News about the coronavirus, the respiratory infection, also known as COVID-19 is prompting communities across the country to ask citizens to practice social distancing and employees in non-essential businesses to work from home. As news of the novel virus continues to develop, The American Pregnancy Association is here to help expecting mothers stay healthy during this pandemic with the following tips:
- Know the symptoms of COVID-19 and the differences between it, allergies, flu and a common cold.
- Practice good hygiene and social distancing
- Effective handwashing is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your family from getting sick and spreading germs. Remember to keep your hands away from your face.
- Avoid large crowds and stay away from sick people.
- Viruses spread through contact with other people and COVID-19 spreads through respiratory droplets – think sneezes and coughs.
- If you must leave your home maintain a 6 ft distance from yourself and others. When leaving the house, use gloves and sanitizing wipes to clean before and after you touch a surface or come in contact with someone.
- Keep in touch with your doctor
- Your doctor knows your current condition, health risks and can provide the best recommendations for you. They may be able to take care of prescriptions and other needs by phone or video chat.
- Track your health & keep medical documents on hand
- The myFetalLife app is recommended by the American Pregnancy Association. This app helps track your vitals, including blood pressure, weight changes, gestational diabetes, and your baby’s growth. You can transmit all this important information to your doctor and use it during your remote visit. You can also ask the app questions confident the answers are coming from the American Pregnancy Association.
- You can opt-in for myFetalLife premium nurse monitoring. Registered nurses will use doctor-approved care plans, monitor your health indicators and provide guidance as needed. This is ideal for first-time moms and moms who haven’t yet selected a doctor.
- Keep your medical records on hand just in case the outbreak disrupts your normal health care services.
- Clean & disinfect your home and commonly touched surfaces
- You’re probably doing a great job cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces and objects, but don’t forget the light switches, microwave and refrigerator handles.
- Even baseboards can harbor germs when you have small children.
- Pay close attention to your mental and physical health
- Enjoy the benefits of exercise. Exercise will help your mood, improve your sleep and help generate more energy for all the cleaning you’re doing. Not sure how? Try an online yoga, dance or light weights exercise video.
- Enjoy nature. Fresh air and sunshine help your body metabolize key nutrients like Vitamin D.
- Read engaging stories and watch uplifting movies to brighten your mood.
- Treat yourself with Nightfoods’ Nighttime Ice Cream. This pregnancy-friendly ice cream can be delivered directly to your door with free shipping available with code PREGNANT.
- Cook new nutritious recipes. Safe Catch has delicious recipes featuring salmon and tuna. Check out their ahi tuna nachos and crispy pan-fried salmon tacos.
The American Pregnancy Association (APA) is a national health organization committed to promoting reproductive and pregnancy wellness through education, support, advocacy and community awareness. Founded in 1995, APA currently serves more than five million women and families a month from over 70 countries through their website, online chat and toll-free education helpline.