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Pregnant on Lockdown: Coping With COVID-19
Being a surrogate is a unique experience at the best of times, but how has the COVID-19 pandemic affected the world of surrogacy? From dropped cycles to canceled transfers, clinic closures and the dangers of exposure to the virus itself, how are surrogates coping with the crisis?
What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 is a disease caused by the deadly novel coronavirus, which seems to have originated in China in December 2019 and spread rapidly throughout the country, and subsequently around the world. 3 months on, as China attempts to return to normal life, other countries such as Italy and Spain are experiencing extreme crisis; hospitals overrun with patients, entire countries on lockdown, and people dying by the thousands. And here in the US, our nightmare is only just beginning.
COVID-19 and Pregnancy
But what are the risks of COVID-19 to pregnant women or their unborn babies? Are pregnant women at higher risk for infection from this virus, or are they at higher risk for complications if they do become infected? Surprisingly, the science so far says no. Pregnant women are at no higher risk for becoming infected with the novel coronavirus than anyone else, and with proper social distancing and self-care precautions, such as staying home wherever possible and keeping 6ft away from others when having to go out, frequent hand washing with antibacterial soap or alcohol-based sanitizer, and wearing gloves, pregnant women should be as safe from this virus as anyone else. There has also been no evidence that COVID-19 infection can spread from a pregnant mother to her unborn baby. In fact, in a recent study of 55 pregnant women and 46 newborn babies, there were zero cases of intrauterine transmission. That being said, there is a possibility that an infected mother could pass on the virus to her baby at birth.
What is it like?
So how is the current state of affairs affecting our surrogates? I reached out to some of our girls to find out what life is currently like for them where they live, and what they have been doing to keep themselves safe.
Anjellica is currently 21 weeks pregnant with her surrogate baby and lives in Nevada. At the request of her intended parents she has taken some time off work. When asked how she has been dealing with the virus, she responded:
“I’ve been wearing gloves and masks in public and washing my hands like a crazy person, they’re so dry and cracked! I’m also just limiting my exposure to the public to once per week for a grocery run, where I order them online and just pick them up. I’m pretty sure this is the most I’ve ever cooked/eaten at home in a while!”
Another of our pregnant surrogates, Laura, is currently 24 weeks pregnant and lives in Los Angeles. Here’s what she had to say about her situation:
“I guess you can say my experience with COVID-19 has gone smoothly so far. The only thing that was a bit of a challenge was to get water and toilet paper in the beginning when everyone was panic buying, but thankfully I was able to find an alternative for those. I got a Sparkletts account and I have my water delivered to me, and as far as groceries and toilet paper go, I also order those online to avoid being outdoors and around others. I’m fortunate to have a work from home job I do Billing and Coding from home, so I’ve just been keeping myself indoors for the most part and only leave my home to go to my OB appointments.”
As far as the effects on our not-yet-pregnant surrogates go, there have definitely been some major disappointments. At the suggestion of the ASRM (American Society for Reproductive Medicine), most embryo transfers have been canceled or postponed. Unfortunately for some surrogates, that meant stopping their medications without getting to the embryo transfer, which is understandably very frustrating after multiple weeks of self-administered injections. Others managed to make it to their embryo transfers but were not allowed to bring a companion or agency representative into the transfer room with them for support, and many patients have had to have their temperatures taken at the clinic entrance and wear masks and gloves inside.
Our Part
Many people may be wondering what we as an agency have been doing to protect our surrogates during this time. Well, besides sending out communications consistently with methods and best practices to protect themselves, checking in constantly to make sure they’re well and offering additional psychological support, GSHC has been sending regular priority mail shipments of masks, gloves and antibacterial soap to all of our pregnant women, in-cycle surrogates or those who have recently been matched with a family and had to go to medical screening. We have also sent out packages to surrogates working with other agencies, and women pregnant with their own child who are potentially at higher risk for being exposed to the virus due to having to attend medical appointments. We will continue sending these shipments as long as we are able, and as long as they are needed; but rest assured, we are not taking supplies from our medical professionals who need them! Our masks and gloves are for added protection only – they are not medical grade and therefore could not be donated to hospitals/medical staff.
Conclusion
There is a great level of uncertainty in the surrogacy community thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic. Surrogates and intended parents are tensely waiting for news as to when clinic will re-open and embryo transfers can be scheduled. Agencies and intended parents alike are worried about the health and safety of their pregnant surrogates, along with the potential of matches being dissolved during this trying time due to personal issues or life changes. Many of us are worried about the financial effects of a likely worldwide economic crash. All we can do for now is do our best to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe, make sure our surrogates are implementing best practices to avoid contracting COVID-19, and do our best to make sure relationships stay intact despite the issues we face. From everyone at GSHC – stay safe out there!
To begin your surrogacy journey with GSHC Surrogacy Agency, please fill out our Surrogate Intake Form.