Experiencing Pregnancy Amidst the Pandemic: A Firsthand Account
Navigating a pandemic while becoming a mother is no walk in the park, but I've got my "coronnial" bundle of joy to prove it. Here's my wild, rollercoaster ride through pregnancy during the COVID-19 global health crisis.
Fearful and Fertile
When I discovered my pregnancy was a reality, a whirlwind of emotions engulfed me. I was ecstatic for my new addition, yet filled with dread over the unknowns. COVID-19 was tearing through the world. Who knew what risks this virus posed to me and my unborn child?
Early on, medical professionals were still learning about the virus and its effects on pregnant women. While it was suspected that a weakened immune system might make pregnant individuals more susceptible to the disease, no definitive answers were available.
"We were in the dark early on," said Dr. Ali Lewis, my obstetrician-gynecologist at Meridian Women's Health at UW Medical Center - Northwest. "Our advice was to mask up, wash hands, and avoid exposure to the virus as much as possible."
Adjustments in my life, such as working from home and having my partner take care of errands, were fairly easy to make. However, I wrestled with major decisions, like whether to keep my young daughter in daycare or when to have my mother begin quarantining before labor.
Every interaction and family outing raised a set of complex questions: Was the potential risk worth it? How could I protect both my physical and mental wellbeing?
A Greater Threat
More than a year has passed since the beginning of the pandemic, and medical professionals now have a clearer understanding of the disease and its impact on pregnant people.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, pregnant women are more likely to become infected with COVID-19 and are at an increased risk of severe illness or preterm birth due to the disease [6].
Research has shown that pregnant women are 70% more likely to have a severe COVID-19 infection compared to non-pregnant individuals their age [7]. In addition, pregnant women from racial and ethnic minority groups are more disproportionately affected, potentially due to unequal access to healthcare and societal inequities amplified by the pandemic [7].
Dr. Kristina Adams Waldorf, a professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Washington School of Medicine, noted, "Our findings demonstrate that pregnant people did not escape the pandemic as we had initially hoped. Communities of color bore the brunt of the impact."
Safer Prenatal Care
As my pregnancy progressed, I attended prenatal appointments at the clinic, wearing a protective mask like everyone else. Though the UW Medicine COVID-19 visitor policy allowed my husband to accompany me for milestone appointments, everyone in the vicinity wore personal protective equipment (PPE).
During the virtual era, I took online childbirth classes from home and watched video tours of the birthing suite at the hospital. Though at times there were challenges with virtual breastfeeding consultations, the convenience of remote learning did come with some benefits, like the luxury of lounging in sweatpants throughout my pregnancy.
A Birth Like No Other
Five days before my due date, contractions began in earnest. With my husband by my side, we arrived at the childbirth center for our new life to begin. Adhering to strict COVID-19 protocols, I received a nasal swab for a test upon admission, and all staff members wore masks throughout the labor and delivery process.
Despite these measures, the support of the medical team was unwavering. As I pushed through labor, I hardly noticed the mask covering my face. My focus remained on welcoming my beautiful new addition into the world.
Postpartum, the hospital recovery experience was drastically altered due to rising COVID-19 cases. Masks were mandatory for both my husband and myself during visits from medical staff. Sanitation protocols were maximized, and visits from our older daughter were suspended entirely.
Yet in the haze of adapting to our new personal and pandemic reality, I couldn't help but feel infinitely grateful for the incredible experience of bringing new life into the world amidst so much uncertainty.
As we find our footing as a family of four in this new world, I remain hopeful for a return to normalcy. Yet amidst the yearning for familiar experiences and interactions, there is a deeper appreciation for the silver lining – the joy and blessings that have shone through the darkest days of the pandemic.
The information presented here is accurate as of the publishing date. However, the dynamic nature of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve. We strongly advise staying informed by consulting your local health department resources such as Public Health Seattle King County or the Washington State Department of Health.
During the pandemic, I grappled with the fear of the unknown effects of COVID-19 on my mental and physical health, as well as the health of my unborn child. As a pregnant woman, I was at a higher risk of severe illness and preterm birth due to the virus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [6]. Despite the challenges, I leaned on science and health-and-wellness resources for guidance, finding solace in the advances in prenatal care and the support of my healthcare providers, such as my obstetrician-gynecologist at Meridian Women's Health at UW Medical Center - Northwest [7]. Through the rollercoaster ride of the pandemic and pregnancy, I navigated changes in my lifestyle and made difficult decisions with the wellbeing of my family in mind, ultimately finding joy amidst uncertainty and appreciating the silver linings that emerged during this unprecedented time.
