The coronavirus has foiled many a plan in 2020 — be it concerts, college, vacations, conferences, sporting events, or even seeing friends. For the folks trying to conceive, the pandemic has added even more anxiety and stress. Would getting pregnant during lockdown be a colossal mistake? What if you give birth before the pandemic is over? Will your finances, job, and health insurance be affected? While the answer will be different for everyone, you can have a safe pregnancy and birth during COVID.
Note: During COVID-19, guidelines for pregnant women may be changing due to new studies and information. Please check with your doctor to make sure you’re following the current health and safety protocols.
When is it considered high risk to get pregnant?
Precautions to take if you get pregnant during COVID
Currently, there is insufficient data on the impact of coronavirus on pregnant women. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cautions that pregnant people may be at increased risk for admission to intensive care or the use of ventilators from COVID-19. Though the risk of death is the same as non-pregnant people, there may also be greater risk for adverse outcomes such as preterm birth.
However, pregnant people don’t seem to be more likely to contract COVID-19, though expectant people are at higher risk for contracting illnesses in general. So if you do become pregnant, please follow the CDC guidelines on protecting yourself.
Ask your healthcare provider how they are handling obstetrical care during the pandemic and make sure you are comfortable with their procedures. Some appointments will move to a virtual platform. For some in-person appointments, you will likely have to go alone. You may also only be allowed one visitor during the birth as well as restrictions placed on their stay.
Some folks with low risk pregnancies and access to midwives are even considering at home births to minimize their exposure to COVID-19.
