COVID-19 could verily be the most unexpected global issue of the past decade (definitely of 2020!) No one could have prepared for the entire world entering a quarantine, or as people come to have called it: a lockdown. But life has constantly proven to be able to surprise even after it has surprised as many mothers and mothers-to-be are now discovering.
The jokes and memes began early in the quarantine, talk of a baby boom in nine months time. They were funny, they made sense, and in the face of a global pandemic with so much uncertainty, the laughter was welcome. Then the statistics began coming out. Just how many births it would be. Each country had a different estimate. In May, the UN estimated 7 million unexpected pregnancies should the quarantine last another six months.
Now, people are passing the 12-week mark and are making their baby announcements, many shared on social media. Hashtags like #quarantinebaby and #pandemicpregnancy are starting to trend. Jokes on “social distancing fails” and the “wrong protection” fill the captions. Some families are laughing, making the most of it, and being vocal. Others are keeping silent, more private about their baby-to-be.
Some mothers have chosen to keep silent about their baby-to-be. Unsure of how to proceed.
Whether you find yourself in the vocal group or the silent group, expecting in the unexpected is a lot to take in and digest. For some it was planned. For others another unexpected. Like all pregnancies, there is a lot of emotion involved and a lot of planning, which is why Mommy Mundo put together this quick guide to #quarantinebabies
Step One: Have a heart to heart
Have a heart to heart and serious discussion with your spouse. Quarantine or no quarantine, a new addition to the family requires a planning discussion. Topics like financial adjustments, sibling dynamics, family and home life adjustments, and healthcare preparations all need to be considered. This is a long discussion that may take several days, but the more that can be discussed, the better.
Step Two: Call your doctor
In all pregnancies, staying in contact with your doctor is necessary. In #pandemicpregancies even more so. Close coordination will have to occur in order to schedule your appointments and scans. The best and safest way to obtain medicines (if needed) or prenatal vitamins, and discussions on the birth process and post-delivery care can be discussed early on so that parents can take their time to decide what they feel is best.
Step Three: PRACTICE Social Distancing
While you might have initially failed at social distancing, now you must absolutely succeed. Staying away from those you do not live with and making sure that those who leave your home follow strict disinfecting protocols is a must. There is very little evidence still about how COVID-19 affects pregnancies and unborn babies. There have been cases of babies testing positive for COVID-19 and a recent case of a baby born with COVID-19 (suggesting in vitro infection).
Pregnant women are already in the immunocompromised category, and it is important to remember this and to take the extra measures to stay safe.
Step Four: Stay Healthy
Staying safe must be coupled with staying healthy. Eat the right amount of fruits and vegetables and exercise (as long as your doctor approves the exercises). Understand the stages of prenatal development so you know where your baby is in their growth process and what specific nutrients they may need. A pandemic pregnancy isn’t so different from a pregnancy that occurs in normal times (Side Note: What is normal these days?), and so all previous considerations to pregnancy and diet should be factored into daily life.
Step Five: Prepare Your House as Best You Can
If you’ve had children before then you have an idea of how to prepare your home for a newborn. While it may be daunting to source accessories and needs during a quarantine, there are plenty of online resources available that also deliver straight to your door. But beyond the diapers and rockers, the crib, onesies, socket protectors, and corner guards, prepare for your baby being born into a home that still has to abide by quarantine rules. Talk to your doctor about disinfection protocols for the family and what cleansers might be mild enough so as not to affect the baby.
Step Six: Try to Enjoy It!
No one can say when a vaccine will be available, which means no one knows just how long the quarantine will last. This can be worrisome and stressful (to top off all the other worrisome and stressful considerations to expecting), BUT try to enjoy it. Quarantine or no, pandemic or no, babies are beautiful, fun, and amazing parts of life. Enjoy it!
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