All you need to know about infectious risks during pregnancy, such as toxoplasmosis, listeriosis or the very current covid-19. Thanks to the medical expertise of Medisupport - a Swiss network of regional laboratories - and their advice, you'll see that it's perfectly possible to live your pregnancy to the full despite a few constraints that aren't so insurmountable after all.

Pregnancy is a physical and emotional upheaval, but by no means an illness. Of course, there are a few rules to follow, such as being careful about what you eat (check out our recipe ideas at the end of this article), what you touch and what you put on your skin, but when it's your baby's health and your own that are at stake, you do it without question.

But to do it right, you need to be well-informed! 

The main infectious risks during pregnancy that we talk about most are toxoplasmosis, a parasitic disease, and listeriosis, a bacterial disease. For both, you'll need to adapt your diet and be careful with gardening and cats.

Eugénie Gay, MD, Medical Biologist, Dianalabs tells us more:

Toxoplasmosis explained by Eugénie Gay, Medical Biologist, Dianalabs

Listeriosis explained by Eugénie Gay, Medical Biologist, Dianalabs

Next comes a virus whose name is unpronounceable the first time around: cytomegalovirus. This one concerns mothers-to-be who already have a young child (under 3) at home.

Laura Rumèbe, FAMH Microbiology, Medical Biologist, Dianalabs tells us more about the subject:

Cytomegalovirus explained by Laura Rumèbe, FAMH microbiology, Medical Biologist, Dianalabs

We've just talked about 3 infectious risks, but there are others too, such as Parvovirus B19,Herpes Simplex, mosquitoes including Zika, influenza including covid (see summary of hygiene measures in force in Geneva's maternity wards and clinics at the end of the article).

Your gynecologist will no doubt have already told you about most of these risks, but we feel it's important to remind you of them. For more information and practical advice, download the Medisupport brochure below:

The final word?

Now that we know the risks, why take any chances? Frustration isn't a great feeling, but when you know it's necessary for your baby's "birth", frustration becomes a mission: to give life to a healthy child. Next to that, sushi just doesn't cut it!

At the end of the week, we'll also be doing a little roundup of the various good tips and advice we've gathered via the quiz and Instagram polls.

Take care, moms-to-be. 

BabySoon

Discover the Babysoon application developed by the Medisupport group, which allows you to follow the progress of your pregnancy in a personalized way (practical information, medical data, logbook, etc.). Talk to your gynecologist!

Recipe ideas

When it comes to toxoplasmosis and listeriosis, you need to adapt your diet, and sometimes you're short of ideas in the kitchen! Don't panic, we're here to introduce you to Lauriane Frichment, our nutrition coach and founder of Nutri Family Coach, who has some simple and delicious summer recipe ideas for you to try out, whether you're pregnant or not!

Download recipes here

Because it can sometimes be a headache to find simple, healthy menu ideas that appeal to children, Lauriane also offers a new coaching program called "Nutri Mums". With the help of your child(ren), you'll learn how to get organized in the kitchen and prepare varied, balanced dishes. 

We recommend Lauriane with our eyes closed! If you're interested in her program and would like to find out more, please email her on behalf of MotherStories at: lauriane@nutrifamilycoach.com. She is bilingual in French and English.

Covid-19 safety measures

If you are due to give birth in the next few days/weeks, here are the latest covid-related safety measures (as of 18.07.20) to be observed at public maternity hospitals and private clinics in the Geneva region:

Maternité des HUG
The partner, if symptom-free, may attend the birth and obtain prenatal and postpartum visitation rights (1h per day). Two visits per day (only 1 person at a time, 1 hour maximum) may be authorized between 12 p.m. and 8 p.m. for people hospitalized at the HUG, subject to authorization by the nursing team (by SMS, to be presented at the entrance control).

CliniqueGénérale Beaulieu
Visitors are allowed to wear a mask. The father may attend the birth. Visits are permitted for partners, siblings and one other person, every day from 2pm to 7pm. 

Clinique des Grangettes
Visits to the maternity ward are once again permitted. However, a mask must be worn for the duration of the visit. The father may attend the birth.

Clinique de la Tour
Visits to the maternity ward are limited to the baby's immediate circle: second parent, siblings and two close relatives. Parents and relatives are asked to stay in their rooms as much as possible, and to limit their movements in the maternity ward and hospital. Wearing a mask is compulsory, with possible exceptions for very young children. The father may attend the birth.

NB: Visits can only be made when there are no symptoms whatsoever. In the event of even mild symptoms, the visit must be postponed.

The official FOPH rules remain in force:

• Hand disinfection on entry
• Masks must be worn in the clinic until discharge
• Maintain a minimum distance of 1m throughout the visit