It’s a very strange time to be pregnant, but I’m doing everything I can not to let my worries get the best of me because I know with 100% certainty that there is absolutely nothing more I can do to keep me and this little babe safe from Covid-19, as well as the rest of my family. I was actually thinking tonight after I snatched a bite of Grace’s ice cream how nice it was to know that we haven’t been exposed to any outside germs, even just the common cold. It’s an odd peace of mind that I’ve never had before and it *almost* (not really) makes quarantining worth it. That’s probably also because I’m pregnant and willing to do anything not to be sick for delivery.
Before I get into anything, I first want to give a HUGE SHOUT OUT to all of the men and women who get dressed and out the door every morning because they have no choice, or because they are serving on the front lines of protecting all of us from this virus. I know several nurses, physicians and PA’s, some even pregnant, and they are leaving their families at home to go into work and serve those who need medical attention. It’s VERY HARD for them, and I am just so thankful for their bravery and commitment to the health of all of us. It also has to be said, if you’re reading this blog post and wondering what can you do for these men and women, the answer is … drumroll please… STAY HOME!! Take that message extremely seriously. We can all do it, it’s the only way to stop this, and it WILL SAVE LIVES.
From the very beginning I felt like I was one of the lucky ones who was able to take the precautions and stay home, it’s not lost on me the privilege that, that alone is, and so we started a little early, as soon as we heard that the schools around us were closing. It’s been 2 weeks and it honestly hasn’t been bad for our family. I’m huge, tired and not wanting to get dressed or do anything so staying home is quite fitting. Our only outings have been Brian going to the grocery store twice, and I’ve been going to my high-risk OB for my weekly, now bi-weekly visits. This is the only part I get worried about but there is nothing I can do, I have to go to the doctor. If it were a routine OB visit, my regular doctor is doing tele-medicine which would be great, but because of the stage of my pregnancy (34 weeks) and my conditions (placenta previa and marginal cord insertion) I have to be monitored closely. There are too many risks at stake to not be checking on babe, so into the doctor I go.
To give a little background, with placenta previa, it’s dangerous to go into labor because of bleeding, so they need to make sure my contractions are normal for this stage. With the marginal cord insertion, basically the umbilical cord is not attached where it should be, so there is a chance that at some point, the baby stops growing. Two conditions that must be looked at regularly. It’s a real JOY isn’t it?
When I go to the doctor, I try not to touch anything with my bare hands, I use a baby wipe or tissue to hit the buttons on the elevator, use the door handles, etc… I also wash my hands a ton after using the bathroom, and when I get home I shower and wash my clothes on sanitize. Also, tons of hand sanitizer! It may be over the top but whatever, it makes me feel better. I do not wear a mask or gloves.
Are you worried about delivering at the hospital?
I mean yes, of course. I’m delivering 3 weeks from this Friday (April 17th) but what’s my alternative? I’m having a c-section (because of the previa, but even if I weren’t I would choose a hospital. People have asked me about home births. Personally, the whole idea just doesn’t sit well. This is a VERY personal topic and I know lots of gals who deliver at home, but for my thought process, there are too many what if’s. What if you there is an emergency and you need to get to a hospital? At this point in covid-land, having to call an ambulance to take you through the ER where this virus is entering at all points and times of day sounds like the last place I would want to be. BUT, it’s up to each woman and family to decide!
Is there any truth to husbands not being able to be in the birthing room?
Yes, in NYC, this is true. It’s so sad and awful for these mothers but I do believe that the hospital is taking a necessary measure. The situation in NYC is scary and there is too much risk in allowing anyone who is not essential into the hospital. My heart goes out to the families. If it’s happening in NYC it might happen here, too, and I’ll cross that emotional bridge when and if needed.
Because of the virus, are you panicked you won’t get skin to skin immediately?
I don’t know how it works with a c-section, I’m not sure you get skin to skin right away anyway? Not concerning to me, we’ll get plenty!
26 weeks and I’m worried about getting proper nutrition with all the food shortages. Tips?
This doesn’t worry me, just take your prenatal. Of course in an ideal world we’d be eating a perfect diet, but who really does that anyway? I ate Eggo waffles for breakfast, and a turkey sandwich for lunch 😬Think about the mommies with HG, or those who are so sick they lose weight while pregnant. The babies are fine and somehow get everything they need. Don’t stress!
How are you keeping yourself calm?
DISTRACTIONS! My kids are such distractions, most times I can’t even form legitimate thoughts because they demand so much 😂Other than that, I just try and keep busy and make the most of the time I have while this bub is safe in my body, and with my family. I just try really hard not to think about it too much. Don’t watch the news. Try and focus on the good. We’re also moving in about a week so I’m constantly thinking about that 🙃
Are you worried that the hospital won’t have supplies or space when you have the baby?
No, labor and delivery is usually a separate space in all hospitals and I have some faith in our system that there is a healthy reserve of L+D and maternal supplies. Ahain though, I can’t really worry about something I have no control over.
K so in conclusion, there is not much we can control in these times except for how we handle the constant changes in the climate out there. We are taking our precautions seriously and we have to step away and remove our minds from it all for the well being of ourselves and of our families. It sucks, big time, and it’s not how we imagined this time to be, but it will pass and it will change us. We’ll be stronge
r, we’ll have made it out together, and we’ll take every last drop of positivity there is out of all this.
As of right now, we are allowed one visitor, which will be Brian, I just ate three chocolate chip cookies, I haven’t worn a bra in days which is a BLESSING, I’m getting to spend LOTS of time with Brian and Grace before baby, and no one has to see my swollen face in person. We are the lucky ones right now, we are healthy and have everything we need at home, and that it THAT.
I’ll touch on how we’re approaching moving.soon. There’s a scavenger hunt happening outside and I need to get involved.