some people are not safe during pregnancy.
6. Do not skip prenatal visits: Please participate in all tests. Many hospitals offer online consultations to reduce face-to-face visits.
7. Plan your wise plans: Choose an early morning or late night slot to avoid crowds. Call ahead to minimize the waiting time.
8. Carry a personal kit: Bring your own disinfectant, thermometer and pulse oximeter to reduce contact with sharing tools at the clinic.
9. Create a clean zone at home: After the clinic visits, we will change clothes, wash our hands and disinfect anything we bring home as an ultrasound report.
10. Staying emotionally healthy: Take part in a virtual prenatal class, yoga, or therapy to manage your stress and prepare for birth.
11. Eat well: We will focus on a balanced anti-inflammatory diet using iron, folic acid and protein to support immunity.
12. Avoid crowded places: Stay away from busy public areas and reduce the risk of exposure.
Follow these tips to stay safe amid the surge in Covid-19 cases.
