In the Prime Minister’s briefing on Monday, he encouraged everyone to avoid all non-essential social contact, but made particular mention of pregnant women, describing it as a precautionary measure because we are early in our understanding.
Dr Sara is 30 weeks pregnant, but wanted to still join us in the studio.
‘I wanted to show people that even though there are some extreme measures in place, we can get around it and we can do things to help ourselves’ says Dr Sara. ‘We’re still very early on in what we know about pregnancy and coronavirus, that it’s just a matter of taking the precautions you can to protect yourself.’
So should pregnant women be worried?
Dr Sara says: ‘It’s difficult because thus far I have been telling my pregnant patients not to worry particularly, but we have to see this as a precautionary measure that the government is rolling out to protect us.’
‘Anxiety is always heightened in pregnancy as a mother’s instinct is to protect her baby, and so to have this on top of the normal feelings is going to be difficult for many expectant mums. Even as a medical professional I feel it too. But remember that it is a safeguarding measure.’
With pregnant women now under greater protection, where does that leave those trying to conceive?
Dr Larissa says: ‘The truth is, we don’t know enough yet. We haven’t had enough cases. We know the virus is spread through respiratory droplets by coming into contact with others but not through sex. We are still unsure if it can affect sperm but we have no clear evidence to suggest it would. We are seeing women still become pregnant and giving birth with no damage or effect to themselves or the babies.’
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