I’m talking, of course, about coronavirus and the government advice that all pregnant women should self-isolate for 12 weeks in a bid to avoid contracting the bug.
The question is, if you’re fit and well and so are your family, is it really necessary? And what does self-isolation actually mean?
The Prime Minister himself admits the advice is a precautionary measure because they simply don’t know how coronavirus impacts pregnant women and their unborn babies. And when you look at the evidence it’s currently in the tens rather than hundreds or thousands.
Of course, expectant mamas will do everything they can to protect their unborn babies, yet with the kids still at school and nursery (at the time of writing) and Misery Guts going about his business as usual you’ve got to question the point.
Do pregnant women really need to self-isolate?
Unless you’re a first time mum with a partner who can self-isolate too you can’t avoid coming into contact with the outside world – or rather it coming into contact with you via the members of your family for whom it is business as usual.
As a pregnant GP told BBC News, how is she meant to self-isolate and do the school drop-off?
We’re also being advised to keep antenatal appointments, which means visiting hospitals and GP surgeries and sitting in waiting rooms with strangers.
At 36 weeks pregnant I find the advice terrifying: I should self-isolate for 12 weeks yet the rest of my family don’t need to. We also live in a 4th floor flat with no outside space, and therefore nowhere to go within the confines of our own home to get fresh air and exercise.
So, I’m currently distancing myself from the rest of the world by avoiding social contact where possible. I’m not doing the school run unless I absolutely have to – and I have had to – I’m not going shopping or using public transport and I’m not going to coffee shops – where I’m usually what you call a coffee shop camper – either.
But I am still walking along the seafront where we live everyday and going swimming – where on my latest trip I was just one of seven people in the pool. Apart from the fact coronavirus is inactivated by the level of chlorine used in swimming pools, I’m pretty sure I’ve got more chance of catching something from the 50+ people who are usually in it than I am from the remaining six. And, until the powers that be decide otherwise, I’ll continue to do because I think remaining fit and active is equally important for me and my baby – not just physically, but mentally too.
Of course, all that could change at the drop of a hat. With schools and nurseries closing in a few days self-isolation will be easier – although three kids at home indefinitely most definitely won’t be, but that’s a whole new blog post!
Are you pregnant and are you currently self-isolating? If you’re not expecting, what would you do if you were? I’d love to know what you think!
Such a relevant post! We’re living this in our extended family as my daughter in law is also expecting and my son works in health care. HE is regularly exposed to the virus, and we are trusting that they will be able to stay healthy.