Positive mental health is particularly important during pregnancy and postpartum. In the current period of COVID-19 pandemic, even routine visits to health care facilities for antenatal care and infant immunization are likely to create a great sense of anxiety in mothers about their health and that of their unborn or newborn baby. It is thus a matter of priority to address these concerns to ensure positive mental health and early interventions for perinatal mental health issues.
General recommendations for pregnant women during COVID 19:
- Minimize watching, reading, or listening to news about COVID-19 that causes you to feel anxious or distressed.
- Seek information only from trusted sources so that you can take practical steps to prepare your plans and protect yourself and your loved ones.
- Follow simple procedures to protect yourself from COVID 19.
- Exposure to COVID-19 can be prevented by following your doctor's advice. Most doctors are now discouraging women to come to the hospital and prefer advice over the phone. They will tell you how to get your scan and blood test done.
- Physical health during pregnancy can be sustained by maintaining an adequate diet which includes green leafy vegetables, protein, and carbohydrates.
- It is good to stay at your home and involve in pleasurable activities.
- Continue Iron and Folic acid tablets prescribed by your doctor
Reference: http://nimhans.ac.in/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/MentalHealthIssuesCOVID-19NIMHANS.pdf