During COVID-19, Your Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Questions Answered

Is it safe for pregnant women to deliver at North Atlanta Ob/Gyn?

Yes, we have taken many cautionary steps to minimize the risk of COVID-19 exposure for our pregnant patients—including restricting visitors, requiring everyone to wear a mask (staff and patients), limiting the number of people in our waiting areas, and thoroughly disinfecting exam rooms between patients. We follow the updated CDC guidelines for healthcare facilities.

Are there restrictions on visiting the mother and new baby?

Each of our Labor & Delivery patients may have one support person of the mother’s choosing with them during their stay. No substitutions are allowed. Unfortunately, we cannot allow for any additional visitors at this time.

Are pregnant women more at risk? If so, what precautions should be taken?

We are aware that pregnant women are at a higher risk of infections since pregnancy suppresses their immune system. Moreover, some illnesses can impact the fetus’s health, but the known risks of COVID-19 are not yet entirely clear. So far, there has been no evidence of vertical transmission of COVID-19 from the mother to the baby, so it is believed that the risk is minimal.

We advise to take the same precautions as everyone else, including handwashing, not touching your nose or face, and maintaining social distancing with people outside of your household.

How much self-isolation should pregnant women practice?

Minimizing your risk of exposure is always a good safety measure. Consider designating someone else to run errands for you, such as grocery shopping for your family.

It is still essential that you attend your prenatal care visits. When leaving your home, we recommend wearing a mask and maintaining six feet from people who do not live with you. Always wash your hands thoroughly, especially after leaving the house. If you are feeling sick, feverish, have cough, unusual shortness of breath, muscles aches & chills, or recent decreased sense of smell or taste the few days or so before your appointment, please contact our office to determine if you should still be seen in person for your prenatal visit.

What precautions should new mothers take?

It is recommended to have no visitors in your home to minimize the risk of outside exposure. Moreover, there are many other ways to connect with friends and family who want to celebrate the arrival of your new baby. You could use FaceTime or join in a meeting forum like Zoom or Google Hangouts. If you’d like to learn more about recommended precautions, click here for the latest CDC pregnancy & breastfeeding guidelines.

Can pregnant women pass COVID-19 to their babies?

As far as we know, the consensus from cases in the United States and abroad have suggested there is no vertical transmission from a pregnant woman that has COVID-19 to the baby.

What are some ways to deal with stress while being pregnant?

Summertime is almost here. Take advantage of the warm, beautiful weather and go for a walk outside. You could also do prenatal yoga exercises while at home. If exercise is not your thing, use your extra time to enjoy a good book or connect with family and friends online.

If you’re experiencing more anxiety than usual, talk to your local provider—finding answers to your questions from a trusted and reliable source can help alleviate fear.

Is it ok to breastfeed? What if I start to develop COVID-19 symptoms while breastfeeding?

Yes, it is still ok to breastfeed. From what we know so far, COVID-19 cannot be transmitted through the breastmilk. We also recommend that you notify your provider if you have any symptoms. To schedule an appointment, call (404) 255-0621.

When should a pregnant woman contact her provider if she is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms?

Pregnancy is a high-risk category. Notify your provider immediately if you have fatigue, fever and/or cough, or difficulty breathing—get tested to find out if you have the virus as soon as possible.

In an effort to keep other patients safe from potential exposure, please do not come to the office if you think you may have COVID-19.

What about healthcare workers who are pregnant? What kind of precautions should they take?

Healthcare workers who are pregnant should take the same precautions as everyone else, including handwashing, not touching your nose or face, and practicing social distancing. Additionally, they should be wearing gloves and a surgical mask when interacting with patients. Lastly, they should not work outside of the home for the last two anticipated weeks of pregnancy.

What about COVID and sex? Is it ok? Should you do anything differently?

It’s ok to have sex with your partner or spouse that lives with you. It is recommended that you should avoid close contact, which includes sex or kissing, with anyone outside of your home. COVID-19 has not yet been found in semen or vaginal fluid, but it is spread by close contact.

What if I get pregnant right now?

We will likely see a lot of babies in 9 months, so you won’t be alone! If you get pregnant, we recommend avoiding contact with sick people and anyone who has been exposed to the virus.

WE CARE FOR MOTHER AND BABY

If you have underlying conditions such as diabetes or hypertension, we would like to establish care with you soon so that any medications you are currently taking can be reviewed and/or updated.

Call (404) 255-0621 to speak with one of our nurses about your pregnancy and schedule your appointment with us.

You Might Also Enjoy...