Thank you for considering Summa Health for the upcoming birth of your precious little one. While this is a very special time, we understand that, due to the coronavirus, you may have some elevated concerns for not only yourself but your developing baby.
Summa Health assures you that we are doing everything possible to ensure that you and your baby feel comforted, supported and cared for during pregnancy, birth and after you take your baby home. To help alleviate your concerns, we’ve invited three of our specialists to answer some of the most common COVID-related questions among expectant parents.
According to the CDC, while the overall risk of severe illness is low, pregnant people and recently pregnant people are at an increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19 when compared to non-pregnant people. Certain underlying medical conditions, and other factors, including age, can further increase the risk for developing severe COVID-19 illness for pregnant or recently pregnant individuals. Pregnant people with COVID-19 also are at increased risk for preterm birth (delivering a baby earlier than 37) weeks and may be at increased risk for other poor pregnancy outcomes.
If the infected family member lives with you, physically separate yourself by staying in a different part of the house and limit any cross-contamination. If the infected family member does not live with you, it’s best to avoid the person. If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and are exhibiting symptoms, please contact your provider.
If you have not already received a COVID-19 vaccine, talk to your healthcare provider about getting the vaccine. In addition, everyone who is eligible for a booster shot, including those who are pregnant, are recommended to do so.
In addition to vaccination, make sure to adhere to social distancing and avoid unnecessary exposure. Make sure to wear a mask if you do go out in public or if you are near anyone outside of your immediate household. Keep your hands away from your face and wash your hands frequently – before and after eating, as well as after you sneeze, cough or use the restroom. Make sure to clean high-touch surfaces of your home (such as countertops, light switches and faucets) often with standard cleaning products.
It is highly recommended that individuals who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or are breastfeeding receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Pregnant and recently pregnant people are at an increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19 when compared with non-pregnant people. The COVID-19 vaccine has been endorsed by the American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists (ACOG), the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM), American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ARMS) and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), among others for pregnant individuals.
From the information we currently have, we don’t believe there is a vertical transmission, meaning from the placenta to the fetus while the fetus is still inside. However, there is the possibility of newborn transmission. After your baby is born, there is a risk that you can pass the infection to your newborn through respiratory droplets.
Eat healthy with fresh fruits and vegetables, get adequate sleep, take your daily dose of vitamin C, and avoid sick contacts. If you have not already received a COVID-19 vaccine, it is highly recommended to get vaccinated. In addition, everyone who is eligible for a booster shot, including those who are pregnant, are recommended to do so.
We also recommend getting other recommended vaccines during pregnancy, including the flu shot and whooping cough (Tdap) vaccine. If you have any questions, contact your obstetrician.
Prenatal care is still important and we recommend you continue your scheduled visits as directed by your obstetrician. If you have a known exposure to COVID-19 and/or are experiencing symptoms, please call your OB office ahead of your appointment for further direction.
Summa Health has a variety of protocols in place to help prepare and protect expectant mothers from COVID-19. For instance, our nurses and physicians wear masks for all patient encounters.
Summa Health has a variety of protocols in place to help prepare and protect expectant mothers from COVID-19 at the hospital. For instance, our labor and delivery nurses and physicians wear masks for all patient encounters. We have designated select rooms for patients that have tested positive or are under investigation for COVID-19.
Please visit our Maternity Visitation Guidelines page for details on our visitation guidelines in our maternity units.
As an inpatient, you will be able to wear a mask and you can have your door closed. In fact, all people who will be interacting with you will be wearing masks as well.
We absolutely encourage you to video chat with friends and family.
At this time, we are allowing attendance of certified doulas if you have hired one prior to your labor/birth. Certified doulas would be considered part of your professional birthing team and would not replace your designated support people. Please note that certified doulas will need to have a badge present, and wear an approved mask.
If your doula is ill or has a fever or has respiratory symptoms, they will not be allowed to stay.
At this time, we are only testing patients who are symptomatic or who have had a known exposure to COVID-19. Please check with obstetrician prior to your expected delivery date for the latest guidelines.
Yes, Summa Health has a variety of protocols in place to help prepare and protect expectant mothers from COVID-19 at the hospital. Our labor and delivery nurses and physicians wear masks for all patient encounters. Patients will have a private room and bathroom for labor and delivery, as well as in recovery. We also encourage babies to stay in the room with the mother, when able, to strengthen the bond between mother and baby.
No, not unless you want to be. While we do talk to you about the risks and the benefits of rooming in with baby, it is your decision whether you choose for the baby to room-in with you or for baby to be in the room beside you. Either way, we still encourage breastfeeding, chest-feeding and pumping. While breastfeeding or having any contact with your baby, we recommend wearing a mask and practicing good hand hygiene. Your nurse will talk with you more about this and help you navigate this safely.
Our qualified Summa Health lactation specialists have years of experience helping new breastfeeding mothers at home over the phone. Call 330.375.4271 (Akron) or 330.615.3710 (Barberton) for help or more information.
According to the CDC, current evidence suggests that breast milk isn’t likely to spread the virus to babies. COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for people who are breastfeeding.
While your breast milk is considered safe, breastfeeding involves close contact which increases the risk of spreading COVID-19 to your baby.
The Academy of Pediatrics currently recommends skin-to-skin in the delivery room, when able. Mothers with COVID-19 should wash their hands prior to holding their baby and wear a mask while holding their baby.
If you have further questions regarding COVID-19, contact your obstetrician or the Ohio Department of Health or CDC.
You can also learn about childbirth, baby care and breastfeeding all from the comfort and safety of your home – with live instructors and the ability to ask questions! We’re also offering virtual tour classes featuring our Akron and Barberton facilities with a childbirth coordinator available to answer your questions. Register for one of our upcoming classes at https://www.summahealth.org/programs.
