Pregnant In A Pandemic

Welcoming a new baby is a very different experience these days

- Penelope Clifton

For the mothers-to-be of 2020, COVID-19 has changed the face of pregnancy and giving birth. Strict lockdown, isolation and hygiene measures have meant most appointments are done over the phone, while those that are face-to-face are often limited to the healthcare professional and the expectant mother only, with no partners or support person allowed to join in (though partners have been given the green light to be present at births).

“This is my third pregnancy, and it couldn’t be more different to my first and second,” Elizabeth Adams, of Sydney, tells WHO. “At 17 weeks, I will have my first appointment with a midwife via teleconference, and I haven’t had any face-to-face contact with my GP since I first learnt I was pregnant back in February. My husband also hasn’t been allowed into my scans with me, but I’m grateful he will be with me at the birth. Luckily, I’ve done it all before so I understand my body’s changes and processes, but for a first-time mum, I can imagine being pregnant in a pandemic might be overwhelming.”

The 33-year-old was inundated with face-to-face support from friends, loved ones and healthcare professionals during her first two pregnancies, but this time, the forced distance from her family and isolation has left her feeling alone at times.