Are you an expectant father? Are you worry about the safety of your pregnant wife and your child amid COVID-19? Hopefully, this article could help you to have a better understanding of how you could help your wife and your child.
1) Don’t Worry Too Much Of Whether The COVID-19 Would Be Transmitted To The Fetus Through The Uterus
Based on the past experience of the SARS and MERS pandemic, the scholars found that the virus could not be transmitted to the fetus through the uterus. It is reported that a local newborn was diagnosed with COVID-19 in just 30 hours after birth in Wuhan. However, most of the experts still believe that the infection of newborns is caused by droplets and contact infection. Besides, studies in Ireland have shown that an overly anxious expectant father can affect the recovery of his wife and the growth of the baby.
2) An Expectant Father Should Accompany His Wife For Maternity Examinations
Experts at the Royal College of Midwives suggest that pregnant women should undergo maternity examinations as usual in accordance with the stage of pregnancy. It is suggested that it is important to keep a social distance from others when you arrive at the site. If you are in quarantine, you can keep in touch with the doctor via voice call or video call.
Photo Source: Health Direct Australia
Studies in Singapore have shown that the expectant father should accompany his wife for maternity examinations so that his wife could recover faster physically and mentally after delivery. Expectant fathers can measure temperature, disinfect, and write down important instructions of the doctor for his pregnant wife.
3) Don't Ignore The Impact Of The Coronavirus And Always Be Prepared
An expectant father should take adequate prevention measures for his wife amid COVID-19. Based on the experience of the SARS and MERS pandemic, Taiwanese medical scholars have found that pregnant women have a high risk of serious or related complications, including intrauterine growth retardation, premature delivery, miscarriage, admission to the ICU, and endangering the mother ’s life.
Chen Huantang, a specialist in obstetrics and gynecology at the Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital recommended that the expectant father check the body temperature of his pregnant wife 2 to 3 times a day because fever is one of the symptoms that may occur after the virus is infected.
Photo Source: What To Expect
He also emphasized that the expectant father should pay attention to the hygiene of his pregnant wife. The expectant father needs to ensure that his wife is wearing a mask when she goes out. Moreover, he needs to make sure that the hands of his wife are cleaned thoroughly before and after wearing the mask. Besides, the expectant father has to make sure that his wife has proper disinfection and bath after coming back from the outside. Masks and alcohol-based hand sanitizer could be put in a bag so that it is convenient for use at any time when waiting for delivery.
4) Exercise With Your Wife To Keep Her Body, Mind, And Relationship Healthy.
Experts at the Royal College of Midwives pointed out that exercises can keep pregnant women physically and mentally healthy. Expectant fathers can try to search for online resources, and accompany their pregnant wife to perform some stretching activities. At the same time, this also improves the relationship between the two of you.
Photo source: FamilyEducation
Source: Sky Post
Cover photo: OB•GYN Associates of WNY | What To Expect
