With all that is happening in the world, it seems the easiest thing to do is panic. But in truth, it is the worst thing anybody can do right about now.

At the moment, we’re living in a world of uncertainty.

Nobody is sure just how long things will last. The only thing that is certain is that nobody is going through the feelings of panic, stress, anxiety, and fear, alone.

As store shelves become more bare and everyday supplies become more scarce, people worry that there won’t be enough items to provide for their families and keep them safe. For example, toilet paper and hand sanitizer are extremely difficult to find. Even food is becoming harder to come by.

But while we all live in these stressful times, it’s imperative to check in with those who have the highest risk of developing life-threatening symptoms if they contract COVID-19. Those who run that risk are the elderly and those with underlying health conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and even asthma.

However, there is a group of people that hasn’t been talked about very much — pregnant women. They are already dealing with so much. The thought of having to worry about contracting a virus sounds excruciating. Because not only are women’s immune systems not as strong during pregnancy (they’re more susceptible to contracting illnesses) but they also have to look after the health of their child.

Fortunately, there have been some uplifting reports on COVID-19 and its effects on pregnant women.

According to Dr. Denise Jamieson, chair of the department of gynecology and obstetrics at Emory Healthcare, there haven’t been any reports of women getting severely sick from contracting the virus. Surely, this comes as a welcoming surprise for pregnant women and their families.

These assessments are based on the findings of a study published last month in February by The Lancet. Nine women in their third trimester in Wuhan, China had developed pneumonia caused by COVID-19. Luckily, none of the women developed a severe illness and their babies were born healthy.

Still, there is much that is unknown about the virus and there isn’t enough evidence of women in their first and second trimesters to come to a conclusion. Therefore, it is best to take precautions.

Those precautions are the many that are suggested of the general population including, staying away from sick people, avoiding crowds, frequently washing your hands, and not touching your face. Generally, it’s best to not leave the house and go into public if it isn’t necessary. This includes doctor visits.

Instead, opt for telemedicine (communicating remotely in real-time) unless it is urgent such as the imperative pregnancy checkups. In fact, some doctors are consolidating in-person appointments to reduce the number of visits a patient has to attend. For example, if you’re going in for an ultrasound, they might perform a prenatal checkup as well.

As mentioned, it isn’t sure just how long this will all last. Thus, women are bound to deliver babies during this time. If this might be the case for you, don’t panic! Speak with your doctor about what the planned procedures are. Also, consider having someone who can help with the child if you or your partner become sick.

The best thing to do is to be prepared. It sounds like a lot because let’s face it, it is. But it isn’t impossible and you aren’t alone. Take precautions and utilize the up-to-date resources available from the CDC. Utilize your network of family and friends for support through phone calls, texts, and video chat.

Everyone must do their part. We can only be healthy if all of us are!

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Sources: NPR, Love What Matters