Coronavirus in pregnant women is a subject that has not yet reached scientific clarification. There are many doubts about the effects of the virus on pregnant women and its dangers to the mother and child. Furthermore, Brazil is the country with the most deaths of pregnant women due to COVID-19, which generates even greater concern for Brazilian pregnant women.
This concern, without proper care, can be the beginning of some psychological disorder such as anxiety, increasing the dangers they may face.
Therefore, we have selected the most up-to-date information on the subject to clarify the risks of coronavirus in pregnant women and show how clinical hypnosis can help pregnant women deal with these concerns.
According to Unimed, the most recent studies show that there is no scientific evidence that pregnant women are more likely to have a severe health condition if they contract the coronavirus. But if the pregnant woman already has problems such as hypertension, diabetes, and a BMI greater than 30, the risks are higher for becoming seriously ill.
However, according to The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), pregnant women who have COVID-19 and show symptoms are more likely to have more severe symptoms than non-pregnant women. They also state that pregnant women are more likely to need treatment in the ICU, with a ventilator, and have higher chances of dying from the virus.
For black and Hispanic pregnant women, the situation is worse. Their rates of severe cases are worse than those of white women, not because of their biology, but due to socioeconomic conditions that prevent them from receiving adequate treatment. The good news is that ACOG also states that the risk for pregnant women dying from the virus is low.
Can the virus be transmitted to the baby?
Even though the risk of death is still low, the level of concern and anxiety of pregnant women is also related to the baby’s health. According to the latest evidence revealed by ACOG, there are some cases of vertical transmission of the virus. This means there is a passage of the virus from the pregnant woman’s body to the placenta and then to the baby. But it is rare, and at the beginning of the pandemic, it was not admitted that this was possible. Therefore, in your research, be careful with outdated information.
Now, according to studies from Northwestern University, there are chances that the coronavirus can cause damage to the placenta. They found that in 16 women tested with COVID-19 while pregnant, there was damage in the blood flow of the placenta. Since the placenta is the first organ for the formation of the fetus, depending on its damage, the child may suffer consequences from the virus’s actions.
How can pregnant women protect themselves?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), vaccines are recommended for pregnant women, as it is a way to reduce the chances of pregnant women having a severe case with the virus. The recommendation remains for women who are already breastfeeding or trying to become pregnant.
Side effects with mRNA vaccines can be a flu-like feeling and fever if it is the second dose. They contain genetic material from the virus that is harmless to your genes and DNA, but side effects are normal. In case of fever after taking the vaccine, you should follow the medical recommendation of your trusted obstetrician. Your doctor should also be consulted before taking the vaccine.
Furthermore, there are other ways to avoid virus contamination that anyone should follow:
- Wash hands frequently;
- Always wear a mask when going out;
- Do not touch eyes, nose, and mouth;
- When coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with your forearm;
- Maintain social distancing of at least two meters.
In the daily life of pregnant women, who must frequently visit the doctor, running a higher risk of contamination, it happens as follows: care must be taken not to crowd in waiting rooms. Their companions should not be people at risk, such as children, the elderly, and people with health problems that may worsen with contamination, such as diabetes and hypertension.
How can clinical hypnosis help?
Due to the high tension generated by the pandemic, pregnant women need all therapeutic support so that they do not suffer from a traumatic process. Anxiety during pregnancy is another disorder that can arise during this period, generating the following symptoms:
- palpitations and chest pains;
- a feeling of impending doom;
- shortness of breath;
- shortness of breath;
- restlessness in legs and arms;
- muscle tension;
- migraines;
- dry mouth;
- tremors;
- fatigue;
- insomnia;
- diarrhea;
- difficulty concentrating;
- irritability;
- sweating;
- nausea;
- fear.
How does clinical hypnosis work for pregnant women?
If the pregnant woman already has complications and anxiety levels during pregnancy, it is possible that her condition may intensify due to COVID-19, especially if she is infected. However, clinical hypnosis can be used to relieve this tension and also to prepare the woman to better deal with her bodily and mood changes, as well as bring more tranquility.
With hypnosis, the pregnant woman keeps her attention more focused on positive thoughts and sensations instead of negative thoughts or speculations. Although this technique can have immediate effects, its relaxation and breathing exercises can become increasingly effective with repetition.
Furthermore, hypnosis can be used by anyone trained. Hypnosis sessions can be performed by a prepared companion of the pregnant woman or by health professionals such as therapists and obstetricians.
Thus, hypnosis can help overcome this phase of the pandemic as it prevents the woman from having more complications during her pregnancy.
Even though hypnosis does not help combat the virus, it helps combat psychological disorders that may arise during this time, with or without COVID-19 contamination. Additionally, it can also directly address the needs of pregnant women, providing a more positive pregnancy experience.
So, if you want to know more about the science of hypnosis during pregnancy, download our free e-book on HypnoPregancy & ChildBirth.
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