Hey there! So, as the holiday season approaches, I had a chat with a friend named Sarah the other day. She’s 23 weeks pregnant and was planning to visit her family out-of-state for the holidays. With a newborn nephew and grandparents in the mix, she really wanted to ensure everyone’s safety amid the ongoing COVID-19 situation. It’s a tricky time, right? With Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other celebrations coming up, many of us are grappling with how to safely celebrate with loved ones.
Staying Safe at Home
First off, I told Sarah that the safest option this year is to stay home and celebrate with just the people in her household. The CDC has highlighted that pregnant individuals are at a higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19, so keeping gatherings small is really the best way to protect everyone involved. But if family connections are too strong to resist, going virtual is a great alternative—who doesn’t love a good FaceTime call?
Preparation is Key
If staying home isn’t an option, preparation is key. It’s crucial to limit exposure to the virus for at least 14 days before traveling. This means cutting down on trips to the store, practicing social distancing, and working from home if you can. If you have to go out, remember the basics: wear a mask, wash your hands, and keep your distance. Getting tested for COVID-19 before the trip can also help, especially if you experience any symptoms like fever or cough. While the test isn’t foolproof, it can provide some peace of mind.
Traveling Safely
When it comes to traveling, driving is generally a safer choice than flying or using public transport, which can put you in close contact with many people. And don’t forget to pack your hand sanitizer and mask! Plus, make sure to get a flu shot ahead of time, as it’s essential for pregnant women and helps keep hospitals from getting overloaded.
Consider Your Family’s Health
Now, thinking about those family members you’ll be visiting is also super important. Older adults and those with underlying health conditions are at a higher risk for severe illness. For Sarah, this meant taking extra precautions for her grandparents, who are in their late 80s. Sometimes, it may even be wise to opt for a virtual get-together instead of risking health for a holiday meal.
Hosting Gatherings
If Sarah ends up hosting or attending gatherings, keeping the group small and outdoors is a safer route. Everyone should wear masks and maintain social distance while enjoying food. Speaking of food, it’s important to keep things sanitary—maybe have one or two people serve food while wearing masks instead of a buffet-style setup this year. And of course, everyone should wash their hands before handling food.
Post-Celebration Monitoring
After the celebrations, it’s vital to monitor for any symptoms of COVID-19. If anyone feels unwell or tests positive, contact a healthcare provider immediately and follow local health guidelines. It’s not the most fun part of the holiday, but it’s necessary to keep everyone safe.
Sarah has plenty to think about this holiday season, as do all of us. If you want more tips for safe celebrations, check out the CDC’s recommendations. And for insights on pregnancy and home insemination, you can read our post on a truthful approach.
To sum it up, this holiday season is different, but with careful planning and consideration, you can still enjoy the festivities while keeping everyone safe.