A hospital birth during COVID-19 is safe

Information about coronavirus is changing daily. For pregnant women, this can be unsettling. As their due date gets closer, questions emerge.

What can a woman expect when it’s time to deliver your baby? Are labor and delivery units safe right now? Will she or her baby be exposed to COVID-19?

In response to the pandemic, some pregnant women are considering giving birth at home or are asking for early induced labor to avoid being in the hospital during a possible surge of COVID-19 cases.

A planned hospital birth is still considered the safest option to deliver a baby. Most hospitals are taking many precautions to ensure that pregnant women aren’t exposed to ill patients and visitors.

The following safety measures are in place in Edward-Elmhurst Health’s hospital Birthing Centers:

• COVID-19 testing. All pregnant women who come to Edward-Elmhurst Birthing Centers get a COVID-19 test. COVID-19-positive patients are separated in designated areas with dedicated care teams and multiple safety measures are implemented to minimize risk of cross-contamination.
• Visitor screening. Before entering the Birthing Centers, all staff, patients and visitors are screened for a temperature greater than 100 degrees and masked. The visitor policy may be adjusted for patients with known or suspected COVID-19.
• Visitor restrictions. Expectant mothers may have one partner or support person who may spend the night. Pediatric patients may have two parents.
• Strict cleaning and disinfecting. Extra staff are specifically assigned to clean the Birthing Centers on a regular basis.
• Staff personal protective equipment (PPE). All staff take extra precautions and wear proper PPE, including surgical masks, when interacting with patients.
• Masking. Expectant moms and partners are asked to wear masks in the hospital and in their private patient room when staff are in the room with them.
• Physical distancing to limit exposure. Patient registration is being done remotely. Staff monitors the waiting areas to help ensure social distancing.

Protect newborns at home with these precautions:

• Clean hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching eyes, mouth and nose. Cough or sneeze into a bent elbow.
• Eat a healthy diet, stay hydrated and get enough sleep.
• Avoid contact with people outside the household (stay at least 6 feet away from others).
• Don’t have visitors at home. Screen extended family members.
• Avoid anyone who is sick.
• Avoid social gatherings and travel.
• Ask a doctor about having postnatal check-ups by phone or video conference.
• Plan for a back-up caregiver in case the child’s parent or a household member contracts the virus.

Pregnant women who experience symptoms of COVID-19, should call their OB-GYN and/or primary care physician for further guidance.

For updates on COVID-19, check EEHealth.org/coronavirus.