This is my first pregnancy, so I can’t compare it to a non-pandemic pregnancy. But I have talked to my mom and my friends with children, and found that although there is some uncertainty I am really lucky. I know that sounds weird but hear me out. My best friend just had her son in early April. She is a nurse and worked until her delivery date, well not her actually date but 2 weeks earlier when the baby decided to come. She worked 12-hour days, in a hospital, during the pandemic, while pregnant. I know there are a lot of women doing it. But it was so crazy to me because I know she was tired, and there was still so much unknown about Covid-19 and pregnant women. Thank goodness, her little baby was born with no issues, and she and her husband were okay and able to go home and love on their new baby in just a short amount of time.
I have had a very different experience. I am a third shift Police Officer, normally assigned to patrol in a pretty busy division. My normal is being busy and tired. Busy doing house projects, working out and spending time with my husband and family. Since announcing my pregnancy (which I did super early to work) I have been placed on a light duty assignment. This allows me to work in a safer environment during “regular” business hours. But since there was a stay at home order my Sgt advised me that I would be working from home until further notice. He said we would check in weekly to see what’s going on. At the time that I am writing this I have been working from home for over 2 months. In the beginning I was having a really hard time falling asleep, and was still feeling nauseous. No one was really wearing masks and gloves yet, my doctors appointments were still normal so I was just excited about being able to sleep in and wear leggings everyday. But as the weeks turned into months things started getting more serious and I’m realizing how lucky I am to be home. All stores are closed, except those that are deemed essential. Masks are suggested in public, people are urged to distance themselves at least 6 ft from each other at all times.
Working from home has really motivated me to workout and eat healthy because I have no excuse not too. But that’s a good thing right? I have time to make healthy meals, get enough sleep and workout at any time of the day. I have been really listening to my body about what to eat, and how much sleep I should get. I have spent a lot of time reading and researching what the baby needs and what I need. My normal is not busy and sleepy all of the time, but relaxed and well rested. I know I will never have this time again, time to relax, read and rest. Yes, I get a little anxious about the unknown. But I am using this time as a reset; trying not to dwell on the things I cannot change.
I am giving birth at a birth center, so there are not as many restrictions as hospitals. But I am having virtual appointments, only one person allowed in for my appointment, and we have to wait in the car until our appointment because no one is allowed in the waiting room. Hospitals are restricting appointments to only the mother, and I really could not imagine going to all baby’s appointments alone, but luckily that isn’t what is happening. I am due in September so I am hoping that things will be better by then. But if not, it’s okay. My husband will be by my side and we are just hoping for a happy healthy baby. A lot of literature I’ve read emphasizes the importance of not only being prepared physically for birth but also mentally. It is unfortunate that it took a pandemic for myself (and honestly most of the world) to slow down and prioritize self-care.
Pandemic pregnancy sounds really scary, and for some I am sure it is. But for me it has been a blessing in disguise. There is nothing for me to complain about. I am healthy, my baby is healthy and growing.
xo
