Covid-19 Thread

rivercitynik · March 2020

I think this is the right thread since we are trying to isolate 😂 all the covid talk to this thread. I was planning to have mine at the end of May, but just moved it to June to give things more time to clear up. I just found out today that one I was going to attend next month has been cancelled. What's everyone else thinking? I know in the grand scheme of things it's not as important as some other events people have had to cancel (a friend just postponed her wedding), but I still would really love the chance to celebrate with friends.

And welcome Knottie! Can you pop over to the introduction thread and introduce yourself? Before you do please read the thread about how to change your username so that we can tell who you are when you post. We do these things to create a community where folks feel comfortable sharing about their lives...hope you stick around, this is a good group 😺

ziggymama06 · March 2020

I have been thinking about this as well. Mine is planned for mid-June and this is our first baby... our families are planning a big shower and we have large families. I really don't know what would be the outcome if things drag on and it would need to be cancelled. Would there be a virtual shower where people send gifts and we can have a meet and greet party with baby to celebrate after the fact? My MIL said she would want to throw the shower after birth even if baby is 6 months old... but that doesn't really make sense to me since we would have already bought everything needed and wouldn't really want any baby stuff at that point... and I'd be more focused on the christening... idk. I really feel for the people who spent a year or two planning their weddings and need to reschedule everything now. I guess we will see what happens.

cornichonmam · March 2020

It’s going to be a weird day tomorrow, It’s the last day before the school closes for what looks like is going to be a very long time. It is entirely possible that I won’t teach another day in school until after my maternity leave. Not that many people know yet (apart from the increasingly obvious bump) so they are going to get a shock if we come back and I’m huge or it will be announced that I’ve had the baby.

I hope your all keeping well and you have plenty of toilet roll.

tanhabanana · March 2020

Figure a quarantine is a good time to jump back in the boards. My husband works at the hospital so he can’t stay home, thankfully we’re fine health wise so far. I am home 24/7 trying to not get sick. I’m 39 and I have some health conditions that put me at risk. If I wasn’t pregnant I’d probably not be as nervous, but we dealt with infertility for 15 years and now have our surprise pregnancy. I’m bummed about missing out on a shower and what not if it happens, but it is what it is. I’m just happy to be pregnant when we didn’t think it was even possible. I have a check up with the ob tomorrow and my a/s April 1st. Hoping they don’t get canceled, but I’m high risk so I think it will be ok. I’m still planning a hospital birth. I think, for me and baby, it would be the safest bet. So far the hospital is allowing two support guests for labor. I just hope it stays that way.

roo_baby · March 2020

I’m impressed you have baby shower dates already! I would pick a backup date maybe late July (at least 3-4 weeks before you are due) and communicate to people invited that you are still planning on the original date, but may need to move to backup date depending on circumstances. Worst case you do virtual and I’m sure you can find some really creative ways to make it fun. And then if things are better by aug/sep you can do a sip and see.

roo_baby · March 2020

@maggied26 from what I’ve heard the cough develops before the fever so definitely self-isolate and keep an eye on your temp. Hopefully it’s just a cold!

maggied26 · March 2020

@roo_baby thanks I hadn't heard this! I was actually wondering what develops first as far as symptoms. I'm hopeful that its just a cold, so far the cough seems to have subsided a bit and no fever up to thia point.

[Deleted User] · March 2020

Unfortunately, DH not feeling great sent me down a rabbithole and one of the early health workers to contract it said it absolutely DID start off as feeling like a cold, and he wished he had realised and stayed home that Monday... By Wednesday he had spiked a fever. He is recovering and in isolation at home until 7 days past any symptoms, and looking forward to being back on the front lines! But his advice was if you have what feels like a cold, consider it covid until proven otherwise or however long goes by without any escalation? If I find it I will link the article.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.lohud.com/amp/5072426002

A dear TTGP friend posted these articles as well, you may be interested to read just in terms of finding some solidarity. I don't think she will mind if I copy paste her disclaimer.:
<div class="Quote">Here are the two articles I mentioned above if anyone is interested:</div><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2020/03/giving-birth-during-coronavirus-pandemic/608320/">https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2020/03/giving-birth-during-coronavirus-pandemic/608320/</a>

<a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.thecut.com/2020/03/pregnant-in-a-pandemic.html">https://www.thecut.com/2020/03/pregnant-in-a-pandemic.html</a>

<div class="Quote">The first, from the Atlantic, interviews specific people who are pregnant/pregnancy-adjacent (like a doula) about specific things we are facing that other people might not think about. Interestingly, I feel like we're all thought about all or most of these things, but reading it was satisfactory because it reminded me how many people are out there going thru what we're going thru right now. / The second one via The Cut is more of a personal essay that is a little more depressing than the first, perhaps bc it's from one woman's perspective, but it was still an interesting read. If you're done for the day with anything that's a downer, though, maybe save that one for when you're feeling better or skip it entirely.
@kagesstarshroom</div>*birth plan stuff*
<div class=" Spoiler">As per the first article, I hadn't actually thought about the prospect of them removing the baby to isolation if Mom is sick!!! 😳 I just hope and pray things will have settled down enough not to impact everyone's deliveries too much by August... 🙏🙏🙏</div>

fitandnerdy · March 2020

Just had my last in person prenatal appointment for the foreseeable future 😭 I knew it was coming but it still made me start crying in the office. Future appts will be telemedicine appointments. They are instructing us to get blood pressure monitors and urine strips. They said I can wait to get that since my next appt wouldn’t be for 4 weeks anyway and a lot can change in 4 weeks.

[Deleted User] · March 2020

@fitandnerdy omg. I'm glad I have test strips for my sugar - where are we supposed to get blood pressure monitors? Are they prescribing them through insurance? If we need urine strips still just get them on Amazon, or would those have to be prescribed??? 😳

ETA I just realized too, they are checking more than just sugar with the pee strips, like protein, infection etc. Things I never would have thought about, having to monitor a pregnancy from home... Did she have a recommendation for what parameters?

fitandnerdy · March 2020

@BusinessWife they gave me a packet with a bunch of links of possible options from amazon, so they are expecting us to get our own. But maybe it would be reimbursed through insurance or eligible for HSA/FSA? I haven’t even checked if these items are actually available to order on amazon or if there would be delays in ordering 😕

[Deleted User] · March 2020

@fitandnerdy thank you! I just legit ordered my bp monitor and it is FSA / HSA eligible. There are *lots* of different test strips out there, so I will maybe ask my practice what they might recommend, unless you want to share any details about the strips your group provided?

BP monitor is available Prime and scheduled to arrive Monday! 👍 One small sigh of relief for today... ❤️

fitandnerdy · March 2020

@BusinessWife what they recommended in spoiler

[Deleted User] · March 2020

You are the best!!! Thank you so much, I have those coming Tuesday as well. 👍 @fitandnerdy

ziggymama06 · March 2020

@BusinessWife Oh no, I hope YH feels better and it's not serious! Thank you for sharing the Atlantic article (can't bring myself to read the others yet). It is nice to know that others are in the same boat that we are... I just wish that none of us were going through this. My heart goes out to the mamas that are giving birth soon. A close friend of mine is due in three weeks and I'm getting nervous for her. I hope her hospital allows her husband to be with her in L&D.

@fitandnerdy I'm a bit shocked that we would now be responsible to have a blood pressure monitor and purchase the urine strips. Couldn't they have given you a few strips before you left the office to use over the next few weeks/months with a printout containing directions/info? I can understand the blood pressure monitor, but I still don't really want to purchase one to just use for a few months. The new normal is changing everyday, ugh.

maelove · March 2020

For those planning showers and concerned about whether they will be socially acceptable come summer, my friend was supposed to have hers this weekend and is doing a virtual shower! Not sure of the details, but im sure it could be done as a last resort if it comes down to it!

ziggymama06 · March 2020

@maelove I'm sorry your friend isn't going to get to have the shower she was meant to have, but glad they were able to figure out an alternative way to celebrate. If you don't mind sharing the details after the shower and how everything went, I'd appreciate it.

[Deleted User] · March 2020

@maelove I would be curious, too! It's our second baby, so I wasn't necessarily expecting a big do, but I know if we COULD have a little thing in person would be such a fun thing after all this ... But even a virtual thing could be a nice way to celebrate and get excited together!

@ziggymama06 MIL has a monitor, I know a lot of older people have one in their homes just because same thing, they may have been told by their doctor to monitor their bp at one point or another. So for me, I really don't mind having one in the house as part of our household first aid supplies. 🤷 For $30ish bucks, why not!? ETA but I do agree, for however many appointments we might have, even if they had to charge people a small fee, you would think they could maybe distribute some, vs ... I mean now we will have a lifetime supply so we can keep an eye on our cholesterol???? 🤷. I would imagine, if I had to guess, that it may be hard for them to know how many appointments worth of strips to hand out. Nobody knows how long this may be going on, so if they were to give everybody a dozen or so strips, and then two months from now, we're all back in their in-person care, now they've just handed out an awful lot of supplies that they may not see again. 🙄 So it's tough.

fitandnerdy · March 2020

@ziggymama06 I agree, but honestly I was too overwhelmed when I got all this info to process/ask questions. It may be possible to get these things through insurance without needing to pay (as much) for it and maybe they would have given me a strip or two if I had asked. I was just freaked out that the new reality (for now) is that I don’t get to see a doctor regularly through my pregnancy. As a FTM, I take such comfort in going to the doctor and hearing the heartbeat and being reassured that everything is OK and that was just taken away. (And I say I but I’m sure everyone here is feeling it too!)

I’ll probably wait a week or two to order the materials in case recommendations change over that time. I spent money out of pocket to order a series of betas in the early weeks because I needed the reassurance and no one would see me yet since I was young/low risk and this should end up being less expensive than that, so I’m trying to just think of it in that way. Hopefully if others can’t get these items, their providers would be able to work something out with them...

like @BusinessWife I do see some value in having a BP monitor in the house in general. Genetics aren’t exactly on my side in a lot of ways, so I suspect it will end up being useful beyond pregnancy at some point...

ETA: maybe other providers won’t make the same move mine did! I live between two hard hit regions (with lots of daily commuters between my town and the two regions) and there are multiple cases in my town, so things might be different based on location ... don’t mean to add extra stress to people 😬

[Deleted User] · March 2020

Copied from appointments thread:

For anyone else who may be concerned about their anatomy scans, I went ahead and called my MFM for clarification. She said as of now, all the appointments are still on, and they would reach out to us and let us know if anything changes. I would still be able to have my husband there present, but no kids. Their procedure has been updated to have us call them from our car when we arrive, and then they will let us know when it's time to come up and they have the room ready for us. So that doesn't sound too bad to me, hopefully everyone will still at least be able to get those sweet sneak peeks of their brewing littles!!! 😂

@fitandnerdy I'm sorry you're going through all this as a first-time mom, too. I'm sure that adds an extra layer of scary to it, but try not to worry too much. most pregnancies are in fact, pretty uncomplicated. And if anybody has something going on that warrants it, I know that they will still prioritize prenatal care and escalate for those who need it. ❤️

ziggymama06 · March 2020

@fitandnerdy I totally understand and definitely not criticizing your reaction to your doctor as I'm sure I would have been in shock and emotional as well (I'm a FTM too and appreciate the peace of mind the doctor and doppler provide). I'm just surprised that more of the responsibility is falling on us (financially and medically speaking) when we have so much stress as it is. As a FTM I'm overwhelmed with the pregnancy in general and adding the additional layers of the pandemic and now testing my own urine and BP (and correctly!) is enough to raise my BP. I know many people have it worse... I'm just having a stressful day. End rant.

mrswheeler812 · March 2020

My husbands work has been shut down in all the mess but it seems mine will not be... He is very excited to play stay at home dad for the foreseeable future. I however am not sure my grocery budget can handle them being home everyday because all they do is trade snacks back and forth

bigbuttbecky · March 2020

I have my 20 week AS on Wednesday and it is still on but my husband can’t come. I am very emotional about that because it’s our first baby and I know this one is an in depth full picture. I’m going to try and video it as well. I am concerned for myself and baby during the craziness. He and I have been done at work since last Thursday (work in a school) and have had no interactions with others so we are almost at the 14 day stretch of showing any signs or getting Corona!

coldlife · March 2020

Even as someone who doesn't feel the A/S is completely necessary, I'd be shocked if those were canceled. I can't believe those wouldn't be considered necessary and important.

There's no way I'm buying medical equipment to monitor myself at home. You're going to charge me the same amount for telehealth appointments (which I'm all for, but are absolutely not the same thing as in person) and delivery and yet push some of the costs onto me? No way! I don't have an appointment for another couple weeks, so we'll see what happens then for me. My providers just switched to tele-appointments. You have to speak with a provider to determine if you need to come in. This one doesn't have anything special beyond the fundal measurement and heartbeat, so I don't know if they'll still have midwifery patients come in.

wildrainbow · March 2020

My doctor is still seeing all appointments, but only one visitor and no kids can come. My AS is Monday and that's what they're doing.

laur84ns · March 2020

I’m not having a baby shower (3rd time mom) but I think the later you can push your shower, the better. There’s a lot of talk (that I’m hearing anyway) of this social distancing going on into June. This virus seemed to have a 3 month run in China (Dec until now, as reports out of China indicate they have shut down most of their Covid hospitals and aren’t seeing any new cases) and this all ramped up in North America in the last week or two... so March -June. I think there’s a better chance of things being more normal come July. But hey, who knows, right? I also just read the Imperial College Covid-19 Response Team’s report out of the UK (which reportedly played a large part in Boris Johnson and Trumps’ sudden about-face/ change in response to virus mitigation strategies) and it’s pretty soon and gloom, indicating that social distancing, in some form, needs to stay in place for the next 12-18 months to truly minimize the deaths and strain on the healthcare system from this virus. I wish we had more answers but I don’t think those are forthcoming imminently, as world leaders are likely currently grappling with these huge issues and decisions.

In other news my anatomy scan will go ahead (phew!) in mid-April but as of now I cannot take anyone with me to the appointment (like many of you). Up until this past Wednesday labouring women were allowed two support people at our hospital but now they are only allowed one. My doula says that a nurse told her that as of this Sunday that will be reduced to NONE. As in labouring women will only have their dr and nurses present. Wow. I hope it doesn’t come to that! I am with midwives so I will definitely be chatting further about home birth at my next appointment (which is something I was lightly considering but likely would’ve chosen to be at the hospital just in case). I wonder if this will all blow over by August? I just don’t know!!

lachnessmomster · March 2020

I'm so sorry to everyone who's feeling stressed and overwhelmed. I'm thinking of you all! Two nights ago, I put myself to bed at 9PM with a stress headache from staring at Corona news, so the past two days, I've been more mindful of how much I'm ingesting.

As for monitoring BP and urine samples, I sincerely hope my office doesn't suggest that. So far, the only changes to appointments is they've limited visitors to one visitor in the clinic. Although, I'm confused as to what that means. One visitor WITH the patient, or one visitor BEING the patient? I'm assuming the latter?

At this point, I think military life is working to my advantage. I'm used to going through pregnancies, appointments, natural disasters, stressful times, and just life in general pretty much by myself. I've been on my own for multiple hurricanes, navigating life with a newborn, and even gave birth to my last baby without DH present. Lol. He missed it by minutes, and I cut the umbilical cord myself. And he's yet to attend an A/S, so policy changes don't really bother me in that regard. My skin is pretty thick by now.

I can definitely see how it would be tough on FTMs specifically, though. Be strong, ladies! You're going to get through this, and it's going to be okay!

The general chaos is definitely still overwhelming at times, though, and I try to zone out outside, read a book, or do an activity with my kids. Every day gets stranger. I am very excited, though, because yesterday, I pulled the trigger on the TRIPLE STROLLER I've had my eye on! We're about to go on so many walks, and if my firstborn throws a fit halfway through and decides he doesn't want to walk anymore, it's all good, because there's room for everyone! I figured that would be a good way to at least get us out of the house regularly.

Forgive me for the lengthy post. I've been without adult interaction for five days now and got a little carried away.

kgrgreen · March 2020

@BusinessWife re: *birth plan stuff*, This is exactly why I'm taking every precaution I can (WFH, not going to the grocery store/out shopping, no visitors, etc.). This is my worst nightmare and I don't want to take any chances. I read about this practice in an article and that's what really made my mentality switch from cautious to extremely cautious.

@bigbuttbecky That situation sucks and I am so sorry! Definitely ask if you can video chat/snapchat/or at the very least, record the A/S so YH can be a part of it. **hugs**

@mrswheeler812 My grocery shopping budget is astronomical this month!

Between stocking up on canned and non-perishables + my normal list of items, it's crazy.

My next appointment is for the glucose testing in 4 weeks. They told me they'll definitely bring me in for that one since it's essential but may not after that. At all. That blows my mind.

RedBaramid · March 2020

Staring down the barrel of a surgical birth, and nervous because of my history with pre-e. I imagine if we move my visits to tele-med after this next one (A/S on April 1st) they will still want to be monitoring my urine for protein spill. I'm curious as to how they will go about that. My husband learned he will have to report to the office for a short time Monday to get some work done on his work laptop, as things get more and more serious in our area I get more and more worried about him needing to go out. I really just wish our governor would do like other states are and shutting things down. We doubled cases yesterday and today we added another ~150. My county's cases alone have doubled. I just want everyone to start caring and be safe. The economy will recover faster if we all bunker down NOW.

[Deleted User] · March 2020

@lachnessmomster I am right there with you in terms of being prepared to face it all alone, if need be. I was on my own when Sandy hit (DH had just flown out of town as it was approaching) and had to do So. Many. Infertility appointments alone as well. There was just no way he could be there with me at 6 AM for every little - or not so little - scan or needle stick. 🤷 He actually missed our FET for DD because of holiday logistics, and believe it or not, missed this last successful transfer as well, I can't even remember what was going on for that one, I think just work. So I mean, as much as obviously I'd prefer he be there to see his second kid born, and tell me the sex!!! If it doesn't go down like that, we will survive. ❤️❤️❤️ Sometimes, we are stronger than we think.

coldlife · March 2020

So, I guess all visits will be telehealth except the two remaining blood draw/gestational diabetes appointments. I'm super annoyed. Since I'm having an OOH birth, I have to be transferred to hospital care if my baby is breech. Last pregnancy, my daughter flipped from head down to head up and back to head down between 30-36 weeks. And my remaining in-office appointments this time are at 26-28 and 36 weeks. Which means if this baby does what 2 did, I won't know, and I will have missed the window to do all the Spinning Babies stuff to help him or her flip when they're still small enough to easily do so. No idea if the inversions and whatnot is what actually did it, but I'm sure it didn't hurt!

So basically, if baby is head up, and I don't know until 36 weeks, I may need an ECV or a hospital birth, which means I will potentially take up waaaaaay more resources than if I'd just had regular appointments. Talk about stepping over a dollar to pick up a dime.

Ugh, I've had a hard time reading this thread because the covid response makes me super angry. UO: I think it's good to take precautions and stay home if possible, but I think shutting everything down is a huuuuuge overreaction. There will be huge economic repercussions, and ultimately, I think the consequences will be far worse than if we'd responded on a smaller scale or just let the virus run its course.

/end rant

catana15 · March 2020

As of today my work officially closed down for at least two weeks. In their email last night it says our insurance is paid through the end of March. I've tried to get ahold of someone to see about continued health insurance. But I'm thinking unless the people from the office are working from home, I won't be hearing back anytime soon. Their office is in California which is quarantined right now.

coldlife · March 2020

I forgot this. I'm actually thinking about cancelling any appointments that aren't in-person and requesting one of the tele-appointments between the GD appointment and the final blood draw appointment be in person to double-check the baby's position.

I have a $35 copay for every visit. I've had two low-risk pregnancies, and this one is progressing that way. It seems stupid to pay $35 just for me to say over the phone, "no, I haven't had swelling/spotting/nausea/headaches/unusual discharge/odd cramps/UTI symptoms," and, "yes, I'm feeling lots of movement." I can call, email or message them through the portal if I notice anything weird, which is unlikely.

wednesdaygirl1019 · March 2020

I found out today that my health insurance will be covered through the end of April, so that's reassuring for me and DH. My (former) agency is trying to figure out how we can provide therapy services via teletherapy, but it's such a mess with getting Medicaid and the counties and school districts to be willing to let us bill for it. I'm on the fence about doing it only because I would probably make more money on unemployment. I love my job, but I have to be conscious of our income with this baby coming in a few months, and we really need every penny right now.

I called my midwifery practice and they still want me to come in to the office on Monday for my 20-week appointment. I need to call the ultrasound office on Monday as well and see if my second A/S is still on for Wednesday. My mom and H are worried about me having to go out and get exposed, but I also want to make sure everything is okay with baby.

soybeanmom · March 2020

It's been a long couple months for me since my job is tracking events that could impact my company's supply chain and then dealing with the crisis response. There's no escaping COVID-19 news for me since that's been my whole job since January. Luckily my work switched to WFH since last Friday. I find it less stressful working from home. I'm also grateful that I still have a job and full benefits.

I have no plans to leave my house now since I've read reports about cases of premature labor for women with COVID-19 and pregnant women are more at risk with lower immunity during pregnancy. DH still has to go to work, which worries me, but he's been good about using gloves in public, sanitizer, etc.

To try to lower my stress levels I've been doing a lot of reading, yoga and taking baths. Any other calming activity suggestions are welcomed!

As for my A/S on April 1st, my doctor's office says it's still scheduled and I can bring my DH. It's our first, so I really hope that doesn't change. Also, with this being my first, I'm hoping I can still have a baby shower. I know there's more important things to worry about, but it's something that has definitely crossed my mind.

Sorry for the long post! I just have a lot going on right now and needed to let it out with other pregnant women.

tara4910 · March 2020

Lots of doom and gloom here...
I haven’t been able to check in much the past week or so. Everything seems so surreal and crazy. Things here in CA are pretty bad, my county and I guess the whole state are in “safe at home” mode. The grocery stores are pretty bare - today I waited in a line of 30 people to get inside - they space you out, wipe down a cart before handing it to you. I feel like I’m living in a movie. I’m still working every day at the hospital and even though I’m in admin I think there is a chance I’ll get pulled into the nursing workforce at some point in the near future. Stressing about that and whether I’d go out on disability or what, but trying to take it one day at a time.

Last week my daughter’s school closed - Friday was her last day. Yesterday we found out a parent in her class tested positive this week. My daughter has had a terrible cough so as soon as I found out we scheduled a telehealth visit with the pediatrician and he saw us this morning. He doesn’t think it’s COVID because she doesn’t have a fever and her cough is very productive. Either way unless her symptoms get worse she won’t be tested because there aren’t enough tests.

Sorry this is so long. I just needed to rant about how rough things are right now. I feel guilty because I barely ever even think about the pregnancy/baby right now because I’m so worried about keeping myself and daughter safe.

viola_mama · March 2020

I really feel for you guys working in healthcare. And appreciate you! They just reported the first death in our county today but aren’t releasing details like age or prior health, which is a little nerve wracking.

My husband won’t let me go to the store. He comes home with groceries and wipes down the door handles and throws his clothes in the washer and gets in the shower. He even quarantines our mail. I’ve been teasing him about that last one, but I know I should be grateful he is so cautious. I just hope he doesn’t poison us using disinfectant on some fruit or something, haha.

[Deleted User] · March 2020

Our county is semi isolated, but we went from one reported case last Friday, to eleven -- in just one short week. I guess that's what they mean when they say it spreads quickly! 😳

[Deleted User] · March 2020

Here's another interesting article that's really pretty objective / unemotional, if that helps anyone. But it does discuss a lot of what's come up here today in terms of telehealth appointments, and at-home monitoring.

https://www.propublica.org/article/coronavirus-and-pregnancy-expecting-mothers-q-and-a

soybeanmom · March 2020

viola_mama said:

I really feel for you guys working in healthcare. And appreciate you! They just reported the first death in our county today but aren’t releasing details like age or prior health, which is a little nerve wracking.

My husband won’t let me go to the store. He comes home with groceries and wipes down the door handles and throws his clothes in the washer and gets in the shower. He even quarantines our mail. I’ve been teasing him about that last one, but I know I should be grateful he is so cautious. I just hope he doesn’t poison us using disinfectant on some fruit or something, haha.

My husband does the same stuff! He's so afraid of getting it and spreading it to me. It's comforting.

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