The Coronavirus has changed many dynamics of our lives, with childbirth being no exception. Prenatal care, up until giving birth, has been modified for everyone’s safety. I wanted to share this experience to provide expected moms with an idea of what to expect. To some degree, every maternity ward has adopted the same or similar safety precautions. Check with your doctor to verify the exact measurements put into place.
Starting with my prenatal visits. My scheduling of appointments, for the most part, were done with little modification. All patients were required to wear a mask or face covering. My provider’s office did not allow guests to accompany expected mothers. Seating was at least six feet apart, and only one guest was checked in at the service desk at a time. At 28 weeks, I saw my provider every two weeks. These appointments were one-week telemedicine, the next in office, and so forth. At 36 weeks, my weekly visits were in office.
Initially, before the state in which I reside lifted “stay at home” orders and began to phase in, patients were only allowed one person to be present for the birth and recovery. This one person could not be alternated out. By the time I gave birth, precautions had changed slightly. One person was allowed in the birthing room. During recovery, I was allowed to have my birthing partner switched with one other person. No additional visitors were allowed. These two people were not allowed to be present at the same time. If staying overnight, guest were able to leave the hospital if necessary but had to be back by 8:00pm.
Another implemented change as a result of COVID was the hospital stay. After a vaginal delivery with no complications, mother and baby could be discharged after 24 hours. After a cesarean delivery with no complications, mommy and baby could be released after 48 hours.
Upon arrival to labor and delivery emergency, my birthing partner and I had our temperature checked. We were also asked additional yes or no questions to verify we had no other symptoms of COVID-19. Once admitted, our temperatures were rechecked, and again, we were asked a series of yes or no questions related to COVID-19.
During delivery, as well as during my stay, all hospital staff wore masks and gloves, some wore face guards. No more than one staff member was allowed into the delivery and recovery room unless otherwise necessary. The nursery remained closed except for, i.e., newborn check-up, testing, or other medical and emergency reasons.
When it came to my hospital stay, every precaution to ensure the baby and I were safe while receiving the best care was taken. I could not have asked for a better experience given the circumstances. I had a smooth delivery and gave birth to a healthy, beautiful baby. I am proud to say I gave birth during a pandemic.
Intuitive Intuition 