As the most recent wave of Covid-19 sweeps the nation, pregnant ladies are being forgotten as soon as once more. Not so way back, ladies had been receiving blended messages from healthcare suppliers on whether or not or not the brand new vaccines had been protected in being pregnant, with many being actively discouraged. This resulted in disproportionately excessive numbers of in any other case wholesome unvaccinated pregnant ladies in hospital with extreme illness, and led to deaths.
Now we’re within the midst of one other wave. I’m 37 weeks pregnant with my second child, and I’m not eligible for the fourth dose. I really feel very susceptible because of the lack of free testing and masks mandates. My midwife tells me that Covid-19 can enhance the danger of blood clotting within the placenta, which might result in stillbirth, and so pregnant ladies who catch it are prescribed blood thinners based mostly on their threat. However certainly prevention ought to come earlier than administration?
Then there’s the fear about my companion catching it, during which case he would nonetheless be allowed to go to the pub, however not be allowed into the hospital with me. The prospect of getting to provide start alone terrifies me, and was a actuality that resulted in trauma for a lot of ladies within the earlier lockdowns.
It’s no marvel that my “due in July” chat group is filled with determined ladies who’re sick and frightened. As my due date approaches, we really feel now we have no alternative however to isolate. When are we going to prioritise maternity care and acknowledge the massive toll that this pandemic continues to tackle the bodily and psychological well being of latest moms?
Beth Waters
Cambridge
