Here’s what doctors want you to know.
Um, Can You Use a Vibrator While Pregnant?
Richard H. Beigi, MD, is a professor of reproductive sciences at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
Health expertsare quick to point outthat theres a glaring lack of research on pregnancy and COVID-19.
According to the report, Hispanic and non-Hispanic Black pregnant women seemed to be disproportionately affected by COVID-19.
We do not know if these problems were related to the virus, the CDC reports.
Brenna L. Hughes, MD, is an OB/GYN and maternal-fetal medicine specialist at Duke Health in Durham, North Carolina.
People can feel reassured theres a very low risk, says Dr. Hughes.
There havent been clear cases of transmission during labor and delivery either, says Dr. Hughes.
But why would COVID-19 potentially have a greater effect on pregnant people in the first place?
Again, theres a lot we dont know about COVID-19 and how it can affect pregnant people.
But doctors have some theories based on how the body changes during pregnancy itself.
(Which is why, amongst other precautions, experts emphatically recommendpregnant people get a flu shot.)
Several factors could potentially slightly increase the risk of preterm birth.
Sometimes we deliver early when moms arent doing well, says Dr. Beigi.
Its definitely an area of research that needs to be developed, she says.
Brenna L. Hughes, MD, is an OB/GYN and maternal-fetal medicine specialist at Duke Health in Durham, North Carolina.
Finally, for any risks to moms immediately postpartum, it may be an extension of being recently pregnant.
I dont know of any other reasons being immediately postpartum poses more risk, says Dr. Beigi.
What precautions should pregnant people be taking now?
Most of the reports of outbreaks are when people are unmasked, says Dr. Hughes.
Its also important to stickto existing vaccination recommendationsand get the Tdap and flu shotsduringpregnancy.
Pregnant people are at higher risk for bad outcomes if they catch the flu, says Dr. Hughes.
How does COVID-19 affect labor and delivery?
A birthing center or hospital is still the safest place to deliver, even during a pandemic.
The cleaning and attention to infection control measures have never been greater, says Dr. Hughes.
Its a happy and special occasion, she says.
Once youre admitted, youll probably be more restricted in your movements around the hospital than in the past.
Youll also likely be allowed fewer visitors.
Dr. Beigis hospital is filling in the gap by offering iPads so laboring people can connect with loved ones.
Any person whos present at your birth will be required to wear a mask and other personal protective equipment.
Many hospitals also encourage laboring moms who have a confirmed case of COVID-19 to wear a mask.
But we realize for some women its very difficult, says Dr. Beigi.
After delivery,the CDC strongly recommendsseparating babies from parents who are sick with COVID-19.
But its ultimately your decision after you weigh the risks and benefits of rooming in versus separation.
The risks will vary tremendously based on how ill a mom is, says Dr. Hughes.
What precautions should you take if youre trying to conceive right now?
Before TTC, be sure youre up-to-date on all of your vaccinations.
(And of course, follow all of the above-mentioned social distancing best practices.)
Some places might have changed their hours, scheduling protocol, and what services they can provide.
The overwhelming majority of pregnant women who get sick with COVID-19 do just fine, Dr. Beigi says.
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