“I’m pregnant. I’m scared about all the uncertainties with coronavirus and COVID-19 around us. Will my pregnancy make me more likely to get to the coronavirus? What will happen if I get COVID-19 while pregnant? What will happen to the baby? To me?

I am thinking about an abortion.”

Does this sound like you? Let us help you answer some of these questions:

What is Covid-19?

COVID-19 is a new illness that affects the lungs and breathing. It is caused by a new coronavirus.  Symptoms may appear 2 to 14 days after you are exposed to the virus.

Symptoms include:

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Trouble breathing
  • Headache or muscle aches
  • Stomach problems (nausea and diarrhea)
  • Loss of your sense of smell or taste

How does COVID-19 affect pregnant women?

A report released in June 2020 looked at whether pregnant women might be at increased risk of getting very sick from COVID-19. This report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that:.

  • Pregnant women with COVID-19 may be more likely than nonpregnant women with COVID-19 to need care in an intensive care unit (ICU) or need a ventilator (for breathing support).
  • Pregnant women who are Black, Hispanic, or Asian may have a higher risk of severe illness or need ICU care more often than other pregnant women. This is likely caused by social and economic inequity, not biological differences.
Pregnant women make up 0.3% of all coronavirus cases at 12,056, of which, 0.3% of cases were fatal. This is much lower than the overall death rate for COVID-19 which is 4%. (Current as of July 2020)

Although the risk of needing more care in the hospital and having more severe illness may be increased, the overall risk of these outcomes is still low for pregnant women. Also, it’s important to know that the report suggests the risk of death is not higher for pregnant women with COVID-19 than for nonpregnant women with COVID-19.

Doctors urge pregnant women to take the same steps as the general public to avoid coronavirus infection.

How can COVID-19 affect my baby?

Some researchers are looking specifically at COVID-19 and its possible effects on a baby. Here’s what they know now:

  • Some pregnant women with COVID-19 have had preterm births, but it is not clear whether the preterm births were because of COVID-19. 
  • Researchers have found a few cases of COVID-19 that may have passed to a fetus during pregnancy, but this seems to be rare.

More research is needed to understand the effects of COVID-19 before birth. After birth, a newborn can get the virus if they are exposed to it. 

What should pregnant women do to avoid the coronavirus?

The virus spreads mainly from person-to-person contact. Pregnant women can take the same steps as other people to protect themselves, including

  • washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
  • cleaning hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol
  • avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth 
  • staying home as much as possible
  • staying at least 6 feet away from other people if you need to go out 
  • avoiding people who are sick
  • wearing a mask or face covering

If you are exposed or get Covid-19 contact your health care provider (ob/gyn) and let them know so they can guide you through appropriate steps and care.

Is it safe to see a doctor or visit a medical office right now about my pregnancy?

Yes. Our clinics are creating a safe and sterile place for you to get the holistic care you need. Our current protocols include patient screening, regular sanitation, face masks, and limited capacity. Three of our four Dallas clinics are open to patients today, serving Oak Cliff, Garland, Park Cities and surrounding areas. Make an appointment now.

Can COVID-19 pass to a baby through breast milk?

So far, the virus has not been found in breast milk. But, there is not enough information yet on whether women who are sick can pass the virus through breast milk. 

Breast milk gives babies protection against many illnesses. It also is the best source of nutrition for most babies. Talk with your ob-gyn or other health care professional about whether to start or continue breastfeeding. You can make this decision together with your family and health care team. 

For More details visit the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology at https://www.acog.org

If you experience symptoms of Covid-19, seek care immediately and testing at one of the sites below. 

Please inform us of your condition and testing results by emailing us at mhall@thrivewomensclinic.com

Dallas County COVID testing (as of May 10 2020)

Drive-Thru testing:

**Both drive-thru testing sites will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. NO APPOINTMENT NEEDED at above locations. There are only 500 tests per day, per site. Locations will close when tests are depleted.

**Must be exhibiting the following symptoms to be tested at drive thru location:

  • Must have temperature of 99.6 or higher and shortness of breath or cough; OR
  • Anyone 65-years-old or older; OR
  • Anyone with chronic health issues (diabetes, asthma, heart issues, etc.); OR first responders, DART drivers, healthcare workers, grocery store and essential retail store workers
  • Parkland Hospital offers drive-thru testing by appointment only for current Parkland patients who meet the medically necessary criteria with a Parkland physician’s order. 

In Person testing:

  • Parkland Hospital location- appointments are required for current Parkland patients, contact COVID-19 Patient Line at 214-590-8060
  • MD Medical Group
  • MD Family Clinic, Bruton Location – 9709 Bruton Road, Dallas, TX 75217
  • MD Family Clinic, Marsh Location – 9991 Marsh Lane, Suite 100, Dallas, TX 75220
  • MD Kids Pediatrics, Saner Location – 3201 West Saner Avenue, Dallas, TX 75233
  • Clinicas Mi Doctor, Seminary Location – 4200 South Freeway, Suite 106, Fort Worth, TX 76115
  • Clinicas Mi Doctor, Lewisville Location – 701 South Stemmons Freeway, Lewisville, TX 75067
  • MD Family Clinic, Irving Heights Location – 1111 South Irving Heights Drive, Irving, TX 75060
  • MD Kids Pediatrics, West Plano Location – 7800 Preston Road, Suite 300 Plano, TX 75024

According to the MD Medical Group, appointments are required for COVID-19 testing. Same-day appointments can be made by calling or texting 1-888-776-5252.