In the age of the global pandemic around Covid-19, being pregnant, trying to get pregnant or delivering is scary for new and expecting parents. There is a fear, what if I get Covid while pregnant?

COVID-19 is an illness caused by a coronavirus. Human coronaviruses are common and are typically associated with mild illnesses, similar to the common cold. [source: Government of Canada]

In our stories from real moms series, we talked to real moms to get their story.

This is Jessica’s Story. Jessica is a mom of two children and lives in Ontario. She is presently pregnant and due in June 2021. When Jessica was 4.5 months pregnant, she tested positive for COVID-19.

We virtually sat down with Jessica and asked her to share her story.

Is this your first pregnancy? If not, how was it different during the pandemic?

No, this is technically my eighth pregnancy (I have a history of recurrent pregnancy loss) but I have two boys under the age of 4 at home! The biggest difference is in the medical appointments during a pandemic. I have a lot of anxiety around pregnancy, especially in the first trimester due to the recurrent pregnancy losses and not being able to bring my husband into my first ultrasound appointments was extremely difficult for me. I was always expecting the worst, and I really could have used him as emotional support during my ultrasounds. Another large impact the pandemic has had is the lack of in-person appointments. Most pregnancy checkups are done over the phone now (except for a few key milestone appointments).

How exactly did you stumble into their coronavirus diagnosis?

To be honest, I still don’t understand where I could have picked up the virus. I was on bed rest for about a week and a half (my midwives were concerned I was potentially leaking amniotic fluid) before I tested positive for COVID-19. I had only left the house three times. Twice to go to the hospital, one for an ultrasound and ironically the second time to get my COVID-19 vaccination. (I work in healthcare that’s why I got the vaccine though I wasn’t working currently due to the bedrest). 

What were your symptoms?

I woke up Friday morning with a dry bloody nose which I didn’t think too much of because this frequently happens during the winter. Later that afternoon, I went to have a snack and realized I couldn’t taste or smell anything. I called my husband and explained the situation, and right away, he suggested I get tested. I argued with him saying there is no way I could have it; I haven’t been anywhere other than the hospital for my vaccination and my ultrasounds. He reminded me what the doctor had said when I originally got the vaccine that being on immunosuppressants can impact the vaccine from fully taking. So Friday night I was able to get tested and received a positive result Sunday early afternoon.

Symptoms of COVID-19 can vary from person to person. They may also vary in different age groups. Learn more about COVID-19 Symptoms and Treatment [Source: Government of Canada]

Did anyone else in your household get in?

My husband also tested positive (asymptomatic), and both my kids tested negative. 

Tell us about going for the test and the anxiety you felt waiting?

I did not feel anxious waiting because I fully believed there was no way I could be positive having had the vaccine and only being to the hospital for medical appointments. I found it more frustrating to be isolated from my family waiting for the results if anything (mostly again because I was in denial I would be positive).

The only way to confirm you have COVID-19 is through a laboratory test. Take a self-assessment to find out if you should be tested. If you’re waiting for a test result, isolate at home, whether you have symptoms or not. [Source: Government of Canada]

How did you care for yourself (being pregnant and having covid)? Did you have any support?

I have an amazing husband who even though has developed symptoms now, is a great dad and a huge help with the kids. We have also had amazing friends, family, and neighbours drop off home-cooked meals and activities for our little guys to keep them occupied. We are very lucky to have the support we have.

If you’re experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19:

• contact your local public health authority and
• isolate yourself at home for 14 days to avoid spreading it to others

Did it impact your pregnancy at all?

I am still positive and symptomatic (though luckily very mild, I would compare it so far to a bad cold). Still, I check my blood pressure, temperature, and use the fetal doppler daily, and so far it doesn’t seem to have impacted my pregnancy *knock on wood*. The doctor said I would be passing my immunity to the virus onto the baby, which is something positive that came from this experience. (One less thing to worry about once the baby arrives).

How was your prenatal doctor visits impacted?

I am fortunate to have a close relationship with my midwives and family doctor. I have been able to text my midwives with any concerns that come up, and they respond within the hour always. My family doctor will call me back the same day if I have a concern. Although I obviously can’t see them in person currently- it is nice knowing if any major concerns come up, I can get answers quickly. I was supposed to go for my anatomy exam that has now fallen in my quarantine period. Hence, I had to reschedule that appointment which was disappointing but hoping when the appointment finally comes; I will have the reassurance that our little boy is healthy and was not impacted by the COVID-19 virus. 

Tell us what the Doctors told you related to the COVID-19 virus, being pregnant, and the risks to your unborn baby.

They brought up the fact that I could pass my immunity onto the baby, which is a great silver lining to the situation. I was told my symptoms should be mild, given that I had already had the first dose of the vaccine, which was reassuring. I was told to go straight to ER if I had any of the following symptoms; shortness of breath, high blood pressure, fever that doesn’t respond to medication, and any abnormal pregnancy symptoms (cramping, bleeding, leaking of fluid etc.). 

How long did you experience symptoms? Did you fully recover?

I am still experiencing mild symptoms- my quarantine will fully be done on Jan 25 (as long as I am not experiencing any symptoms with the exception of the loss of taste and smell). If things continue the way they are going, I would presume that I would fully recover, but I will keep you updated.

Thank you, Jessica, for sharing your story.

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Tune in next Monday as we share “tips from our experts.”

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