Birthing Center COVID-19 FAQs

By Aimee VanStraaten, MD, FACOG St. Luke's Obstetrics & Gynecology Associates

About the Author:
My philosophy in prenatal care is to work as a partner with my patients to help educate them in making the best choices for their pregnancy care.

Keeping moms and babies safe during the pandemic

It’s understandable that expectant mothers have questions, concerns and fears about COVID-19. To help, we’ve compiled answers to the questions we’re receiving most frequently below, and will update this post as more information becomes available.

Are pregnant women at a greater risk of contracting the virus?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), pregnant women are at an increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19 when compared with those who are not pregnant. However, the overall risk of severe illness is low. Learn more about pregnancy and COVID-19 here.

Who can come to the hospital with me for the birth?

For the safety of all during the COVID-19 pandemic, St. Luke’s is limiting visitors. Visit our website for the most up-to-date version of our visitor policy.

Teleconferencing and virtual visits are allowed and encouraged pre- and post-delivery. However they are not allowed during deliveries or procedures for the privacy and protection of our patients.

Will my doctor deliver my baby?

We have a St. Luke’s OB-GYN provider available 24/7 that will manage your care and attend your birth. Due to the unpredictability of when you come in to have your baby, it may or may not be your primary provider. If your OB-GYN provider is working or on call, they will be present at your delivery.

How long will I need to stay in the hospital after delivery?

This will depend on the circumstances surrounding your individual delivery. However if mom and baby are stable, we have begun offering the choice of an early discharge so that patients can return home sooner.

What precautions are providers taking to ensure they’re not sick?

All St. Luke’s employees are fully vaccinated. If staff members have symptoms of a cold or flu, they are not allowed to come into work.

What are the St. Luke’s Birthing Center plans if a patient tests positive for COVID-19?

If a mom in the St. Luke’s Birthing Center tests positive for COVID-19, she and her support person will be isolated.

Can a St. Luke’s doctor or midwife come to my home for a delivery?

We believe that our patients receive the best care in a hospital setting, so we do not make house calls. During this time, we believe it’s even more important to deliver your baby in our safe and sanitized environment by medical professionals.

Should I be doing anything differently to keep me and my baby safe?

Our recommendations for pregnant women are the same as the CDC’s recommendations for the average person. Taking vitamin C or additional supplements has not been found to improve your ability to protect yourself from contracting the virus or in your ability to fight it.

Is it safe to receive a COVID-19 vaccine if I’m pregnant?
We are confident that it is safe for both mom and baby based on what we already know about the vaccine, and from information we’ve received from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Learn more about vaccine safety here.

Is there someone I can speak to about other questions or concerns?

St. Luke’s Birthing Center has a nurse available 24/7. You can call us at any time. We are always here, ready to answer any questions you might have.

Finally …

We want to provide you with reassurance. It’s normal to feel anxious when pregnant. It is normal to feel anxious during this time. Your St. Luke’s Birthing Center team is taking every precaution to provide you and your baby with the most up-to-date expert care.

We’re here, each and every day, ready to put you and your baby’s health above all else.