Updated 3/26/2020
In the midst of the current coronavirus epidemic, many of our pregnant mamas are asking us “How does this affect me?”, “Should I stop working?”, “Should I come to my prenatal visits?”. While this is all so new and there is still new knowledge and understanding gleaned every day, we want to give you the current recommendations to help keep you, your family and baby safe. We have instituted the following policies temporarily until further notice:
- Please RESCHEDULE your appointment if you are sick or you’ve been exposed to someone who is sick. If you are having symptoms such as fever, cough, shortness of breath please call your midwife team at ext 2 so we can refer you for testing.
- Come ALONE to your APPOINTMENT or if necessary only bring your significant other. Please NO CHILDREN at appointments for the time being. Please sit at least 6 ft from others and wash your hands after touching anything. When you are out, consider bringing extra towelettes or wearing gloves to minimize your direct contact with objects.
- We are following the NEW ACOG RECOMMENDED SCHEDULE for prenatal visits which is first visit, 20 weeks, every 4 weeks until 36 weeks. We will work with this schedule and may ask you to postpone your appointment. If you are having an issue and feel you must be seen, please let us know. Your midwives are also available to you by messaging or phone.
- STAY HOME. If you are able to work from home on your job, consider this as an option. Speak with your employer about this, and if you need a letter or form completed, please let our office know.
- Bring MINIMAL PERSONS TO YOUR BIRTH. Our recommendation is 1-2 essential persons. Please do not bring children or elderly persons.
- The sanitation of our office is always of utmost importance, but we have increased the sanitation of our office including disinfection of door knobs, handles, and all surfaces that are accessed by our staff and families between each patient.
- Please check in with us to see if other events such as breastfeeding support group or childbirth classes will be held according to schedule. As of right now, ALMOST ALL MEETINGS HAVE BEEN CANCELLED. Please watch our facebook page for announcements.
As far as the risks, the good news is that at this time there is no known increased risk to pregnant women, no known transmission to baby in utero, no known risk of transmission of the virus through amniotic fluid or breast milk, and women are generally at less risk of serious complications associated with the infection than men. The elderly and those with compromised respiratory systems are at greatest risk. However, with that said there are still many unknowns.
With any infectious disease, whether it’s the common cold, the flu or the coronavirus, it is wise to build your immune system to help prevent illness. You can do this by getting plenty of sleep, plenty of water and fresh foods, avoiding sugar and junk food in your diet, and taking natural supplements. As a general regimen to build the immune system, I recommend 2,000 mg of Vitamin C, zinc, garlic oil softgels, capsules or fresh garlic three times a day and ginger tea. Apple cider vinegar (1 tsp to 1/2 cup water) a few times a day is also a great way to keep your immune system strong and healthy. Hot teas and hot clear soups are excellent to keep your immune and respiratory system healthy.
Regular handwashing and “Hysterical Hygiene” as Aviva Romm MD refers to it in her article is so important. Please read this well written article by Dr. Aviva Romm: COVID-19, Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: What We Know is Reassuring.
For up to date information and recommendations in regards to COVID-19 and pregnancy and breastfeeding, look to the CDC website.
