Silver Cross Addresses Coronavirus Concerns For Pregnant Women

NEW LENOX, IL — Silver Cross Hospital has released a new video with President and Chief Executive Officer Ruth Colby and obstetrician/gynecologist Dr. Gamilah Pierre of Partners in Obstetrics & Women’s Health to discuss pregnancy and giving birth during the coronavirus pandemic.

In the nine-minute video, the hospital said Dr. Pierre and Colby discuss topics like:

• Exposure to coronavirus while pregnant
• Keeping routine OB/GYN appointments during pregnancy
• Visitors during labor
• Breastfeeding

You can watch the video here.

Possible Exposure To A Coronavirus Patient

Expectant moms who have been exposed to someone who is known to have the virus should follow all recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, including monitoring for symptoms and isolating for 14 days.

“The American College of Gynecology has not seen any vertical transmission of the virus between mother and baby, though if during pregnancy, the mother does contract COVID-19, they may become a little bit sicker than a non-pregnant patient,” Dr. Pierre explained in the video. “However, most pregnant women are relatively healthy and young, so they tend to do just fine and may have typical flu-like symptoms. We would monitor her situation and treat the symptoms appropriately.”

Routine Check-Ups – Should They Continue?

Dr. Pierre recommends expectant moms contact their obstetrician and take their lead on keeping or spacing out your routine visits.

“In some early pregnancies, we may be able to space out your routine prenatal appointment; as opposed to being every four weeks, your doctor might recommend coming in every 6 weeks,” Dr. Pierre said in the video. “But before you make that decision, reach out to your provider and follow their recommendations.”

Support Person During Labor and Delivery

“At this time, we encourage you to have your support person and your certified Doula, a birth coach, with you during this stressful, yet exciting time here at the hospital.” Dr. Pierre adds. “That person will be screened for symptoms and receive a wristband upon entering the hospital.”

But she cautions, “Once that person has been banded, you cannot change your support person.”

Is Breastfeeding Still Recommended For Those Exposed To coronavirus?

Dr. Pierre recommends that breast milk is still best for baby. “If you have been exposed, we highly recommend some type of a barrier between you and your baby. Use a mask and wash your hands and skin.”

Though if you are positive for coronavirus, she recommends pumping first, transferring the milk to a sanitized bottle and feeding your baby with the breast milk from the bottle.

According to the hospital, Silver Cross has currently suspended all community education programs until further notice, including prenatal and breastfeeding classes, and Birthing Center tours, to ensure patient and staff safety. However, the hospital has partnered with InJoy Health Education to make online pregnancy and parenting videos available so expectant parents can learn more about what happens before, during and after birth.