CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Being pregnant is stressful enough and for many women who are expecting a baby, the COVID-19 pandemic has made it even more stressful to figure out the new normal.
Dr. James Hubbard, who has been in practice for nearly 20 years in Rock Hill, said times are stressful indeed, and patients are having a difficult time navigating trimesters during a pandemic
Back in March, Dr. Hubbard had patients calling to cancel their prenatal care appointments out of fear of catching the coronavirus. Something both he and the CDC urge against.
"In the beginning of this, patients that had an infection needed to be treated, said they didn't want to come in," Dr. Hubbard said. "What some needed to realize in the moment of fear is that other diseases didn't take a vacation because of COVID-19."
Hubbard said it's important for pregnant women to continue their prenatal care, and not just because of coronavirus.
“Things that women deal with in pregnancies, especially in North and South Carolina, like diabetes, hypertension, preeclampsia in pregnancy, all really serious problems didn’t go away,” Dr. Hubbard said.
Not to mention pregnant women are more vulnerable to getting COVID-19.
"Did the hospital scare you before? Does it feel scarier now? It's understandable if yes, but it's still the best place for a woman to deliver a baby safely," Dr. Hubbard said.
He's also heard from patients who are afraid to go to the hospital, but he said hospitals are taking every precaution to keep their patients safe.
"You are safer there than going to Walmart," Dr. Hubbard said.
Another common question is should you have visitors once home from the hospital? Many mothers will only be able to have their partner at the hospital for the delivery, but once home safely, family and friends will want to congregate. Is that safe? It depends, and despite a low risk, Hubbard recommends asking yourself if it's necessary.
"There is no reason to take a risk if you don't have to (with a newborn," Dr. Hubbard said.