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All About Women

A patient-centered practice for all stages of a woman's life

Gainesville, FL (352) 331-3332
6440 W Newberry Rd, Ste 111

Lake City, FL (386) 754-1744
4447 NW American Ln, Ste 102

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Blog / Pregnancy & Prenatal Care / 8 Frequently Asked Questions about Pregnancy, Breastfeeding and the Coronavirus

8 Frequently Asked Questions about Pregnancy, Breastfeeding and the Coronavirus

June 8, 2020 By Liliana Zapien

pregnancy and coronavirus

We are living through a very uncertain and stressful time. If you’re pregnant or have a newborn, your level of anxiety is probably escalated beyond most (and rightfully so). At All About Women, our staff is here to help you work through all of your questions, concerns and anxieties about pregnancy, delivery and caring for a newborn during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

In an effort to help ease your concerns, here are the answers to 8 common questions we receive about pregnancy, breastfeeding and COVID-19.

1. Am I at a higher risk of getting COVID-19 because I’m pregnant?

According to the CDC, there is currently no evidence to suggest that pregnant women have a higher risk of getting COVID-19. However, pregnant women do have weaker immune systems, so they may experience more severe symptoms if they do get the coronavirus (the same is true with other viruses).

2. If I get COVID-19, will I pass it to my unborn baby?

Unfortunately, since this virus is so new, we don’t have a lot of information on how COVID-19 affects a fetus. However, similar viruses and bacteria don’t generally have major effects on an unborn baby if treated quickly. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) states: “It is not likely that COVID-19 passes to a fetus during pregnancy, labor, or delivery, but more research is needed.”

3. If I get COVID-19, do I have a higher risk of miscarriage or other complications?

So far, there has not been any evidence of an increased risk of miscarriage or complications due to COVID-19. There have been a few reports of preterm birth in women that have had COVID-19, but whether or not the virus caused the preterm labor is unknown.

4. Should I still go to my regular prenatal visits and risk exposure?

It is still important to monitor both you and your unborn baby during your pregnancy, so you do need to continue visits with your OB. However, many doctors have moved to video appointments (telemedicine) so that patients don’t have to go out in order to see their doctor and risk possible exposure.

Talk to your OB/GYN and insurance provider to see if you can do visits via telemedicine. If you do have to physically go see your doctor, most offices are having patients wait in their cars and bringing them directly into rooms when they’re available.

Check out this blog post to get the latest updates on how All About Women is handling appointments and care during the pandemic.

5. As a pregnant woman, how do I avoid COVID-19?

As you’ve probably heard many times already, washing your hands and not touching your face are the best ways to keep from getting the coronavirus. In addition, avoid people who are sick and don’t leave your home unless it’s necessary. If you do go out, keep that 6-foot distance from everyone and wear a mask if possible.

6. Is it safe to have my baby in the hospital during the pandemic?

Hospital staff and delivery wards are taking great care to minimize every possible exposure by limiting guests and isolating anyone that has any possible symptoms. In certain uncomplicated births, OBs may also allow mothers and newborns to be discharged earlier than normal.

7. Can my spouse be there for the birth?

In most cases, you are allowed to have 1 person with you during the delivery and afterward. Of course, they have to be screened for symptoms beforehand and probably wear a mask, but generally spouses are allowed to be with their wife and newborn.

8. If I get COVID-19, is it safe to breastfeed my newborn?

Breastfeeding provides babies with essential antibodies they need to fight off countless illnesses. There has been no evidence to suggest that the coronavirus is transferred through breastmilk, so it is considered safe and even encouraged to continue to give your baby breastmilk.

However, if you do develop COVID-19, you’d need to quarantine yourself from your baby (if they don’t have it), and then you could pump it and pass it off to whoever is taking care of them.

If you have any questions or concerns about the coronavirus and pregnancy or breastfeeding, reach out to your OB. At All About Women, we want you to feel calm and confident about your pregnancy and your newborn through these uncertain times. Schedule an appointment with one of our compassionate Florida midwives and obstetricians today.

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Being a patient-centered practice goes well beyond seeing patients in our office. We want to help you find important answers before you even step in the door. Our OB/GYN blog helps us accomplish this goal but more importantly, helps women like you better understand your unique health needs. Browse around and learn more about pregnancy, general women’s health, exciting new research and more!

Contact Us With Any Questions

All About Women Obstetrics and Gynecology – Gainesville

Gainesville
6440 W Newberry Rd, Ste 111
Gainesville, FL 32605
(352) 331-3332


All About Women Obstetrics and Gynecology – Lake Cit

Lake City
4447 NW American Ln, Ste 102
Lake City, FL 32055
(386) 754-1744


 

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Gainesville and Lake City OB/GYN Care
OB/GYN doctors at All About Women, Obstetrics & Gynecology offer personalized, technologically advanced obstetrics and gynecology services from Board Certified OB/GYB physicians. Besides expert women's healthcare, permanent birth control and prenatal care, OB/GYN doctors also offers advanced hysterectomy surgery in and around the Gainesville area.


Women's Health Care in Alachua & Columbia Counties
With offices in Gainesville and Lake City, Florida, All About Women, M.D. provides expert OB/GYN services covering the entire range of women's healthcare needs. Our OB/GYN physicians and nurse midwives provide expert care during pregnancy as well as state of the art in-office treatments for gynecologic disorders including Novasure endometrial ablation to treat/stop heavy menstrual bleeding.


Personalized & Expert Prenatal Care
Gainesville obstetricians at All About Women, M.D. help ensure pregnancy goes as smoothly as possible by offering the best prenatal care available. And for those having difficulty getting pregnant, AAW obstetricians and gynecologists offer couples the best infertility help and treatment available.


Advanced Minimally Invasive Surgery: daVinci Surgical System
Clinic founder Dr. Anthony Agrios, Board Certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist also specializes in the daVinci Robotic surgery system, a minimally invasive option commonly used for a hysterectomy and other procedures. Instead of creating several small incisions like traditional surgical methods, OB/GYN surgeons simply open one incision with the daVinci system to complete the procedure. Not only do patients experience less pain and blood loss, they recover and get back to normal much faster.


Pregnancy & Prenatal Care: Creative Pregnancy Announcement : Fruits for Pregnant Women

OB/GYN Tips: Choosing an OB/GYN : Robotic Hysterectomy

Infertility & Reproduction Health: Infertility Treatment : Permanent Birth Control

Women's Health: Preventive Care : Well Women Care : Mammogram Screenings : Abnormal Periods

Gainesville Maternity Care

 

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All About Women
Gainesville and Lake City, Florida Obstetrics & Gynecology

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