What to expect when you’re expecting during COVID-19 pandemic
As we continue to navigate the COVID-19 global pandemic, expectant mothers are left with many questions while they prepare to bring a new baby into a world of uncertainty.
News Channel 3’s Caitlin Thropay spoke to an expectant mother who shares her concerns. We try to help shed light on what information other moms who are expecting a baby need to know before giving birth.
Brittany Crawford of Cathedral City is days away from welcoming her second child into the world.
“My anxiety has been pretty high about the coronavirus," Crawford told News Channel 3. "I think it’s on everybody’s mind at the moment but as a pregnant female it’s even scarier at this time,” she said.
Her baby is scheduled for a high-risk cesarean section delivery on April 14 at JFK Memorial.
“I haven’t had much information about what’s going to happen when I go to the hospital,” she said.
We reached out to Desert Care Network hospitals to help her out.
Here’s what mothers who are expecting need to know:
As of now, expectant moms are allowed one person per day to be with them at the hospital. That person, of course, can’t show any signs or symptoms of COVID-19. This is for babies being delivered at JFK Memorial, Desert Regional Medical Center or Hi-Desert Medical Center.
Right now, there is little information on how the virus may impact a newborn. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) still does not know if a pregnant woman with COVID-19 can pass the virus onto her baby during pregnancy or delivery.
Expectant moms like Brittany are advised to take all of the same precautions as everyone else. This includes wearing a mask during essential travel, washing hands frequently and avoiding contact with many people, especially people who are sick.
“I have not left the house," she said. "My husband goes shopping once a week and he has been wearing a mask that he has as well,” she added.
If a pregnant woman is experiencing any symptoms such as fever, cough, or shortness of breath you should tell your doctor immediately.
“Going into a hospital is kind of scary for me at the moment because as a regular civilian you feel like it may be kind of a breeding ground in a way,” she said.
Is it safe for pregnant women to go to a hospital during this pandemic?
“The environment at Desert Regional is safe for pregnant women,” Lilia Pacini, OB/GYN at Desert Regional Medical Center told News Channel 3.
Some other safety measues expectant mothers may want to consider:
- Only stay in the hospital as long as you need to after the baby is born and healthy.
- Limit the people who come in and out of the room.
- Keep your baby in the room with you and if healthy, not to send the baby to the nursery.
Right now, according to the CDC, no infants born to mothers with COVID-19 have tested positive for the virus. The virus has also not been found in breastmilk but more research is still being done.
“Despite everything that’s going on, I cannot wait," Crawford said. "I’m just over the moon and although this is all stressful I know that it’s worth it in the end,” she said.
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