Pandemic Baby Boom: Giving Birth to A Baby During the Pandemic – April 15, 2021

At the beginning of the pandemic last year, there were jokes circulating about a baby boom to come 9 months after stay-at-home orders were first implemented. While it’s not yet clear from national statistics if this is the case, there certainly are plenty of babies being born during the pandemic. If you are pregnant or have recently given birth, you may have some anxiety about caring for your newborn during COVID. All joking about not practicing social distancing aside, we are here to put your mind at ease and answer your questions to ensure your newborn stays healthy during the pandemic.

Can infants get COVID-19?

Yes, infants can get COVID, although it is rare, and those that do test positive, generally show mild to no symptoms at all. And when they do have symptoms, they typically do not become as sick as adults who test positive. However, serious cases have occurred. It’s not impossible for your newborn to become sick, so it is important to take some precautions. 

What if I test positive? Will I give my baby COVID?

If you are infected with the coronavirus, you can pass the disease to your baby in utero, although it is rare. Infants can also become infected shortly after being born. According to the CDC, most newborns who test positive have mild symptoms or none at all, and recover quickly. If you are currently pregnant, you should take extra precautions to avoid exposure.

What are the symptoms of COVID in infants?

• Fever
• Lethargy
• Rhinorrhea
• Cough
• Rapid breathing
• Difficulty breathing 
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Decreased appetite

How can I protect my newborn during COVID?

The best way to protect your baby is through physical distancing. We know this can be difficult with a new baby in the family, but it’s best to only expose your newborn to people who live in your household already. Zoom and FaceTime are great tools to have your relatives “meet” your baby from afar. 
If you do introduce your newborn to people outside your household, be sure to have them thoroughly wash their hands and wear a mask. It is important to note that you should never put a mask on your baby because they have a smaller airway than you and they cannot tell you if they are having trouble breathing. 

OB-GYN and Pediatric Care in Sacramento

Our highly trained team of obstetricians at One Community Health treats every expecting mom with personally-tailored care. Whether you are facing a normal or high-risk pregnancy, our primary goal is to keep both you and your baby healthy throughout the entire journey to parenthood, especially during this pandemic. 

We also offer affordable, quality pediatric care in an environment that makes you and your baby feel like family. If you are looking for an affordable OB-GYN or pediatrician in Sacramento, give us a call. We accept walk-ins, or you can make an appointment by calling 916-443-3299.

Image used under creative commons license – commercial use (4/15/2021) by Pexels from Pixabay