I just changed from my pajamas into my daily yoga pant outfit as I go into day 9 of quarantine…

I just changed from my pajamas into my daily yoga pant outfit as I go into day 9 of quarantine for being pregnant during the coronavirus… Last Tuesday my doctor had told me not to go out of the house, even to the grocery store. The Tuesday before that, I remember sitting in the back of Lululemon and having a very different conversation. ( I work part time there hence my extensive yoga pant collection ) My friend Kelsey (and the store manager) asked how I was feeling about everything and my response at that time was that “my doctor told me to take the same precautions I would with the flu so I’m not too worried.” By that Thursday, I started thinking I may have been under reacting and hit the grocery store to just get essentials for the next week (this was before the rush on toilet paper but after the rush on clorox wipes + hand sanitizer). I made another run to the store on Friday and by that time, the national emergency was declared. (That’s the day I started seeing actually empty shelves)

At this point, I read every article there was on pregnancy during the coronavirus…

At this point, I read every article there was about how this virus that seems to inevitably be hitting the United States could affect me or my baby…with barely any results. So, I was able to not work my shift the next day at Lululemon because I work for an amazing company…By Sunday, they announced the store will be closed for all employees for at least two weeks and has now been extended another week as of today. (…they are paying us our usual hours worked which is incredible the company has the capability to do so for now)

To sum up the differing articles I read while in quarantine:

(I’m not going to site all of these…I’ve read a billion articles…you get it)

• From London: Pregnant women are in the most high risk category for Covid-19
• Covid-19 will not affect a pregnant women any differently than the general population and are not at any higher risk of complications
• Covid-19 may cause preterm labor
• Covid-19 can be passed onto your baby immediately after delivery
• Covid-19 won’t be passed onto your baby after delivery
• Covid-19 does not pass through placenta or enter into breast milk
• We have NO IDEA how Covid-19 will affect a pregnant woman or their newborns

With how rapidly this has happened, researchers really just don’t know. They are getting their research as it happens and it’s just moving along too fast. It’s also across the WORLD…an entire world that is just trying to manage this illness and prevent further infection.

I’m a first time mom over here…

I’m a first time mom over here…I was already managing the nervousness that comes with that. (though what I hear there is always nervousness with any pregnancy) I’m trying to make sure I’m doing what I can for myself and baby to ensure he has the best possible start to life…Eating the right amount of protein, exercising, drinking enough water…I mean the list of things you should watch while pregnant can go on forever…I was already panicking over avoiding the flu this season. I already had a good amount of those precautionary things…hand sanitizer, soap, clorox wipes and Lysol (I know I’m lucky on that front).

So now I’m sitting here…9 weeks before my little one is due…

So now I’m sitting here…9 weeks before my little one is due and they’re saying this whole thing could possibly last through JULY/AUGUST. So not only will I possibly be delivering at a hospital that could be overun with Covid-19 patients (If I don’t get it myself by then), I’ll have a newborn out in the world during this harrowing time. That’s even if they have room for me at the hospital. I’ve been reading that more woman are opting for at home births! Guys, more power to the women who are opting for natural childbirth but I am on the “when can I get the epidural” path. I’m terrified for childbirth as is…I was talking to everyone about how I was just “blocking” that part of pregnancy out until it got closer. Well hey there…It’s getting closer and now I have other worries to pile on top.

I’ve read all the blog posts about nesting during the end of your third trimester and getting the hospital bag ready…

I’ve read all the blog posts about nesting during the end of your third trimester and getting the hospital bag ready…but now that the baby shower is cancelled. I’m buying the absolutely “need to have so my baby can survive items” and putting everything else on hold until the unknown can become more known. My husband works in the restaurant industry and to say things have gone from doing great to him having to make some of the toughest decisions of his career over the last week is an understatement. I’m an artist and in retail which depends on disposable income and my husbands company relies on people leaving their houses. So while I’m being stuck at home, all I want to do is finish my little ones nursery and buy the items I was waiting until after the shower to get…Instead we are taking a look at our finances to make sure we are ok if things get even worse.

I’ve come to terms that it’s ok to feel sad about my situation when there are worse things happening…

I’ve come to terms that it’s ok to feel sad about my situation when there are worse things happening…It’s been an up and down rollercoaster of feelings since this has all begun. I feel guilty that I’m sad I can’t finish his nursery right now when there are people in Italy dying (who would not otherwise) because the healthcare system is so overrun by this pandemic. There are many people out there who have already lost their jobs and aren’t receiving income because of the shutdown. These are terrible things that we should all be worried about our fellow humans and try to help in any way we possibly can… but don’t downplay how you are feeling because of it all too. You can be sad that your baby shower got cancelled, that you had to postpone your wedding, that your kids aren’t in school…

You can be sad that your baby shower got cancelled, that you had to postpone your wedding, that your kids aren’t in school…

but do keep in mind that there are others out there suffering more so keep things in perspective… Will this be the end of the world for us? No, hopefully not. I will have my baby in the next 9-10 weeks (fingers crossed at a hospital with a wonderful epidural + my husband there) and hopefully we are able to get this under control before we lose many more lives worldwide. So PLEASE, stay at home! Listen to your law makers and practice strict social distancing so we can stop the spread at a faster rate.

Thinking about all the pregnant mamas out there…whether you’re in your first or third trimester. Just be safe. Don’t go out unnecessarily and practice the most precautions like we are in the most at risk group. Because if we do get sick…There are two humans at risk.