GREEN BAY (NBC 26) -- March of Dimes is raising funds to help research how COVID-19 (coronavirus) is impacting those who are pregnant and babies who may be at greater risk of becoming sick and not receiving the care they need.
"History tells us that moms and babies are uniquely impacted by infectious disease outbreaks," said Dr. Jasmine Zapata, UW Department of Pediatrics and UW Department of Population Health Sciences. "Pregnant and lactating women often are overlooked as interventions are developed and distributed."
As stated by the CDC and March of Dimes, there is limited pregnancy-specific data about the impact of COVID-19 at this time. According to those organizations, based on prior outbreaks of similar viruses those who are pregnant or lactating along with babies are at-risk for illness and death.
To address the urgent need to protect parents, babies, and families from COVID-19 and the unknown future effects of the virus, March of Dimes has launched a Mom and Baby COVID-19 Intervention and Support Fund.
March of Dimes says this fund focuses on researching the virus, advocating to government officials to include those who are pregnant in clinical trials for COVID-19 interventions, and educating people on the latest information about the virus.
March of Dimes gives several tips to those pregnant or lactating can do to protect themselves and their families from coronavirus:
- Practice social distancing, which means being separated from another person by at least 6 feet. Ask your health care provider for virtual or off-hour visits for your prenatal visits, ultrasound, and lab testing.
- Call your hospital or birth center and ask them about any restrictions they have on the number of support persons such as spouses and family allowed in the room during labor and delivery.
- If you are in labor and you have, or think may have COVID-19, call the hospital before you go so the staff can properly prepare and protect your baby and others from being infected.
The March for Dimes says it's important to take care of yourself. They say that we are living through a public health emergency that can create a lot of stress, fear, and anxiety in families. Caring for a new baby while feeling sore, tired, and stressed can be a lot to handle. Here are a few tips they give to care for yourself:
- Take periodic breaks from watching or listening to the pandemic news stories, or limit yourself from going on social media to reduce anxiety.
- Keep in touch with people you care about and who care about you. Tell your partner, family, and friends how you're feeling.
- While COVID-19 has changed how the way daily life looks for us, there are ways to help keep a routine. Every day you can take a shower, eat healthy food and regular meals, drink plenty of water, and get a good night's sleep.
You can visit the March of Dimes website (aqui para español) for more information.
