What It’s Like To Be Pregnant In The Coronavirus Pandemic

For anyone who is pregnant during this outbreak, the stress and anxiety is of another level altogether. Worse, going to hospital is a complete gamble. All those questions are popping in the head: Is the hospital safe for me to deliver will all those ill people with infections be admitted there? What if my baby has complications and we need to stay longer? Will I get there in good time during this lockdown? SheThePeople spoke to Anjali who is in the eighth month of her pregnancy.

"I have a nice big tummy and I am ready to pop. I know in the 7, 8, 9th month you are supposed to do many more check ups, but I can't go. Somehow going to the hospital seems much worse an idea than anything else right now. The child is kicking all the time, the aches and pains tell you that you are getting closer. It's around this time when women get totally paranoid. I am no different. I have been talking to my doctor, who is busy birthing moms who are literally on their due date. More than having my first baby, I am worried about the hospital conditions at the moment in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis. I would rather be there just for a few hours. Our doctors want us to get there only when we are just completely ready.

Also Read: A Perfectionist's Guide On Learning To Let Go Under Lockdown

Support System

My support system is my husband and mom. I would be lying if I say I am not anxious about my mom being unable to show up because of the lockdown. My mom is living in Delhi and I am in Mumbai with about 50 days to go to the due date. Given that the lockdown will be extended and the baby can come early, it's a thought that does worry me a tad.

More than having my first baby, I am worried about the hospital conditions at the moment in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis. I would rather be there just for a few hours.

I have personally not reached out for any anxiety help but having my family around and video calls are of good use. I am trying to stay distracted by work. As I lead a fashion house, I stay in touch with what might be of use when things settle down and we are back to business.

Reading Less

I do make efforts to not obsessively keep reading on COVID-19 and pregnancy. Too much info out there that can drive you crazy. My husband is making me exercise and walk as much as I need to. I am also trying hard to stay with stuff that makes me happy.

For me, the flip has happened. From being very busy to doing nothing, and so I am always thinking. I hardly get sleep. All these random thoughts worry me. The reality of us all in India is that we are fortunate to have house help for babies. But now I am wondering how will this play out for me. Will any nanny agree to work once we have the baby? If she does, then will I be too anxious to have someone from outside come and stay with us? As a first time mom could I find myself not equipped enough to handle the baby. All those thoughts are lurking around. Suddenly from someone who was sorted, had ordered all needs for the baby, I have gone to be someone who has nothing because shipments are stuck.

I do make efforts to not obsessively keep reading on COVID-19 and pregnancy. Too much info out there that can drive you crazy. My husband is making me exercise and walk as much as I need to.

Also Read: 12 Self-Care Tips To Help You Feel Good During COVID-19 Lockdown

As a person who could get ready and prepare for the baby, nothing is possible for me to do. As working women, we keep a lot of stuff for later because work is absorbing us for more part of our lives. But here we are. Staying positive and waiting for the big day and hopefully our trip to the hospital will be very brief and I will quickly be home."