COVID-19 and pregnancy

It is natural for expectant mothers to worry about their unborn child. With COVID-19 cases surging across the country, there is a renewed fear among pregnant women about the impact of COVID-19 and pregnancy. Fortunately, there are precautions new mothers can take to ease their worries.

It is not uncommon for pregnant women to worry about the future — especially about the health and wellbeing of their baby. For women who have been pregnant during the pandemic, these worries have only been amplified by COVID-19 and its implications for both mother and child.

You’ve done everything you can to prepare your body for a healthy pregnancy and birth. So how can you continue to keep you and your baby safe during the pandemic?

Does COVID-19 cause more risk during pregnancy?

So far, it is uncertain whether pregnant women and new mothers are more likely to contract COVID-19 than other women. Expectant mothers who contract the virus may be more likely to experience more severe symptoms. Severe symptoms include more drastic respiratory illness, with a potential for hospitalization for the mother.

Studies also show that expectant mothers who have contracted COVID may be more likely to deliver early and face other birthing complications that require caesarean delivery. As with many early term births, infants born from COVID-19 affected women are likely to need neonatal care.

This is especially true for pregnant women with comorbidities such as diabetes. Pregnancy and delivery complications are disproportionately common in Black and Hispanic women who have been infected with COVID-19.

Get tested right away if you feel as though you may have been exposed to COVID-19 or are experiencing COVID or flu-like symptoms.

How should pregnant women approach prenatal care and delivery?

Planning a pregnancy and birth during the pandemic can feel overwhelming, but there are several steps you can take to make the process as smooth and safe as possible:

Avoid stress

It has been well-documented that stress can have significant physiological effects on both expectant mothers and their babies. Likewise, fear of COVID-19 can lead to undue stress on pregnancy. As such, self-care techniques like meditation are an essential part of maintaining a healthy pregnancy during the pandemic.

Explore virtual options

If you are especially vulnerable to the virus or are experiencing stress surrounding COVID-19, your doctor may recommend telehealth options for some of your prenatal care. Whenever possible, choose birthing classes that are private, virtual, or appropriately cautious.

When virtual visits are not an option, talk to your health care provider about their COVID-19 precautions and how you can safely receive care.

Plan ahead

When it comes to labor and delivery, take time to learn about your healthcare provider’s protocols, including:

• Their screening process. Some hospitals may require testing or symptom screening upon arrival.
• Their policy on family and partners. Many hospitals are limiting the number of people allowed in the delivery room. Be sure to ask ahead to prepare your partner and family ahead of time.
• Their policy on visitors. Some hospitals are restricting visiting hours and permissions.
• Masks. Some hospitals may suggest or require masks while in the hospital.

How can new mothers continue to be cautious postpartum?

The conversation surrounding COVID-19 and pregnancy doesn’t end with childbirth. Instead, continue communication with your healthcare provider about virtual visits and taking precautions with your newborn.

While research indicates that transmission rates between mother and infant seem low, new mothers should remain vigilant about spreading the virus to their newborn. Precautions include:

• Washing your hands before breastfeeding
• Wearing a mask if you think you may be experiencing COVID symptoms
• Washing your hands while preparing bottles
• Transferring care to a well individual if you think you may be at risk for COVID-19

Continue to care for your mental health by managing anxiety and monitoring any changes in mental health.

Is it safe to receive the COVID-19 vaccine while pregnant or nursing?

Studies have indicated that pregnant and breastfeeding women should get the vaccine to protect themselves and their children from severe illness. Vaccination during pregnancy may help the infant gain protection against the virus.

Expectant and new mothers should keep in mind:

• Vaccines do not contain the live virus
• Vaccines do not alter DNA or genes
• There is no evidence that the vaccine hinders fertility

Talk to your healthcare provider about the benefits and risks of receiving the COVID-19 vaccine while pregnant or breastfeeding.

When to see a doctor about COVID-19 concerns

Getting the coronavirus vaccine is a vital step in protecting yourself and your baby from infection. Continue to social distance, sanitize, and wear a mask when appropriate. Continue washing your hands thoroughly and avoiding busy public spaces.

Ultimately, it is important to focus on managing anxiety surrounding the virus while remaining cautious in social settings.

If you’re feeling concerned about COVID-19 and its impact on your pregnancy, contact the healthcare providers of Alpha Medical, who are equipped to help you. Alpha Medical offers thoughtful online medical consultations as well as prescriptions for women’s health conditions. To get started, you will complete an online consultation and an Alpha Provider will work with you to help you best manage your pregnancy during the pandemic.

To learn more about the conditions Alpha addresses and start your online consultation, visit our website.