18 Family healthcare & new families


15 FEBRUARY 2021 FAMILY VALUES — AN ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE IN Pregnant in a pandemic A former doctor offers some words of advice about being pregnant in lockdown. Words: Rhonda Carrier


Newly pregnant or planning to have a baby and unsure what to expect? Te most important thing to know is that there’s nothing to be afraid of. Pregnant women have been included in the list of those at moderate risk, but this is only a precaution because Covid-19 is a new virus — there’s no evidence you’re more likely to get seriously ill from it, that it can cause miscarriage or that it will affect the baby’s development. As with everyone else, the


main advice is to wash your hands regularly, maintain social distancing and stay away from anyone with Covid-19 symptoms. We asked parenting content


creator and former doctor Adanna Steinacker, who’s currently pregnant with her third child, about the emotions and anxieties she shares with expectant women around the globe and for her tips for managing pregnancy during a pandemic. “Having gone through two


THE ADANNA & DAVID FAMILY


previous pregnancies, it’s weird to feel like I’m going through it alone,” says Adanna. “I go to all my appointments alone, David isn’t allowed for any scans, so there’s a feeling he’s missing out on the initial bonding. It’s a bit of a sad feeling but one we understand and respect. “My main advice is to focus on teamwork as parents, given that


you no longer have the luxury of friends or family popping over to lend a helping hand; and to find your virtual tribe, in pregnancy forums or due-date forums — it can be a comfort to hear from other expectant mothers experiencing similar situations or concerns.” @the.adannadavid.family


APPOINTMENTS AND VACCINATIONS


Unless told otherwise, you need to go to all of your antenatal scans and appointments, but don’t be surprised if some midwife appointments are by phone/video call and some are rescheduled. If you do go to a hospital or clinic, you need to ask if you want to bring your partner along. If you want to talk to your GP, it’s


fine to call them or to contact the surgery via their website or the NHS app even in the middle of the night. If you can’t get help online, call 111. If you have any Covid-19 symptoms,


you (and anyone you live with) should self-isolate, book a test and speak to your midwife about rebooking appointments or moving them online. As the vaccines available in the UK


haven’t been tested in pregnancy, you should wait until after you’ve given birth to be vaccinated — unless you’re at high risk, in which case, discuss the issue with your doctor or nurse.


ADANNA STEINACKER/RONAN MCKENZIE


Tere’s no evidence you’re more likely to get seriously ill or that it can cause miscarriage


Smile now without fixed braces


The invisible and removable dental aligners by PlusDent correct your misaligned teeth after just 3 months of treatment - more gently, more quickly and from as little as £34.63 per month. Over 20,000 patients are already showing off their best smiles. Get free advice now from dentists and orthodontists at a PlusDent practice near you and start your invisible dental treatment today.


www.plusdent.co.uk


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24