Trying to Conceive, Pregnancy and COVID-19

COVID-19 means that we have been cancelled on our FET cycle 10 days into lupron shots. Then a few hours later my husband gets laid off from his job. This was just another blow to our IVF journey. I understand why REI is doing this, but it is so frustrating and really hard not to be mad and blame whoever or whatever started this virus.

To gain back some control, I have made some hand sanitizer for when my husband and I go out to the store or get gas. I made it using 91% rubbing alcohol, so it's pretty strong stuff and will most likely last until 2030 :D. We also have been practicing social distancing. I hoping that we'll have some nice warm sunny days here soon, because if love to go for a hike and get some outside exercise.

I am currently 16w6d pregnant. I work construction and have been laid off since 2/5. We are trying to not get to stressed and are staying home to be as safe as possible. I really don’t think I’ll be back to work before giving birth in the end of August and so money is also a stressor. I am scared for my old coworkers that work at the hospital in the ICUs. But I try to focus on how lucky we are to be expecting and so far healthy.

Congrats on pregnancy so far! I have been thinking about you and I know it’s been quite a tough road for you as well. I’m so glad to hear you are doing well and you are both healthy so far. I will be keeping you in my prayers and thoughts! Sending more good vibes your way!

@paddingtonk @loren12 I thought you might appreciate seeing this segment of Mayo Clinic Radio. Dr. Nipunie Rajapakse, a pediatric infectious diseases specialist, discusses COVID-19 and pregnancy.

Hello all! For the most part I have really made an effort to stay informed but also to shy away from constant news coverage, media etc. The closer I get to my due date (July 2nd) my nerves have gotten a bit more worked up. This isn't exactly the way that I saw my pregnancy going or the last few months for that matter. I am beyond thankful that no one in my family or close friend group has been infected with the virus and I know that is what is most important but it's been tough to be positive all the time. My baby shower was canceled, the fun shopping for a new baby stuff has all moved online, I go to my appointments alone and with the virus still so much a part of our lives the possibility of my birthing situation changing is also a bit scary. I am thankful for a wonderful medical team at Mayo who is doing all they can to keep us all safe but sometimes it is hard to keep that positive attitude! Thinking of each of you as you walk this path.

How are all of you expecting or trying to conceive doing with this COVID situation?

We have been trying to conceive (our 2nd) and though we are not at the point of IVF yet, we have been on medication. Since everything else has been in "stand-by mode" we decided to put trying to conceive on hold too when all of this started. But as time goes on that is becoming harder for me. I am anxious to start trying again (as you all know, time is precious) but I'm also fearful of being pregnant during a pandemic. *sigh*
Anyone else?

@randiapr, I can understand both your decision to put trying to conceive on hold and feeling the pressure of time. How long is one prepared to wait when time ticks, right? I gave birth at the height of SARS in the city that was the epi-center. It was scary for sure, but I had full confidence in the safety protocols followed by the hospital. The isolation at home turned out to be a silver lining and allowed our little family of three to bond without obligations of hosting visitors (or germs).

I'm tagging @loren12 @phoenixzip @paddingtonk and @bl2018 on this discussion to see if their plans to try have changed as COVID protocols become a part of life and what it's like to be expecting with all this.

Randi, how do you feel about going into a medical facility at this time? Are you thinking of starting to try again?

We are going to be scheduled for a c-section so our birth plan isn’t changed due to Covid. It is weird not going to the doctor as much. Just sending in stats every 4 weeks. I can say it is difficult not to see family in such a joyous time for us but it is safer for me and the baby. I have started keeping a journal so I can share what we were up to during the pandemic and how it has effected us. I am very grateful that we are all healthy. I hope everyone else is doing well.

Well I work at a hospital so I am fine with going into a medical facility. But I am fearful that working in this setting increases my risk of exposure and there are so many unknowns if I were to become sick while pregnant.
We are thinking of starting to try again simply because we don't know how long this will last and I anticipate it will last a quite a while...