There is so much to learn during pregnancy. A wealth of resources exist to educate expectant parents. But where does a new mother turn when figuring out what to expect when expecting during a pandemic?
Preparing for pregnancy and delivery in these unprecedented times can be overwhelming. Dr. Samantha Johnson, a practicing OB/GYN with Ascension Medical Group Sacred Heart, shares her wisdom on pregnancy during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr. Johnson practices at the Ascension Sacred Heart Health Center at Milestone, and she performs inpatient and outpatient gynecologic surgery at Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola, in addition to delivering babies at the Ascension Sacred Heart Maternity and Women’s Center. Dr. Johnson has a special interest in providing individualized, holistic medicine. For pregnancy and postpartum care, she approaches every pregnancy based on each woman’s individual needs. She enjoys taking care of women in all stages of life with a special focus on menopausal medicine, adolescences, and abnormal periods.
Can I get vaccinated while pregnant?
The vaccine rollout has many women wondering if it is safe to get vaccinated while pregnant. “A lot of governing bodies, including the American College of Gynecology, are now saying it is safe to get a vaccine during pregnancy, but it can be very unsettling to make those kinds of decisions,” said Johnson. If you are eligible for vaccination while planning a pregnancy, Johnson advises getting vaccinated before conception.
Who can be in the hospital with me?
Currently, at Ascension Sacred Heart, the hospital allows one partner and a doula. Additional visitors are not permitted for visitation.
Do I have to wear a mask while laboring and delivering?
Ascension Sacred Heart does not require the mother to wear a mask in her own room. However, the hospital encourages partners to remain masked.
Is it safe to be in a hospital during the pandemic?
Hospitals are following strict safety protocols to keep patients and healthcare workers safe. Still, Ascension Sacred Heart has an option that provides more isolation and one-on-one nursing. The low intervention birth suite gives laboring mothers “the feeling of being in a birthing center, but you are still in a hospital with the resources.” These suites are intended for women expecting low-risk births or who intend to have an unmedicated birth. The rooms are larger with a more “at-home” feel. Many amenities, such as a labor tub, are included.
How can I prepare for my birthing experience with restrictions in place?
In-person classes and hospital tours currently are not being offered. Sacred Heart is conducting virtual hospital tours, as well as virtual appointments with the Monogram Maternity personalized birth services.
What are the risks of pregnancy during the pandemic?
According to the CDC’s current knowledge, pregnant women are at an increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19 than non-pregnant people. Additionally, the risk of pre-term birth may increase in pregnant women with COVID-19.
Dr. Johnson said that most cases have good outcomes for mothers and newborns, but the medical team addresses each case of COVID infection on an individual basis.
How do I maintain a safe pregnancy during the pandemic?
When you become pregnant, you become part of an at-risk population. Johnson recommends following regular COVID-19 safety precautions, including:
1. Wearing a mask, especially in indoor spaces or when in close contact with other people outside your household.
2. Avoiding large group activities.
3. Proper sanitizing and hygiene.
4. Getting tested if showing symptoms.
5. Opting for take-out or outdoor dining instead of indoor restaurants.
Pregnant women must take an increased amount of safety measures in the pandemic, and Johnson recognizes this in conjunction with isolation can be anxiety-inducing. “It’s more than just physical safety,” said Johnson. “It’s mental and spiritual safety.”
“At any time, pregnancy is an incredibly unpredictable process, but now more than ever, you have to be flexible and adaptable. Building a really good at-home support system is helpful if you want to plan to have a baby during this time because you’re going to need others to help you get through it.”
The Takeaway
During the pandemic, pregnancy and childbirth come with many differences from the norm, but healthcare workers are working hard to make patients feel safe and comfortable.
“While COVID has put a whole other level of anxiety on pregnant moms, I do think that Sacred Heart as a whole has tried to give as much normalcy to the process as we can while still staying safe,” said Johnson.
Such great info. Thank you! I had our third son on December 1st at Baptist with midwife Jenny Allen. I was very pleased with the precautions they took, as well as making us still feel like it’s not the middle of a pandemic. With so many unsettling feelings during this time, this was a great read to a positive outlook and experience!