Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be pregnant during a pandemic. I mean, the last time there was a pandemic was 100 years ago! This is all uncharted territory for modern times.
It’s already been quite the year in 2020…and I still have about 19 weeks to go with this pregnancy.
We found out that we were expecting about two weeks before the pandemic closed everything down and social distancing measures were put into place. I hadn’t even been to my first prenatal appointment yet. In fact, I had to endure what felt like 85 days of March, to even know if I was definitely pregnant. The anxiety at the beginning of pregnancy was multiplied by the arrival of COVID-19.
Prenatal Appointments During COVID-19
When the day of my first prenatal appointment finally arrived, things felt different at the doctor’s office. For one, I was the only one in the waiting room that day. That never seems to happen. All doctors, nurses, and staff were wearing masks. However, it also felt like the most efficient doctor’s appointment I had ever been to.
My subsequent doctor’s appointments have felt much the same as that first one. However, now there are now mandated procedures including a COVID-19 questionnaire before entering the lobby and temperature screening. Masks are required the entire time in the office. Only the patient is allowed to come to the appointments.
While it’s disappointing that my husband has not been able to come to any appointments, I’m thankful my doctor’s office is following all the precautions. Besides wearing masks, the questionnaire, and temperature screens, not much else is different. Considering there’s a lingering virus out there that can both be serious or asymptomatic, I’m feeling confident in my plan of care.
Recommended Pregnancy Precautions
Seeing that I am currently pregnant during a pandemic, I am taking lots of precautions. I wear a mask in public spaces such as the grocery store, Target, or picking up food. I do take advantage of food delivery services like DoorDash and use pickup services for groceries and essentials. While it’s hard to stay cooped up with a toddler, we’re doing our best to stay out of large groups or mixed company for now.
At this point, if I do have a baby shower, it will most likely be virtual or with a very small, socially distanced group of girlfriends. We recently had a virtual birthday party for my son’s second birthday, and it was great to see familiar faces, even if only on the screen.
I do wonder what it will be like when it comes time to deliver. Will the curve be trending downwards or upwards with the upcoming flu season in the Fall? I’m hopeful that at the very least, my husband will be able to be there with me for delivery.
Plans for Baby’s Arrival
As far as childcare for our toddler son when the new baby arrives, I think that my parents or in-laws will be coming. They have been quarantined in their respective homes: my parents in California, my husband’s in Georgia. As long as everyone is feeling well, and no temperatures or symptoms, they will stay to help with our son. I hope that by then, there will be more certainty when it comes to COVID-19.
My tentative plan once the baby arrives is to quarantine ourselves through the flu season. Given that RSV is serious in young infants and COVID-19 is fairly undetermined, I feel like it’s best to stay away from crowds. I suppose that this past Spring gave us a taste of being homebound for a few months.
I think that’s the hardest part of being pregnant during a pandemic: all the uncertainty.
How about you? Do you have any tips on how you’re navigating being pregnant during a pandemic?
You make you OB nurse mom proud!