Celebrating moms-to-be this Mother’s Day 2021
Pregnant Covid warriors and other expectant mothers tell us how they are staying strong and healthy amid these uncertain times
Published Date - 8 May 2021, 05:42 PM
Hyderabad: The pandemic has taken a toll on the mental health of many of us, and one can only imagine the kind of stress and anxiety pregnant women are going through. With what’s happening around the world, it’s not easy to be calm and centered. And many moms-to-be are sharing that the current situation is nothing less than a roller coaster ride.
“I’m in my 9th month of pregnancy and even though we were very careful, my husband and I suffered from Covid this February. It was a scary phase for us because we were not allowed to stay in the same room as my husband’s infection was very high and I needed to be away from him and be strong for my baby,” shares Ratna Priya Makka, HR Assistant at Microsoft.
“I remember going to bed crying and praying for him because all I wanted was to be able to see him again and hug him. The doctor couldn’t give me Covid medication because of pregnancy, and luckily I had a mild infection. I recovered within a week,” adds Ratna.
For Mary Patricia Nithilan, a lecturer at Loyola Academy, the little moments she has with her child makes her day amid the pandemic. “I’m in my 6th month and it’s a little scary and stressful because of the second wave of the virus,” she says.
“Pregnant women need to be strong mentally and physically. Exercising helps me a lot in having a cool mind. I do prenatal yoga and meditation which gives me positive energy, and I request other pregnant women to do the same. Also, eating a lot of green leafy vegetables and nutritious food will give us strength and immunity,” she advises.
Ratna Priya is relaxing herself by watching movies, listening to music, praying and preparing herself before the baby arrives. “Another important thing is not to panic if you are tested positive. We have to be strong for our babies. Amidst all this chaos, try to think about the time you will finally get to hold your baby,” she shares.
Counselling sessions with gynecologists is helpful too because they can clear all your doubts. “We must keep a checklist of what to do if you contract Covid. Go for a high protein meal plan and keep yourself hydrated. If you see any symptoms – get yourself tested immediately. Invest time in writing pregnancy journals,” adds Priyanka Birla Wadhwa, who is 6 months pregnant.
Priyanka, who is the founder of Shaddi Ka Ladoo, adds that family members of pregnant women have to be extra careful. “My husband contracted Covid but he acted swiftly on it and moved himself to another room just when he felt some symptoms. I did not contract it,” she says.
Pregnancy guide
* Stay indoors
* Indulge in prenatal yoga and meditation
* Attend counselling sessions with gynecologist
* Eat nutritious food and hydrate yourself
* Keep a checklist on what to do if you test positive
* Don’t panic when you test positive
* Pregnancy journaling helps
* Family members need to act swiftly when they notice symptoms
Now you can get handpicked stories from Telangana Today on Telegram everyday. Click the link to subscribe.
Click to follow Telangana Today Facebook page and Twitter .