Being Pregnant During a Pandemic

There are a few things I had in mind while planning for my birth: Who I wanted to be at the hospital with me, the particulars of my birth plan, the bathrobe I wanted to pack, the music I wanted to be played and snacks I wanted to bring. All the little but necessary details. Being pregnant during a pandemic was not one of them.

It has changed everything. Going to the hospital feels like a entering a top-tier government agency, not being able to enter until you’ve been screened and asked all the necessary questions about your whereabouts and interactions. Necessary, but so, so, intense.

It’s also strange going alone, without my husband to ask or answer questions, hear my baby’s heartbeat, or see her move on the ultrasound.

And it isn’t just me– there are women who have had to give birth alone, without even their partner by their side to witness the birth of their own child. There are also women who have just given birth and are unable to have their family and friends over to love on and support them and their new baby.

At Times it has Been Scary.

This is my first baby, which means there is already a level of apprehension going into the whole birthing process. I don’t have the foundation of previous experience to lean back on when it comes to knowing when to go to the hospital, what labor will feel like, and what I will need in order to have as positive of an experience as possible.

Add to that a global illness that is affecting hospital policies, staff, and procedures, and it is all kind of overwhelming.

Even though there is nothing completely predictable about birth in the first place, being pregnant during a pandemic has added a layer of uncertainty. Some days, I feel focused and know I will be able to handle whatever may come my way. Other days, it’s easy to feel powerless, like I’m just going to have to handle whatever may come my way. It’s all a perspective shift.

Being Informed is the Best Way to Avoid Worrying

In spite of the confusion and uncertainty, I am determined to stay focused on the main goal: Having a safe labor and delivery.

I am so glad I started doing my research and asking questions early on in pregnancy. Right away, I found myself surrounded by friends, family, and people in my community giving me helpful information on pregnancy and birth from A to Z.

I have also been reading a lot of books, and watching plenty of youtube videos about birth, the stages of labor, and all the nitty gritty details that are helpful to know ahead of time. Some of the books I have been reading are:

• Mama Natural – An ultimate week- by- week guide through pregnancy covering everything you need to know about staying healthy, positive, and knowledgable for your labor and birth. Right now, they are offering a FREE course addressing Covid-19 and giving birth.
• Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth – Includes childbirth stories, and an in-depth view at the stages of labor, and what is actually happening in your body during the process
• Labor with Hope – Biblical meditations that connect the experience of childbirth to Jesus, and what he did for us. This book is great to help you get the big picture of what birth is all about, and help you have a peaceful, God-focused birth experience.

I have also found some helpful Youtube channels and videos! My favorites include:

• Bridget Teylor – A birth doula with informative videos on breathing techniques, home birth and hospital essentials, and overall birth topics. In this video she covers specific concerns women might have concerning covid and birth.
• Jordan Page – Founder of Mory June, she has some awesome videos about baby essentials, hospital bag essentials, and other topics related to baby care.
• Life Changed Forever – This is was a great video with information on having a natural childbirth at the hospital, which I what I am planning on doing.

Being informed and prepared is the best thing I can do right now. While it has been challenging to stay focused and positive about the whole experience, I think that being pregnant during a pandemic is ultimately going to result in growth in faith, strength, and endurance. I am so grateful to have the resources, knowledge, and support from family I need in order to not be afraid of whatever might happen.