Ensure you keep your baby safe and healthy.
Deciding to have a baby is an exciting, huge step to take with your partner. Due to COVID-19, it’s also been one that has many couples questioning whether or not it’s safe to have a child together at this time.
Being as cautious and hygienic as possible are essential steps to take to make sure you, your partner and your child remain healthy.
Here are some of the ways you can plan for a healthy pregnancy:
Make a Plan and Take Action
- Follow your doctor’s instructions
- Keep up with your prenatal appointments, even if they’re through telehealth
- Talk to your healthcare provider about your:
- Family history
- Chronic conditions, including genetic screening
- Medication
Check in on Your Physical and Mental health
- Take 400 micrograms of folic acid every day for good health
- Avoid toxic substances such as alcohol, smoking cigarettes or vaping and drugs
- Think about the health of your relationship
- If you don’t feel safe in your relationship, the National Domestic Violence Hotline has many resources you can use. Call 1-800-799-7233 or 1-800-787-3224 (TTY) if you need to reach the Domestic Violence Hotline. If you are unable to speak safely, you can log onto thehotline.org or text LOVEIS to 22522.
- Make sure your diet is nutritious and you get plenty of physical activity
Is Now a Bad Time to Have a Baby?
If you’re planning to have a baby with your partner, don’t let COVID-19 stop you. There is currently no information that suggests you should avoid pregnancy for the time being. Just be sure to stay home, stay safe and follow recommended guidelines from the CDC.
COVID-19 is an entirely new virus, so there is much about it that still remains unknown. We do know there have been some instances where pregnant women have been more likely to get the coronavirus, but this isn’t to say everyone who is pregnant will.
Not knowing much about it also limits the amount of information on mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy, delivery or breastfeeding, but it’s unlikely COVID-19 causes major birth defects.
If you’re planning to start a family, visit KeepRelationshipsReal.com for tips, health advice and guidance.
