Pregnancy And Coronavirus

We’re living in a really weird time right now. Most of us are hunkered down in our homes, only going out for the absolute essentials. We’re working from home, putting on a real shirt with our pajama bottoms to have Zoom meetings or Zoom classes. We’re binge-watching everything we ever wanted to watch on Netflix and even a few things we don’t want to watch – because what else is there to do? We’re calling grocery stores to see if they’ve restocked the toilet paper so we know whether to make the trip out or not. Life is definitely weird and surreal.

Life is also a bit scary right now. People are making protective masks out of bandanas and rubber bands. We’re disinfecting all the things we order from Amazon before we open them. Each day, we’re logging onto the Internet or turning on the TV and watching the numbers of people infected with Covid-19 rise.

This is scary for healthy people in the best of circumstances. But it’s even more scary for people with suppressed immune systems or people with pre-existing health conditions. And if you’re pregnant, you might be really scared about what Coronavirus or Covid-19 means for you.

Are pregnant women more at risk of getting Covid-19?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), we just don’t know. This strand of Coronavirus is new, so we aren’t sure whether pregnant women have a bigger chance of getting sick with Covid-19.

We do know that pregnancy changes women’s bodies in ways that increase the chance of getting infections in general, and we know that pregnant women are more likely to get severely sick with other viral respiratory infections (like influenza). So it’s important for pregnant women to try to avoid any illness, including Covid-19.

How can pregnant women protect themselves from getting Covid-19?

Pregnant women protect themselves from this virus the same way the general public protects itself.

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
If you can’t wash your hands, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol
Avoid touching your face – your eyes, your nose, your mouth
Practice social distancing – stay at least 6 feet from anyone who is sick or who may be sick
Stay home as much as possible and don’t invite people into your home
Clean and disinfect surfaces

Can Covid-19 cause problems during a pregnancy?

Because this strand of the virus is so new, we just don’t know yet. We do know that extreme stress during pregnancy can result in preterm labor or low birth weight, so it’s important that you find ways to stay calm and not allow fear about the Coronavirus to cause extreme stress and anxiety. Though it’s perfectly normal to be concerned, you can find ways to take care of yourself and your mental health during this disease outbreak.

Things you can do to help lower your stress and manage your anxiety:

Limit your intake of the news. Maybe allow yourself to watch or read the news no more than two times each day – enough to be informed but not enough to let it consume you.
Flip the scary statistics — if the death rate for Covid-19 in the United States is just about 1.4%, that means over 98% of people who get the illness will recover and be fine. That’s a huge majority.
Take care of your body – stretch, exercise, get some sunshine and fresh air, eat healthy foods.
Do something you enjoy – start a craft project, have a dance party in the living room, watch a movie, read a book, Facetime with friends. Whatever brings you joy – make time for that every day.
Talk to friends or a mental health professional – talk to someone about your anxiety. Maybe talking to friends is enough or maybe teleconferencing with a mental health professional will help.
Maintain a routine. Keeping a routine can be calming.
Meditate or pray – whatever can help center your mind and calm your soul.

These are weird and scary times, for sure. And it’s very normal for you to be concerned about your own health and about your baby. So take precautions and protect yourself. Then do what you can to choose peace of mind – because that’s just as important for you and your baby.

If we can help answer any questions or if you just need someone to listen to your concerns, please call. We’re here for you.

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My Friends Are Telling Me to Abort, But I'm Not Ready

June 4, 2025

An unexpected pregnancy can leave you with more questions than answers. Especially when friends are urging you to choose abortion, you may be more confused than ever. While their advice might come from care or fear, it’s essential to remember this is your pregnancy, future, and choice. At Collage, we’re here to help you navigate this pressure and find a path that feels right for you so that you can feel informed and confident about your decision. Reach out to us today for no-cost support. Listen to Your Instincts Your friends might be an important part of your life, but your instincts matter most. If abortion doesn’t feel right, take a moment to ask: What’s holding me back? Maybe you’re picturing parenting your child or are curious about adoption. It’s also important to keep in mind that abortion is a serious procedure that your friends may not fully grasp the details of. Physical and emotional risks are involved, making it a more complex decision. Your hesitation is a sign to slow down and explore, not to rush into a choice you’re not ready for. Talk It Out If your friends keep pressing, try a gentle conversation. Let them know you understand they’re worried, you’re not sure about abortion yet. Ask what’s driving their advice. Maybe they’re scared about your finances or future. Maybe they’re simply telling you what they’d do in your situation, but that doesn’t mean it’s right for you. Understanding their side can ease tension without giving in. If they won’t respect your space, set boundaries and let them know you need time to think. You don’t owe them an immediate answer. Find Your Support Surround yourself with people who’ll lift you up, not pull you down. Write down your thoughts or talk to someone neutral. You can find a counselor or even online spaces where you can share your heart with those who won’t push one option over another. Even a trusted family member, a mentor, or a place like Collage can offer perspective without strings. You deserve to make this decision with clear facts and a steady heart, not under pressure. Help is Available If your friends are pushing abortion but you’re not ready, Collage is here with no-cost lab-quality pregnancy testing, limited obstetric ultrasounds, and pregnancy options education to help you decide what’s next. Our trained team offers confidential support to explore parenting, adoption, or abortion without pressure. Contact us for a no-cost appointment today. You deserve to choose your own path.

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An unexpected pregnancy can flip your world upside down, and the urge to keep it under wraps might hit hard. Maybe you’re thinking abortion could erase the situation quietly.

What to Do When Friends and Family Are Pressuring You into an Abortion Decision

April 2, 2025

What do you do when those closest to you start pushing you toward a decision that doesn’t feel right? Pressure from family or friends to choose abortion can leave you feeling stuck, unheard, and unsure of what to do next. How can you hold firm in your decision while dealing with well-meaning but overwhelming advice? Here’s what you can do to navigate this difficult situation with strength and resilience. Mental Health and Pressure Your decision should be your own—one that isn’t influenced by guilt or outside expectations. Studies show that women who feel pressured into abortion are more likely to experience guilt, anxiety, depression, and other negative mental health outcomes. Protecting your mental and emotional health starts with making a choice that aligns with what you truly want. Ways to Handle the Pressure Since you understand why this decision needs to be yours, here are some practical steps to help you handle outside pressure. Give Yourself Time You don’t have to decide right away. Take a moment, think through your feelings, and give yourself the gift to reflect without feeling rushed. You're less likely to regret a decision made on your terms. Learn About All Your Options Abortion isn’t your only choice. Parenting and adoption are also possibilities, each with its own forms of support and resources. Learning more about these options can help you make an informed decision you feel at peace with. Set Boundaries It can be tough to stand your ground when others have strong opinions about your decision. Clearly expressing your thoughts by setting boundaries can help you avoid unwanted pressure. Letting others know you need time and space to think can help shift the conversation away from their influence and back to what’s best for you. Advice from a Third Party Getting a different perspective on your situation can be helpful when seeking advice from someone outside your inner circle. This could be a professional counselor, an online support group, or a caring team member at Collage . You deserve people in your life who want to understand you without judgment. You Are Not Alone Even if those around you don’t fully understand, there are people who do. A supportive environment can make all the difference as you navigate this decision. Collage is here to walk with you during this time. We offer lab-quality pregnancy testing, limited OB ultrasounds, pregnancy options information, and more at no cost so you can get informed and have the support you need to move forward with certainty. Schedule a confidential appointment today.