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Get the latest COVID-19 information, including vaccines and testing.  LEARN MORE >

  1. Home
  2. For Patients & Visitors
  3. Coronavirus (COVID-19)
  4. Pregnancy, Childbirth, & Life with Newborns
  • COVID-19 Home
  • COVID-19 Safety
  • Getting Care for COVID-19
  • COVID-19 Vaccine
  • Pregnancy, Childbirth and COVID-19

Pregnancy and Childbirth during COVID-19

Updated August 13, 2020

We understand you may have concerns about your pregnancy, what your baby’s birth might be like, and how you’ll manage life with a newborn during COVID-19. This is an unprecedented time, and we want to acknowledge that having a baby right now may feel scary. We also want to assure you that we are prepared to care for you and your baby safely, each step of the way.

Pregnancy

  • Are pregnant women at higher risk for COVID-19?
  • How will my prenatal and postpartum care change?
  • Are there any special precautions I should take to avoid getting infected with COVID-19 during pregnancy?
  • If I am diagnosed with COVID-19, could I pass it along to my baby?
  • Can I still take childbirth and newborn care classes through John Muir Health?

Childbirth

  • Should I make any changes to my labor or delivery plans?
  • Would it be safer to have a home birth?
  • Do pregnant women with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 need to give birth by caesarean section?
  • What is John Muir Health doing now to keep women and babies safe during labor and childbirth?

Childbirth if positive for COVID-19

  • How will my care change if I test positive for COVID-19?
  • What are the risks of giving COVID-19 to my baby?
  • What can I expect during delivery if I have COVID-19?
  • Will I be separated from my baby if I have COVID-19?
  • Will you test my baby for COVID-19?
  • What symptoms will my baby have if positive for COVID-19?
  • Can my baby stay in my room if I have COVID-19?
  • How do I safely breastfeed my newborn if I have COVID-19?

Life with your newborn

  • I’m feeling overwhelmed. How can I connect with others and get the support I need during COVID-19?
  • Can I still bring my baby to our pediatrician during COVID-19?

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PREGNANCY

Are pregnant women at higher risk for COVID-19?

Research is currently underway to understand the impacts of COVID-19 infection on pregnant women. Data is limited, but at present there is no evidence that pregnant women are at higher risk of severe illness than the general population.

However, due to changes in their bodies and immune systems, we know that pregnant women can be badly affected by some respiratory infections. It is therefore important that you take precautions to protect yourself against COVID-19, and report possible symptoms (including fever, cough or difficulty breathing) to your primary care doctor or OB/GYN. Your OB/GYN is the best person to talk to about any specific concerns you may have about your health risks during pregnancy.

How will my prenatal and postpartum care change?

Each of the John Muir Health-affiliated OB/GYNs may have slightly different protocols put into place to help keep you safe during your prenatal and postpartum care. These could include things like doing some appointments via phone instead of in person, or having patients wait in their cars prior to appointments rather than in a waiting room. Please contact your OB/GYN to find out how they may be changing how they deliver prenatal and postpartum care.

Are there any special precautions I should take to avoid getting infected with COVID-19 during pregnancy?

Please continue to take the same precautions that are recommended for everyone:

  • Wear a mask when you are outside your home, and practice social distancing by staying at least six feet from anyone not in your household.
  • Wash your hands often, for 20 seconds. Remember to always cough or sneeze into your elbow, and avoid touching your face. 
  • Follow your local county health department’s orders and recommendations
    • Contra Costa Health Services
    • Alameda County Health Services
    • Solano County Health Services
If I am diagnosed with COVID-19, could I pass it along to my baby?

At this time it is unknown if a pregnant woman with COVID-19 can pass the virus to her fetus or baby during pregnancy or delivery. To date, the virus has not been found in samples of amniotic fluid or breastmilk. Please talk to your OB/GYN about any concerns that you have.

Can I still take childbirth and newborn care classes through John Muir Health?

Due to COVID-19 safety precautions, all of our childbirth and newborn classes and groups are currently conducted virtually via Zoom until further notice. We also offer some self-paced eClasses that you and your partner can complete at your convenience. 

Space is limited so be sure to sign up early as some classes and groups fill quickly.

Best Beginnings (0-3 months) Parent & Baby Groups, 8-Week Session

Best Beginnings (4+ months) Parenting Classes

Best Beginnings Evening Edition (0-12 months) Parenting Classes

Breastfeeding Your Infant Class (Ideal for Third Trimester Moms)

Breastfeeding Support Sessions (Moms with Infants 0-3 months)

Childbirth: Low Intervention Techniques for Managing Pain Naturally

Understanding Childbirth – Online eClass (self-paced, 4-6 hours)

Understanding Your Newborn – Online eClass (self-paced, 2-3 hours)

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CHILDBIRTH

Should I make any changes to my labor or delivery plans?

In most cases, the timing and method of delivery (vaginal birth or cesarean birth) do not need to be changed. Please talk to your OB/GYN about your specific situation –he or she is ready to help you consider the best plan for you.

Would it be safer to have a home birth?

Along with the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, we believe that the safest place to give birth is still at a hospital, hospital-based birth center or accredited freestanding birth center.

Even the healthiest, low-risk pregnancies can have life threatening problems arise with little or no warning during labor and delivery. In this case, hospitals such as ours are much better prepared to give you emergency care quickly, including immediate life-saving obstetric interventions. Studies have shown that babies born at home are more than twice as likely to die around the time of birth than those born in hospitals.

It’s important to not take any risks that might put you or your newborn’s health in danger. We have the appropriate clinicians, staff, supplies and protective equipment to care for you and your baby safely, even during COVID-19. Please talk to your OB/GYN if you are considering changing your plans to a home birth. He or she can discuss the relative risks of home births and hospital births with you.

Do pregnant women with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 need to give birth by caesarean section?

No. Both the World Health Organization and John Muir Health advise that caesarean sections should only be performed when medically justified. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists also do not recommend a caesarean section solely because a woman is sick. Please talk to your OB/GYN about your specific situation and what is best for the health of you and your baby.

What is John Muir Health doing now to keep women and babies safe during labor and childbirth?

We are prepared to welcome you and care for you. Safety precautions that we have in place include:

Separate hospital entrance for laboring moms: Go to the Labor & Delivery entrance off Ygnacio Valley Road, next to the Emergency Department. This entrance is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is separate from our main entrance. You’ll see signs for short-term Labor & Delivery parking; your support person will need to move your car to our parking garage as soon as possible after checking in to create space for other patients.

Birth Center separated from other units: Our Labor & Delivery and Postpartum units are separate from other units in the hospital. They can only be accessed by staff and physicians who work in those units, and these staff don’t work in any other units.

  • COVID-19 test upon admission: Unless test results from the last few days are available, you’ll be provided with a rapid COVID-19 test upon admission to our Birth Center. Special isolation precautions are provided to COVID-19 moms and babies.
  • Increased visitor restrictions: For the safety of our patients and staff, we have implemented stricter visitor restrictions that comply with the California Department of Public Health’s requirements.
    • One (1) identified support person is permitted for the duration of the patient’s stay with us in Pediatrics, Labor & Delivery and Postpartum. 
    • Support person must be vaccinated or have proof of a negative Covid-19 test within 72 hours. However, exemptions will be made for a support person of a patient in Labor & Delivery. View our complete hospital visitor policy for more detail. 
    • Support person must not have any symptoms of illness and/or have been in contact with anyone who is sick.
      • We understand how important it is for you and your baby to have a support person with you, and we do not have any plans to stop allowing support people.
  • Universal mask policy:  All patients and visitors are given commercially-produced medical face masks upon entry into our hospital. Patients and visitors are given a new mask each day. All staff and physicians wear face masks and other appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) based on CDC guidelines for the patients they are caring for or procedures they are conducting.
    • This does mean that you will be wearing a mask during labor and delivery, as well as throughout the duration of your stay, to help ensure the safety of you, your baby and our staff.
    • Newborns will not be masked.
  • Temperature monitoring: Before entering our hospitals, all patients, visitors, staff and physicians undergo routine temperature monitoring and symptom screening. 
    • Checking temperatures and screening for symptoms helps us catch any potential illness that a person may not yet be aware of themselves.
    • The screening process includes quickly taking your temperature (touchless) and responding to a few brief COVID-19 screening questions. 
    • Anyone with a temperature of 100 degrees or higher or who answers “yes” to any of the screening questions will not be permitted to enter.

We know that bringing your baby into the world during COVID-19 can be frightening. We are here to care for you and your family. Please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns by calling (925) 939-3000 and asking for Labor & Delivery.

Learn more about COVID-19 safety precautions in our Birth Center:

_______________________________________________

CHILDBIRTH IF POSITIVE FOR COVID-19

How will my care change if I test positive for COVID-19?

Rest assured, you’ll receive the same attentive care that we provide to all of our Birth Center patients. Additionally, we’ll do the following:

  • We’ll place you in a negative pressure room or in a room with enhanced HEPA filtration.
  • Meals for you and your support person will be provided in your room.
  • Support person must remain in the room with you for the duration of the stay.
  • We’ll educate you and your support person on how to safely care for you and your newborn to limit your baby’s exposure to the virus.
  • Your COVID-19 care team will communicate with you by phone, when possible, to minimize the number of times in and out of your room and may wear additional protective gear, such as gowns and face shields.
What are the risks of giving COVID-19 to my baby?

Before delivery: COVID-19 virus passing from a pregnant woman to her baby during pregnancy or delivery has only been reported in rare cases. However, the good news is that the virus has not yet been found in samples of amniotic fluid.

After Delivery: We do know that there is some risk of passing the virus to your baby, particularly if your baby comes in contact with your respiratory secretions, such as the tiny droplets of fluid in your coughs and sneezes.

Breastmilk: To date, the virus fortunately has not been found in samples of breastmilk.

What can I expect during delivery if I have COVID-19?

We’ll fully support you every step of the way through your labor and delivery, just like we do for all our patients. Our pediatric team will be ready to care for your baby once born. We’ll delay cord clamping to maximize your baby’s immunities and place baby with you skin-to-skin, so long as baby is stable and doing well. Your baby will be examined and given a bath shortly after birth.

Will I be separated from my baby if I have COVID-19?

No. Your baby will stay with you, unless a higher level of care is needed, such as oxygen or IV fluids. Your care team will discuss with you the best place for your baby to go after delivery.

Will you test my baby for COVID-19?

We’ll only test your baby if you are confirmed to have COVID-19. If we test you but don’t have the results back at time of birth, we’ll use special isolation precautions and watch your baby for symptoms of the virus.

What symptoms will my baby have if positive for COVID-19?

Right now, very few babies have tested positive for COVID-19. Not much is yet known about symptoms of COVID-19 in babies. However, it’s possible that babies with the virus may have symptoms such as breathing problems, fever, difficulty waking up, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Can my baby stay in my room if I have COVID-19?

Yes, but your doctor or nurse will first discuss the risks of your baby getting COVID-19. 4 If you decide for baby to stay in your room, we’ll put your baby in a crib or warmer that is at least six feet from your bed to reduce exposure. We’ll also recommend that you and your support person wear a mask and protective covering at all times.

How do I safely breastfeed my baby if I have COVID-19?

We recommend the following:

  • Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
  • If you are unable to walk to the sink, we will provide you with hand sanitizer.
  • Wear a face mask that covers your nose and mouth at all times, especially when breastfeeding or holding your baby close.
  • Cough or sneeze into your elbow and away from your baby.
  • If you have questions or concerns, notify your nurse. Once home you can call our Lactation Services team at (925) 952-2777.

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LIFE WITH YOUR NEWBORN

I'm feeling overwhelmed. How can I connect with others and get the support I need during COVID-19?

Join a virtual support group for parents with newborns such as our Best Beginnings (0-3 months) Parent & Baby Groups, 8-Week Session where you can connect with other parents who have babies close to your baby’s age.

Join one or more local moms groups and become part of a community of moms who are all going through this journey together. Find a local moms group. There are also many mom, parent and family groups on Facebook.

Connect with family and friends virtually using online video conferencing or by phone. Be sure to share how you’re feeling. It helps to talk to trusted friends and family members, especially those who have gone through this themselves.

Call your doctor if you feel symptoms of depression. Feeling sad and overwhelmed at times can be common for new moms, and this may be even harder during COVID-19. It’s important that any feelings of depression are addressed right away. Please call your primary care doctor, OB/GYN or pediatrician to help find the right solution for you.

Join an online support group for Postpartum Depression such as the Free Postpartum Depression online support group offered by Postpartum Support International (not affiliated with John Muir Health). You can also call them at (800) 944-4773 for help finding local resources.

Can I still bring my baby to our pediatrician during COVID-19?

Yes. Most John Muir Health-affiliated pediatricians are doing in-person visits for well-baby checkups, including for vaccinations. Please contact your pediatrician if you have questions about how they are providing newborn care.

 

  • COVID-19 Home
  • COVID-19 Safety
  • Getting Care for COVID-19
  • COVID-19 Vaccine
  • Pregnancy, Childbirth and COVID-19
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