Status as of May 6, 2020
The novel coronavirus has rapidly spread worldwide, abruptly changing our daily lives through social distancing measures, school closures, remote work and homeschooling, event cancellations, contact restrictions, and more. Expectant mothers are particularly worried and uncertain at this time. How can I prepare for childbirth during the pandemic? Can I have a normal delivery? Will my partner be allowed in the delivery room? We have compiled the latest information on pregnancy and childbirth during the COVID-19 pandemic for you.
Am I at Higher Risk as a Pregnant Woman?
According to current knowledge, pregnant women and newborns are not considered a high-risk group. If infected, they generally experience only mild symptoms.
Can I Pass the Virus to My Unborn Child?
There is no evidence so far that the virus can be transmitted to the baby during pregnancy. A study from China, published in The Lancet (Chen 2020), concluded that SARS-CoV-2 was not found in amniotic fluid, umbilical cord blood, or breast milk. Other studies support this finding (Zhang 2020; Schwartz 2020; Rasmussen 2020).
A case in London in March raised concerns when a newborn tested positive for COVID-19 shortly after birth. However, it remains unclear whether the transmission occurred in the womb, during delivery, or immediately after birth. According to Dr. Schaffner, a professor of preventive medicine at Vanderbilt University, this case is an isolated instance (Bryner 2020).
Concerns About Hospital Infections Are Unfounded
As the pandemic continues, many expectant parents worry about the risk of infection in hospitals. However, the German Society for Gynecology and Obstetrics (DGGG) and the Professional Association of Gynecologists (BVF) assured in a March 22, 2020, statement that there is no increased risk of infection in hospitals, whether or not they treat COVID-19 patients. Pregnant women should still give birth in a hospital, as hospitals maintain strict hygiene protocols.
Are Home Births a Safe Alternative?
Interest in home births has increased due to COVID-19 fears. Some pregnant women are now considering avoiding hospitals entirely, despite medical recommendations against it. Midwives in Thuringia reported a growing demand for home births as early as March.
However, refusing necessary hospital care poses significant health risks for both mother and child. Conditions that make home birth unsafe could lead to severe complications such as:
- Prolonged labor
- Excessive bleeding
- Oxygen deprivation in the baby, which can cause brain damage, lung issues, or fractures
According to the DGGG and BVF statement (March 22, 2020), ambulatory birth (early discharge) may be an option for healthy mothers and newborns, provided a midwife is available for postpartum care at home.
Preparing for Birth During the Pandemic
Due to restrictions, traditional prenatal classes are no longer available in person. Instead, many midwives are now offering online courses, which may be covered by health insurance if they meet specific criteria. Postpartum recovery courses are also available digitally until at least June 2020.
If you need a midwife, check resources like:
- Hebammensuche (German Midwives Association search tool)
- Midwives list from statutory health insurers
Postpartum midwife visits at home are still allowed, but social distancing and masks should be used. Virtual hospital tours are available in many maternity wards, allowing expectant parents to view the facilities and ask questions.
Giving Birth During COVID-19
Each hospital has its own policies regarding protective measures, so check in advance with your chosen facility. Even if a mother is infected, she will still receive full medical care and can give birth naturally while wearing a mask.
Will My Partner Be Allowed in the Delivery Room?
Unlike earlier restrictions, most hospitals now allow birth partners in the delivery room. The DGGG’s March 26, 2020, statement acknowledges the crucial role of partners during childbirth. However, hospital policies vary, so it’s best to confirm directly with the facility.
Postpartum visitation rules remain strict, and most hospitals currently have a general visitor ban.
Should I Have a C-Section Instead?
Some pregnant women wonder if a C-section might reduce the risk of virus transmission. However, there is no medical reason to choose a C-section due to COVID-19. As always, C-sections should only be performed for medical reasons.
We Need Your Help!
If you have had COVID-19 while wearing an OvulaRing, we want to hear from you! Your OvulaRing cycle data could help researchers understand how core body temperature changes during infection.
📧 Contact us at info@ovularing.com if you are interested in contributing.
References
- Ärzteblatt.de. (April 8, 2020). COVID-19: Veto zur Hausgeburt.
- Bryner J. (2020). Newborn tests positive for COVID-19 in London. Live Science.
- Chen H. et al. (2020). Clinical characteristics and intrauterine vertical transmission potential of COVID-19 infection in nine pregnant women. The Lancet.
- DGGG & BVF. (March 22, 2020). Keine Angst vor Krankenhausbehandlungen oder Klinikgeburten in Zeiten von COVID-19.
- DGGG. (March 26, 2020). DGGG recommends allowing fathers in the delivery room – even during the pandemic.
- Rasmussen SA et al. (2020). Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and pregnancy: what obstetricians need to know.
- Schwartz DA. (2020). Analysis of 38 Pregnant Women with COVID-19.
- Zhang L et al. (2020). Pregnancy outcomes in pregnant women with COVID-19 in Hubei Province.
