Pregnant Police Officer Works At Frontline Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

"Would I like to be home? Be with my kids? Of course! I too feel worried and anxious."

Pregnancy is no doubt, one of the most life-altering moments in a woman’s life; her mind and body become more vulnerable, extra care and attention are needed. Especially towards the third trimester when some women become increasingly uncomfortable as their due date nears, it can be a challenge to get through the days ahead. But all these ultimately make mums-to-be stronger than ever.

While most pregnant mums would be enjoying their maternity leave by their third trimester, but not for this pregnant mum who has chosen to dedicate herself to work despite trying times (read: COVID-19 pandemic).

Not just any kind of work though, but as a frontline staff to tackle COVID-19 in Singapore.

Pregnant Police Officer Continues To Support Community During COVID-19 Pandemic

In light of the COVID-19 situation, pregnant mums would have chosen to stay home to avoid possible COVID-19 infection, and fears of passing the virus to her unborn baby.

Despite that, Reema Razif who is 30 weeks into her pregnancy still reports to duty as a police officer in Singapore.

According to her Facebook post on Friday, 17 April 2020, Reema is also a mum to two other children.

Dedicating herself to work in the frontlines not only poses a difficulty for the pregnant mum to move around but also takes precious time away from her kids at home. We also know that home-based learning for kids is now ongoing, which could be an added concern for the mum.

“Would I like to be home? Be with my kids? Of course! I too feel worried and anxious,” wrote Reema.

Still, she is determined and “hustling with no complaints, every day.” And it all stems from her dedication towards helping those in need.

Photo: adapted from Reema Razif / Facebook

“Selflessness is fulfilling”

It is easier said than done to extend a hand to others when we face challenges ourselves. It is more than just stepping out of our own comfort zones. It is a commitment.

And Reema made the choice, rose to the challenge, and showed us what being selfless truly is.

Her job as a police officer is more than just going through “insanely long and irregular hours of duties”. According to Reema, police officers’ job scopes include:

Adhering to new unprecedented (never done or known before) regulations

Especially with the COVID-19 pandemic, keeping up to ensure the security of the community becomes increasingly important.

Trying to minimise/prevent crime
Protecting the innocent
Rendering assistance & advise
Being exposed to unpredictable dangers

Apart from that, police officers also have to deal with public scrutiny and are “prone to media humiliation and getting an earful” even when carrying out their duties. They also have to learn how to remain calm and composed in face of these challenges.

Shows Respect to Fellow Essential Frontline Workers

It is really not an easy feat, requiring both physical and mental resilience to work in the frontline during this crisis.

Pregnant police officer who is in her 30-week pregnancy, continues to dedicate herself to the frontlines. | Photo: Reema Razif / Facebook

In her post, Reena shouts out to everyone who is forging through this COVID-19 pandemic together, appealing for kindness and cooperation.

“I give my respect especially to all fellow essential frontline workers, my husband & my love to every.single.individual. Let’s be kind, let’s cooperate & This shall be over, soon,” she wrote.

Police Maternity Uniforms for Pregnant Officers

Among the slew of comments by netizens thanking Reema for her dedication and sacrifice in supporting the community during the COVID-19 pandemic, one of the highlights definitely has to do with the police maternity uniform donned by Reema—one that is uncommonly seen in Singapore.

“TIL police maternity uniforms exist. AND they look amazing,” wrote Facebook user Candice Simone. She also looked up to Reema as “a superwoman” for working with the public during the pandemic.

Photo: screengrab from Facebook

Many other users have also commented on seeing a police maternity uniform for the first time.

Photo: screengrab from Facebook

Amid the pandemic, it can be easy to lose sight of the positive happenings around us.

But if we look around, be more aware and concerned for those around us, we will start to see the good and be encouraged despite trying times.

Jia Ling

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