Expectant mothers are already used to get information about pregnancy and motherhood from Internet portals, personal blogs and online libraries. But none of the listed sources have yet told about the war. Today we will talk about what expectant mothers should do in conditions of constant anxiety and enemy shelling in order not to harm the child, as well as how we can help such women.

Why should more attention be paid to pregnant women during war?

Stress today is an inseparable part of the life of every Ukrainian. But the most difficult time is experienced by expectant mothers. It is sometimes problematic to get a full-fledged and high-quality medical consultation, and the risk of premature birth in extreme conditions is higher than ever. Preparing for the birth of a child during a war is an extremely difficult ordeal. That is why, if there is an opportunity to help a pregnant woman, you should definitely do it. Further we will talk about various types of assistance.

Psychological support

Pay attention to your surroundings - perhaps there are pregnant women among them: your close and distant relatives, neighbors, colleagues or people with whom you once studied together. The easiest way to help them is to become a supportive group. A normal conversation on topics not related to the war will help a woman relax and get rid of anxious thoughts for a while. If you already have parenting experience, the conversations will be more practical.

Physical assistance

Another type of free support you can provide a pregnant woman is physical. Delivering shopping bags or helping to get to the nearest hospital is not difficult. These simple actions can not only make life easier, but even save someone's life.

Pregnancy is a period that requires maximum peace and safety for a woman. If she is not able to leave the dangerous region, you can help her to arrange a safe shelter.

Material assistance to pregnant women

Of course, expectant mothers need financial help. These can be things for the baby, baby food, diapers, toys, medicine, strollers, cribs, etc. Perhaps your children have already grown out of some wardrobe items and they can be given to those who really need them. For example, to an expectant mother who moved to your house from temporarily occupied Melitopol. Some families today do not have the opportunity to simply go to the store with everything they need.

You can also help with money. You need to do this if you know the person personally or if a registered charity asks for it. Today, volunteers in different parts of Ukraine help all internally displaced persons: families with children, people with disabilities, and, in particular, pregnant women. Such organizations often collect children's things and toys. You can join the collecting process with any donation.

Advices for pregnant women

The question that most confuses future mothers today is "What should I do if I urgently need medical help?". Experienced pediatricians advise to think about this beforehand. First, if possible, you should leave an area where there may be problems with medical care due to shelling and choose a doctor in your new place of residence. If this is not possible, you should keep in touch with the doctors who continue to work in your locality. Discuss with them all options for the development of events and make a plan for responding to any problem.

Secondly, from the 35th week of pregnancy, you should carry documents and an exchange card with you everywhere. Contact relatives and inform them about your move. In the event of a sudden loss of connection, they will know where to find you.

Third, distract yourself from the news background. Continue doing your favorite things: drawing, reading, cooking or watching TV series. Your peace of mind is the main concern at this moment.

And most importantly: ask for help when you need it!