During COVID-19, Your Pregnancy Questions Answered

During COVID-19, Your Pregnancy Questions Answered

Is it safe for pregnant women to deliver at Gwinnett Ob/Gyn?

Yes, there is a reason we are the best Gwinnett OBGYN! We have taken several cautionary steps to minimize COVID-19 exposure to our pregnant patients—including restricting visitors. We also require everyone in our facility to wear masks and follow updated CDC guidelines. 

Are there restrictions on visiting the new baby and mother?

Each of our patients delivering can have one person present with them during their stay. Unfortunately, we cannot allow for any additional visitors during this time.

Are pregnant women more at risk? If so, what precautions should they take?

We are aware that pregnant women are at a higher risk for infections such as the flu because pregnancy suppresses your immune system. For instance, some illnesses can impact the health of the fetus, but the known risks of COVID-19 are not yet entirely clear. So far, there has been no noted vertical transmission from the mother to the baby, so we believe that this risk is minimal.

We advise to take the same precautions as everyone else, including handwashing, not touching your face or nose, and maintaining social distancing with individuals that are not in your household.

As a pregnant woman, how much self-isolation should I practice?

Minimizing the risk of exposure is always a good safety measure. You can consider designating someone else to run your errands, such as grocery shopping for your family.

It is still essential that you attend your prenatal care visits. So, when you leave your home, we recommend maintaining 6 feet from those that do not live with you.

What precautions should new moms take?

It is recommended to have no visitors in your home to minimize any outside exposure. What’s more, there are other ways to connect with friends and family who want to see your baby. You could use FaceTime or even join in a meeting forum. Keeping yourself informed is essential, especially to know the difference between COVID-19 symptoms and healthy signs of pre-labor.

Can a pregnant woman pass COVID-19 to their baby?

As far as we know, the consensus from cases in the United States and abroad have suggested there is no vertical transmission to the baby from a pregnant woman that has COVID-19.

What are some coping mechanisms to deal with stress while being pregnant?

Seasons of warmer weather are upon us. Take advantage of the beautiful weather and go for a walk outside. Enjoy the fresh air in your neighborhood. You could also do pregnancy yoga exercises while at home. If exercise is not your thing, use your extra time to connect with family and friends online or enjoy a good book.

If you are experiencing more anxiety than usual, talk to your provider. Sometimes finding answers to your questions from a reliable source can alleviate confusion and fear.

Is it ok to breastfeed right now? What if I start to develop COVID-19 symptoms while breastfeeding?

Yes, it is still ok to breastfeed. COVID-19 cannot be transmitted into the breast milk. We also recommend that you notify your provider if you have any symptoms. 

When should a pregnant woman contact her provider if she is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms?

Because pregnancy is a high-risk category, you should notify your provider immediately if you have fatigue, fever and/or cough, or difficulty breathing. Get tested to see if you have the virus as soon as possible. However, these symptoms are not to be confused with other prenatal infections.

What about pregnant healthcare workers during this time? What kind of precautions should be taken?

Pregnant healthcare workers should try to take the same precautions as everyone else, including handwashing, not touching your face, and social distancing. Also, they should be wearing gloves and a surgical mask when interacting with patients. Additionally, they should not work outside of the home for the last two anticipated weeks of pregnancy.

What about COVID and sex? Is it ok? Should you do anything differently?

It's ok to have sex with your partner or spouse that you live within your household. You should avoid close contact, including sex or kissing, with anyone outside of your home. COVID-19 has not yet been found in semen or vaginal fluid, but it is spread by close contact.

What if I get pregnant right now?

We will likely see a lot of babies in 9 months, so you will not be alone! If you get pregnant, we recommend avoiding contact with sick people or those who have been exposed to the virus. Continue not touching your face and nose, hand washing, and social distancing when in public to minimize your risk. 

We Care For Mother And Baby

If you have underlying conditions such as hypertension or diabetes, we would like to establish care as soon as possible so that we can review any medications you are currently taking. Initial ultrasound and blood work would be completed at the first office visit.

Call (770) 972-0330 to speak with one of our nurses about your pregnancy.

New Appointment Request

Please Note: Our online form is only a request.
You will receive an email or phone call to confirm the appointment. If you do not hear from us within 48 hours of submitting your request, please call your nearest Gwinnett Clinic office. Thank you!



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