Pregnancy During a Pandemic: Hear from an expecting mother

Pregnancy during COVID-19 has proven to be a scary time for many expectant mothers.

According to the CDC website, “pregnant people are at an increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19 compared to non-pregnant people. Additionally, pregnant people with COVID-19 might have an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as preterm birth.”

Photo from Shutterstock.

Second-time mom Nicole Richardson, who was in her ninth month of pregnancy at the time of the interview, sat down with Brea Jones to share how she feels about her pregnancy.

Richardson, who mentions feelings of disconnect with her family and friends, said that she has been isolated in her home since February trying to protect herself and the baby against the virus.

Although so much remains unknown, the CDC has been tracking the amount of pregnant women who test positive for COVID-19 since Jan. 22 updating the data site weekly. The website states that the data is used to update clinical guidance for pregnant women and their baby.

Since February, many hospitals and birthing centers have put in place new rules limiting the amount of people allowed in doctor’s offices and even the laboring room to protect both mom and baby during COVID-19.

Richardson was among thousands of mother’s across the country who had to start doing her prenatal check-ups alone.

Since the interview, Richardson has given birth to a healthy baby boy. She continues to use social media as a way to connect with her family and friends. Hear Richardson share her story of being pregnant during COVID-19 and how that has affected her relationships.

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Source List

Brea Jones — VIC 4001 — Individual Story Source List

Approved story idea: Life during the pandemic, how expecting mothers have been feeling during covid-19

Secondary sources: previously published pieces

1. Pregnancy during a pandemic: a difficult time for doulas, Link

2. Effects of COVID-19 Infection during Pregnancy and Neonatal Prognosis: What Is the Evidence?, Link

3. Coronavirus Disease 2019 in Pregnancy: A Clinical Management Protocol and Considerations for Practice, Link

Primary sources

• https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/pregnancy-breastfeeding.html
• https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/in-depth/pregnancy-and-covid-19/art-20482639
• https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-updates/special-populations/pregnancy-data-on-covid-19/what-cdc-is-doing.html

Interview subjects

Nicole Richardson, Miami-Dade expecting mother,
themes to discuss: what has been her experience of being pregnant during COVID-19