Pregnancy and Giving Birth During Coronavirus

While the CDC does not know if pregnant women are more likely to contract COVID-19, it does state that body changes in pregnant women “may increase their risk of some infections.” This means that they are at a higher risk to get a severe illness compared to those in the same household who are not pregnant. This is based on historical knowledge of how viral respiratory infections affect pregnant women.

During pregnancy, the transmission of the virus to your unborn baby is unlikely, but once your baby is born, your baby is at risk. Even with that understanding, the CDC still says that breastmilk provides the best source of antibodies and nutrition for your baby. The CDC recommends working with healthcare providers to determine whether or not breastfeeding and close contact with mom (if she has COIVD-19) are the right choices.

If you are sick and still want to breastfeed, make sure to wash your hands and breast prior to feeding and wear a mask while feeding. If you are sick and choose to express milk, use a dedicated breast pump, make sure to wash hands and all bottle parts prior to expressing milk and clean all parts after expressing. If you are expressing while sick, have a healthy family member feed the baby to limit exposure.

It is still important for expecting moms to maintain doctors’ appointments. But unless something seems wrong, your doctor will likely opt for telemedicine visits during the pandemic. This is to keep everyone safe and reduce any exposure a pregnant mom might have.

“I’ve had my prenatal appointments over the phone,” expectant mom Kelsie McKnight told Mom.com. “We go over any issues or concerns I have and I’ve continued taking all my prenatal medications — doing everything I can to stay healthy.”

Being in contact with your doctor helps them evaluate your situation to determine if you need urgent medical care. In the event that you do, you will be advised to get to a hospital immediately. Many moms, like McKnight, are thinking about giving birth at home if the pandemic continues.

McKnight is not alone in considering a home birth during the pandemic. Although she isn’t due until November, she voiced concern over putting stress on an already stretched-thin healthcare system.

“I feel I’d be allowing the nurses to focus on those who truly need the help,” she said. “Also being that it’s my second child, I’d love to be safe in the comfort of our home and bring our baby into the world healthy and not exposed to the outside world.”

If you do decide to home birth (during the coronavirus pandemic or otherwise), make sure:

• You are a good candidate for homebirth with no anticipated health issues or complications
• Get a certified professional midwife you are comfortable with
• Check your insurance coverage to make sure homebirth is covered
• Maintain social distancing while pregnant to remain healthy
• Prepare your home for the birth by designating a space and getting supplies such as a portable pool and towels in order

Remember that there are a lot of things that can become stressful during childbirth, especially with the added stress of the coronavirus. “Being stressed can have the side effect of a more difficult labor,” doula Stephani Dahlstedt advised Mom.com. “The best way to beat stress is to replace it with love. Have your supporters on your side even via the internet. This can include doulas that can offer support from a distance. Make your home feel cozy and spa-like.”

Keep the hospital as the backup plan in the event that things change and you need more medical attention than originally anticipated. The goal, no matter what, is to keep you and your baby healthy, while making the moment as memorable as possible.