The Covid-19 pandemic puts almost everything in uncertainty and many pregnant women into a panic spiral.
Due to the approaching deadline, many pregnant women wondered what would happen if they entered work during the blockade of the country, whether they would get baby clothes there and be allowed to be with their partner during labor. I am thinking.
Earlier this month, the government revealed that it could sell baby clothes and essentials during the lockdown. According to the Ministry of Trade and Industry, these include blankets, towels and other essential accessories for newborns, infants, infants up to 36 months of age.
Nevertheless, many pregnant mothers still have difficulty in ensuring that they have everything they need to have a baby.
A 26-year-old woman, eight months pregnant, told Weekend Witness that she needed to go to work for the safety of her prenatal child. “During this time I have to be very vigilant. I work in the dental field but this is the most infectious field because it deals with body fluids. “It’s a really difficult time. Every day God protects my baby and prays that I’m safe,” said a woman who asked not to name her. Told.
Ensuring she has everything she needs for childbirth, which would probably be done during high lockdown regulations, she doesn’t have winter clothing at many stores yet So he said he had a hard time buying the destination.
She said she was told that the store had difficulty receiving stock.
She also didn’t have the opportunity to buy things for her hospital bag.
“I don’t know how big it will be during pregnancy, so it’s difficult to buy ahead during pregnancy. My clothes hardly fit, but I need to get what it can do and make it work.
“I also hope that one support person can be with me during work. As a first mother, I’m nervous. This pandemic makes me even more disturbed, I need a support person to calm me during labor. “
Women feel that essential pregnant workers are not a priority.
“Being pregnant makes you more vulnerable to infections, but you need to make sure nothing happens. Maybe the government wants pregnant women to be at home during this lockdown, just for the safety of our unborn baby.” Should be allowed. “
Seven months pregnant Nokuthula Mncwabe (20) is also anxious, and it is sad to miss a baby shower. “ I’ve always had flu-like symptoms and I was told that this was accompanied by pregnancy, but I couldn’t just tell if it was a pregnant illness or a coronavirus because of this pandemic. is.
“I went to Scottsville Clinic last week to tell them about the symptoms and they were worried, but after my doctor examined me, he reconfirmed that my baby and I were completely healthy. “
Mr Makuwabe said her friends told her that she had canceled her baby shower because of a lockdown.
“I really enjoyed taking a baby shower and taking pictures outdoors during pregnancy, but now I can’t do everything. Also, being stuck indoors all day makes me feel sick. I want to take a walk outside. “
Thandeka Simamane, 34, from Vryheid, who is six months pregnant, said she is still working.
“I’m scared because I’m working in customer service and I’m in constant contact with others. I panic because I know I can’t even take flu medications during pregnancy.”
Tandeka Shimamane.
All pregnant mothers who spoke to Weekend Witness said they were always screened for Covid-19 when they went to the clinic or see a doctor.
