There is no denying the fact that the spread of the novel coronavirus and subsequent containment measures like the lockdown have caused a lot of hardships to one and all across the country. The existing situation is more difficult for pregnant women and others suffering from various chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma and diabetes. With no public vehicles in operation, it has not been easy for them to visit their doctors accordingly. Even when the patients manage to reach hospitals, they are less likely to get their problems diagnosed at once. However, all the public and private hospitals and other health institutions have remained open. But even health professionals are not found interested in providing consultations to patients due to the growing fear for contracting the virus. This type of tendency has emerged after some health professionals and security personnel were found infected with the virus recently.  
 
The virus fear seems to have gripped the psychology of pregnant as well as postpartum women in the country following the death of a postpartum mother from COVID-19 in Dhulikhel Hospital. The 29-year-old woman was the first victim of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country. There is still a widespread assumption that pregnant women are at high risk of being infected with the virus disease. This has led many pregnant women to anxiety and stress. According to a news report published in this daily on Wednesday, many pregnant women living in Kathmandu have failed to go for their routine check-ups because of infection fears. They were even reluctant to get their anatomy/anomaly scanned. This type of scanning is done to know about the position of foetus. Anyway, this group of women is facing such psychological traumas as they have to live in isolation. But medical scientists say that pregnant women and their babies are not at greater risk of contracting the coronavirus compared with other healthy adults. However, those who may be vulnerable to severe effects of coronavirus should continue to follow restrictive measures, including social distancing.  

It is essential for both pregnant and postpartum women to have healthy and nutritious diet on a regular basis for their good health and the growth of foetus and newborns. But the spread of the contagion and the prolonged lockdown have made it difficult for them to buy necessary fruits, vegetables and nuts. Even if they buy such items, they are not ready to have them. This is because they fear that fruits and other diets themselves could be a medium of virus transmission. Gyanaecologists say that they have received complaints from pregnant women that they have been facing stress, anxiety, insomnia due to trepidation of the virus disease. As suggested by doctors, the pregnant women should pay due attention towards boosting their immune system to be prevented from the pandemic. They are advised to drink water adding a pinch of turmeric, lemon and black pepper twice a day after food at home during the lockdown. Yoga and meditation may also prove to be beneficial for them to maintain mental balance. The authorities concerned must consider providing ambulance services for such needy women.