Birth in the corona pandemic - the most important information
Updated onLisa Vogel studied departmental journalism with a focus on medicine and biosciences at Ansbach University and deepened her journalistic knowledge in the master's degree in multimedia information and communication. This was followed by a traineeship in the editorial team. Since September 2020 she has been writing as a freelance journalist for
More posts by Lisa Vogel All content is checked by medical journalists.Protection against Sars-CoV-2 infections is currently also shaping the circumstances at birth. In many places, however, the requirements are no longer as strict as they were at the beginning of the pandemic. Find out in advance what general conditions await you in the clinic and delivery room, how visits are regulated and how you can currently spread the word about the birth.
Can I take a antenatal class?
Due to the ban on contact and exit restrictions since March 2021, attendance events from birth preparation in midwifery practices. Instead, many obstetricians offer live classes that pregnant women can attend from home. Many midwives have also relocated counseling sessions to the Internet.
The health insurance companies also cover the costs for the video and online birth preparation courses.
Can I currently visit clinics?
Maternity clinics usually offer information evenings at which parents-to-be can visit the delivery room. These events are currently canceled due to the ban on contact and exit restrictions. Some clinics have now put virtual tours of the delivery rooms on their pages.
In addition, if the number of cases falls, pre-viewing could become possible again. Find out more about this directly from the hospital of your choice. If a viewing is not possible, you can call for the most important information.
Do midwives make home calls despite the coronavirus?
Expectant and new mothers and fathers also need support in crisis situations - especially when it is their first child. Therefore midwives also work during the Corona crisis / in times of Corona.
If a pregnant woman is infected with the coronavirus or if there is a reasonable suspicion, the midwife will postpone unnecessary birth preparation appointments and check-up appointments. If the appointment is absolutely necessary, midwives will still make home calls. They then wear face masks and gloves and, depending on the risk assessment, put on protective clothing.
If, on the other hand, the midwife is infected with Sars-CoV-2 or suffers from Covid-19, she or the associated practice usually organizes a replacement.
I am infected: where should I give birth?
Pregnant women who have been infected with the coronavirus or who have reasonable suspicions should go to a clinic for the birth. Here the baby is continuously monitored during the birth. The delivery team checks whether the child is getting enough oxygen and how it reacts to the contractions.
The German Society for Gynecology and Obstetrics therefore advises infected pregnant women against giving birth at home or in a birthing center where only midwives are available for care.
In case of suspicion or infection: Caesarean section or vaginal birth?
Even if you have been suspected or confirmed to be infected with coronavirus, there is currently no evidence that a caesarean section is any safer than vaginal delivery. So if there are no other medical reasons, then you can opt for vaginal delivery.
However, if you have breathing problems due to a coronavirus infection and these require a quick delivery, a caesarean section may be necessary.
Nor is there any evidence that a PDA could be more of a problem for you. The use of nitrous oxide is, however, expressly discouraged. It can encourage the virus to spread through the air you breathe.
Can my partner go into the delivery room?
Even in times of the Corona crisis, partners are an important support for the woman giving birth. Almost all clinics now allow a trusted companion to accompany the woman into the delivery room.
It is best to inquire in advance which regulations apply in the clinic of your choice. If clinics deny partners access, families should seek help from their gynecologist or midwife. If necessary, you can refer to another maternity hospital.
Can my baby get infected when it is born?
Transmission of the coronavirus to the child during pregnancy or at birth is possible, but not the rule. This usually does not affect the health of the newborn.
Can i keep my baby with me?
If both of you are doing well, you can keep your baby with you even during corona times.
Will my baby be tested for the coronavirus?
If you are suspected or confirmed to be infected with coronavirus at the time of birth, medical professionals will also test your baby for the coronavirus.
Can I receive visitors on the maternity ward?
Since the end of March 2020, the visiting regulations in clinics have been very strict. The maternity ward is no exception. Here, too, visits are only possible to a very limited extent. In the meantime, one visitor per day is usually allowed who can stay for a maximum of one hour. The prerequisite for a visit is a daily, negative corona test and compliance with the hygiene regulations.
If several mothers share a room, they should coordinate with each other so that there are not too many people in the room at the same time.
You can find out from the respective clinic how the regulations are possible in the clinic of your choice and how the birth takes place.
Is an outpatient birth possible?
If the expectant mother is not infected with the coronavirus, there are no previous illnesses, the pregnancy is not at risk and an uncomplicated birth is to be expected, many clinics offer this option.
In order to keep the risk of infection as low as possible, outpatient birth is even recommended by some clinics.
You can find out at the respective clinic whether this is possible in the clinic of your choice and how the birth will take place. The regulations differ in the individual hospitals.
Can i breastfeed my baby?
So far there is no evidence that the virus can be transmitted through breast milk. As far as we know today, the recognized benefits of breastfeeding outweigh the possible risks of transmission.
If you are infected, or suspect it, take the following precautions when breastfeeding or feeding your child:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap for at least 20 seconds before touching your baby, breast pump or bottle.
- Wear a face mask when breastfeeding.
- Thoroughly clean the pump after each use and sterilize the individual components (boiling, steam sterilizer)
What if my child is infected?
Young children in particular usually get along well with the coronavirus. However, the disease should not be taken lightly. In rare cases, children under one year of age also contract Covid-19.
If your child develops a cough, shortness of breath and / or fever, contact your pediatrician as a precaution. If there is a reasonable suspicion of a coronavirus infection, he can test your child.
