COVID-19 in Pregnancy

Last updated 05/25/2022

We are here for you — We understand this is a time of great uncertainty, and we at Four Seasons OB/GYN & Midwifery are working diligently to keep our community and your pregnancy safe. Information is changing rapidly, and we aim to give you the most up to date information. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us if you have questions or need support.

Changes at Four Seasons OB/GYN & Midwifery

In General:

• Please let us know if you have or suspect you have Covid during your pregnancy so we can make special accommodations for your care and arrange testing if needed.
• Before entry into the clinic or hospital, all patients are asked about Covid symptoms. If you have symptoms or recent exposure, you may be asked to reschedule your appointment, or for your appointment to be changed to telehealth. If you have urgent healthcare needs, we will make accommodations to see you.
• If you have not already signed up for the BMH Patient Portal, now is a great time to do so as we have found it to be one of the best ways to communicate with patients from a distance.

In the Office:

• You will be requested to wear a mask during your appointment, as will your healthcare team. Per BMH guidelines, cloth masks are no longer acceptable.
• Some prenatal visits may be done via telehealth depending on community transmission rates, your symptoms or exposure, and your comfort level.

Appointments at Radiology/Sonograms:

• Pictures usually are provided, though technology (cell phones, videos, cameras) cannot be used during sonograms.
• A single adult visitor is permitted to accompany a patient for their 20-week OB ultrasound. Please follow instruction as provided by the Ultrasound Technologist.

At the Hospital:

• Masks are required while in hospital corridors and while in your room when staff are also present.
• All patients are tested for Covid on admission. When the date of your admission is known (for inductions and planned Cesarean births) a COVID test will be done a few days prior to your admission.
• Your support person and all visitors should be healthy, without symptoms or exposure to COVID-19. While there is not a limitation on number of support people, we encourage you to keep your birthing team small to protect you, your baby and our staff.

While You are in Labor:

• Most of our usual labor supports, including pain medications and epidurals, are available. Nitrous oxide is available following a negative Covid test on admission.
• In the event that you have Covid at the time of your birth, you will be admitted to a negative pressure room just outside the birthing center. Our normal birthing center staff will continue to care for you. Your provider and nursing staff will wear full personal protective equipment (mask, face shield, gown, etc) during your birth.
• If you are known or suspected to have COVID-19 while in labor, we can talk in greater depth about what other changes you can expect. You will still be allowed a support person regardless of your Covid status.

Other Pregnancy-Specific Considerations:

• We strongly encourage you to self-isolate after 37 weeks to help prevent you from having COVID-19 while in labor. Talk with us if you need support working from home or starting your leave early to accomplish this.
• Think about who might be your back-up support person, should your support person become ill around the time you are in labor. Support people are always welcome via phone, FaceTime, etc., if they are unable to be present.
• Know your status, consider getting a COVID test, especially at the end of pregnancy. Follow this link to learn about available testing options.
• Take a virtual tour of the BMH Birthing Center.
• Consider what your postpartum supports might look like; we are happy to help navigate local resources.
• Now is an especially great time for you and your partner to consider smoking cessation (Learn more about 802quits).

Good things to have on hand:

• A thermometer, with fresh batteries
• Tylenol
• Home Covid antigen tests
• A blood pressure cuff (borrow from a relative or purchase a new one).

Understanding COVID-19

About COVID-19 — It has been found that about many people have COVID-19 without having any symptoms, and can accidentally pass the virus on to other people.

How to reduce your risk — You can help stop the spread of COVID-19 by taking these actions:

• Practice physical distancing (which means keeping 6 feet between you and other people), avoiding gathering in groups, “stay home, stay safe”!
• Cover your cough (using your elbow is a good technique)
• Wear a cloth mask when you must go out, though still keep 6 feet apart
• Avoid people who are sick
• Clean your hands often using soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer

Call us first — before arriving at the clinic or hospital:

• If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19
• If you develop a fever and symptoms, such as cough or difficulty breathing

Emergency Warning Signs — These warrant immediate medical attention:

• Trouble breathing
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• New confusion or inability to arouse
• Bluish lips or face