In the best of times, preparing for labor and delivery is both exciting and nerve-wracking. But if you'll be giving birth during the global coronavirus pandemic, you may understandably be feeling more stressed and apprehensive than joyful.
While it’s natural to be confused about how the coronavirus and the disease it causes, COVID-19, might impact your birth plan, know that there are many resources available for moms-to-be, from virtual doulas to telehealth lactation consultants. Hospital policies vary, but expectant moms may also find it reassuring to know that experts say it’s unlikely you’ll have to give birth without a support person present, nor can you be forcefully separated from baby after giving birth if you find out you have COVID-19.
And, while the idea of going to the hospital might feel anxiety-inducing right now, experts maintain that it's still the safest place to give birth, and your chances of being infected with COVID-19 in the maternity ward are small.
Still, it’s understandable if you feel stressed about your upcoming due date. Know, though, that you're not alone. As What to Expect founder Heidi Murkoff recently put it: "We all want the best for our babies, our children, our families — and we all want the same for our fellow moms. We are all in this together."
You might also find it helpful to hear directly from new moms who have already given birth during the outbreak. Below, 20 moms from the What to Expect community who welcomed new arrivals within the past few weeks open up about their experiences. Just remember that every hospital has different protocols, so speak to your OB/GYN if you have any questions about what your upcoming labor will look like.

Your nurses and doctors will likely be wearing protective gear.

“Every person I interacted with wore protective gear (masks, gloves, covers). … Everyone kept wearing PPE around us to prevent spreading [COVID-19], but that was fine. … I am home with my boy, on bedrest and still recovering, but happy to be with my family.” — TheFlockOfDucks

“Nothing was quite as we dreamed because of the pandemic, as I know all of you are experiencing... all the staff were in masks (and we were supposed to be, too — thank God they were not strict with me about that during labor, I can barely breathe through those surgical masks under regular conditions!).” — Kcb93

“[We] got up to labor and delivery and everything seemed pretty normal, minus all staff being masked. … All staff were masked in postpartum as well. Other than that, no big differences for us.” — mkl0528

You might leave the hospital early.

“I had amazing midwives that helped me get an induction and leave the hospital early. Honestly, it was scary going in and very emotional, but once I was in labor and delivery, it felt normal. After 24 hours I went home and was happy to get out.” — Carpenter2018
“We only got one proper night and one and one-half days postpartum in the hospital because they’re trying to move labor and delivery folks out quickly before COVID peaks in our area.” — catiems

The nurses and doctors are there to help you.

“Everyone was very nice and supportive given the situation.” — Lulcia1
“I found the nurses and doctors were so supportive and a wealth of information.” — catiems
“My nurse was a brilliant coach and helped me stay concentrated on my tasks at hand, and my husband was right there with her.” — MKyps

Your support person might not be able to leave to get food or clothes.

“They allowed room service for my husband in labor and delivery because they didn’t want him to leave the room. That was the only thing during delivery that was different for us (this was my third pregnancy).” — mkl0528
“We had been warned previously that only one person was allowed with me the entire time, from labor to after delivery, and that they (like me) had to pack in, pack out. Bring everything you could possibly need, because we weren't allowed to leave for any reason, not even to pace the hallways or go to the cafeteria. They allowed my husband to order room service food for a small fee.” — mamaapril2020
“In postpartum, they asked my husband not to leave the room — we would have to call the nurse if we wanted anything, which was fine.” — mkl0528

Your baby might have to stay the night with you in the hospital, rather than in the nursery.

“Even though we don’t use it personally, they told us no overnight nursery, so baby had to stay with us.”— mkl0528
“[My] baby had to stay with me overnight.” — anakaren2020

Your healthcare team might suggest testing your baby for COVID-19.

“They allowed skin to skin because I had been isolating for three weeks. … They took my child away to clean up and let me rest — plus wait for the COVID test results — but I saw him crying at the nurses and I was so happy. My results came back negative.” — TheFlockOfDucks

Visitor rules will vary by hospital.

“Only one visitor was allowed and he was able to leave and come back and stay the night.” — newnew305
“I was told my husband can be with me during delivery but ‘all overnight visitors must be approved by nursing.’” — ktmariec11
“By the time I arrived [at the hospital], my contractions were 3-4 minutes apart. The hospital would not let my significant other in, only me because I was in labor. They wheeled me to triage and said if I was in real labor they would let my SO into the labor and delivery room. … [Once it was time], the nurse left to get my SO.” — TheFlockOfDucks

Even in you run into a few surprises, know that you can handle them.

“[There’s] no point in bringing a birth plan. The baby is the planner and unfortunately he/she can't communicate their plan to you, so just practice your breathing and know that everything happens for a reason. … Make your baby proud, be strong and enjoy this experience only a woman can!” — Tiffanypeterson81
“I was freaking out… I was late [to deliver] and my family was asking if something was wrong. Add in reading some stories, you get pretty nervous. … [But] you will do incredible, you will love the moment you hold your kid right away.” — TheFlockOfDucks
“Just relax and remember your body was made to do this. Good luck!” — kschott10