The Coronavirus pandemic has changed nearly every facet of daily life, and giving birth to a newborn is no exception. Expecting mothers have enough on their plates during the best of times — making it to the hospital, undergoing labor, and as Kenneth Sieglman, an attorney for medical negligence points out, stressing over the health of their child and whether or not something might go wrong during delivery.
With Coronavirus fears in full effect, these issues are amplified, and even more new questions are liable to flood an expecting mother’s head, so what advice is there to help prepare and cope with those fears of the unknown? Read on, as we cover a few things you should know about giving birth during the pandemic.
Hospital Or Home Birth?
A primary concern for expecting mothers is the possibility of their newborn child contracting Coronavirus while at the hospital, leading some to question whether it is the safer option compared to during a home birth. There are stories about home births during the pandemic abound, but experts maintain that hospitals are still the safest place to give birth. Should a complication arise during or after delivery, your child is already in the best place to receive critical treatment.
The possibility of a child contracting Coronavirus due to being at the hospital for birth is low. Doctors and nurses know to wear protective gear, and take many additional safeguards in order to limit the spread of infections. Some things about the hospital experience, however, may be different now because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
How Things (May Have) Changed At The Hospital
For one thing, while your partner will still be able to accompany you during labor, there’s a chance they won’t be allowed into the maternity unit if they’ve displayed signs of Coronavirus. If you are being induced in a hospital ward (versus a single room), they also won’t be allowed in to protect other expecting mothers.
Visitation rules will likely vary from hospital to hospital. Some may allow a limited number under tight supervision, others may not allow anyone at all, particularly once labor has already begun. What’s more, your supporting partner may or may not be allowed to leave and come back, depending on the hospital’s specific rules.
You may even find your stay in the hospital to be shorter-than-normal, due to some areas facing a spike in Coronavirus cases, but throughout it all, one thing that will remain constant is that the hospital staff is dedicated to helping you have a smooth birth, and to ensuring your child is in the best condition possible when it comes time for you to leave.