To say that I, and many others, did not expect to be in this position is an understatement. I am 34 weeks pregnant while I write this post, and in my third trimester during COVID-19. I am freaking out about giving birth during a global pandemic.
As of now, the experts are predicting between 100,000 and 240,000 Americans will die from this dreaded condition over the next few months, even with drastic social distancing measures. But all the while, the babies will still come. I am one of those women carrying one of those babies. How will we fare?
Looking at the Bright Side
I go from moments of hope and joy to moments of utter disbelief and tears. My last two prenatal appointments were canceled to cut down on the possibility of transmission, but I have to go in for my next one at 36 weeks. It will be almost two months from my last appointment. This is unheard of in terms of prenatal care. Luckily, I’ve had a smooth pregnancy with no abnormal results and a baby that seems to kick whenever I’m having worries. Maybe he already knows what Mommy needs most right now: reassurance.
I’m fortunate enough to live in a city with excellent hospitals that are taking all of the correct precautions, including the hospital where I will give birth. Sometimes that gives me the necessary perspective I need, but other times it does not matter at all.
Pregnant Women Are Facing Tough Choices
So many of us are so scared that we considered switching to home birth to avoid hospitals altogether. However, that brings its own set of challenges, and some midwives may not want to enter homes in order to assist in labor due to their own COVID-19 fears.
What I do know is that many before me, and after me, will give birth in less than ideal circumstances. I know I can get through this. All I can do is take it one day at a time and try to enjoy these last few weeks keeping my baby safe in my tummy.
Are you in your third trimester during COVID-19? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.
