Expecting a Baby During COVID-19

Based on what we know at this time, COVID-19 affects pregnant women no differently than non pregnant women. However, pregnant women in general are at a greater risk of getting sick from respiratory viruses than non pregnant women.  Some babies have tested positive shortly after birth, but it is unknown whether the babies got the virus before, during, or after birth. There are few reports of newborns with severe illness; however, much is still unknown about the risk of COVID- 19 to newborns. We do not know if COVID-19 can be spread thru breast milk, but  limited data available states that it is highly unlikely. So breastfeeding continues to be the best source of nutrition for all infants.
On the day you deliver, if you are positive for COVID-19 or exhibiting symptoms you will be placed on isolation and more than likely separated from your baby at birth. Some hospitals will allow the infant to stay in your room but a 6 feet separation between mom and baby must be maintained. This is for the good of the child. Most hospitals will allow only one support person in the delivery room, and they will not allow that person to swap out with another. 

If you’re pregnant you should take the following precautions:

1. Wear a mask in public, wash your hands frequently
   
2. stay away from sick people
   
3. eat a well balanced diet
   
4. take prenatal vitamins
   
5. get plenty of rest and decrease stress

If you start experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 ie. fever, cough, sob, weakness, sore throat, muscle pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and loss of smell call your midwife or doctor for guidance.

---

Lisa Connor APRN, MS, CNM, LCCE

​Lisa Connor earned her Masters of Science in Midwifery from SUNY Downstate in Brooklyn, NY in 2000 launching a career in home and hospital births as a full time CNM. Lisa offers a calm reassuring presence that is a blessing to birthing families while her expertise provides a safe and holistic approach to pregnancy and women’s health. 
Lisa serves as an important resource to her local community providing classes in childbirth education and providing direct supervision and mentoring to medical and nurse practitioner students as they transition to independent practice. Areas of particular interest include disparities in healthcare for women of color and women’s herbal medicine. ​