Is anyone due to give birth soon and worried about Omicron?

[pottermag]

I'm due my second baby in early February and getting increasingly worried about the prospect of giving birth in the middle of a huge wave of infection. It sounds like there will be a lot of strain on hospitals in the weeks after Christmas and I'm assuming this will impact childbirth (eg we may go back to no partners allowed until the last part of labour and partners needing to leave immediately after birth, etc). Obviously this is not what I was hoping for so really praying they don't change the guidance - but I can't find any information as it's such a fast-moving situation.

I'm also worried that despite 2 vaccines + booster, I may be at risk of infection myself which could put my baby in danger. Not really a question, just an expression of worry!

What are people's thoughts? Anyone else due soon and feeling very anxious about Omicron?

My induction, which was planned for today, has been delayed because the hospital is operating on reduced staff due to illness. The same happened to a friend, at the same hospital, ten days ago. She was eventually sent to another hospital.

Yes extremely worried. Have a c section planned on 5th Jan but god knows what will happen. I’ve got an appointment on Tuesday to discuss with consultant. But the situation is changing daily.

Sorry to hear this. Which hospital is it and did they say how long the delay is?

I have a planned c section on Wednesday. My last baby was born during the first peak in April 2020

Fed up that I'm in the same situation or realistically an even worse one then last time

I've been full of germ ocd this pregnancy and now this is just making me feel worse. Feel like covids been a black cloud over both births and taken away from both experiences

My mum was supposed to come over for childcare during the birth but has now told me she has been in contact with someone with covid

Just sick of it all and worry that if I catch it post natal I'll be vulnerable as my 3 months will of just ran out since last vaccine

You're not alone. Sending love.

Definitely worried! I’m doubled vaccinated and currently have Covid at 35 weeks. I’ve already had a bleed which required a hospital stay and now on blood thinners due to Covid. I have had my induction due moved to 39 weeks (previously 40) and can’t have the booster now until around then. It’s a worrying time, but you are not alone xx

I had my baby at hospital in the first lockdown. Hope to provide some reassurance that even if that becomes the case for you you will be fine. The midwives were amazing the hospital were super and careful and I felt v safe. Best of luck to everyone awaiting the arrival of their little ones

Hi everyone

OP i have had the same conversation with my husband tonight. Our baby is due on 6th Feb and i’ve had both jabs plus booster, but fear January will be bleak covid wise.
I’m ok with the prospect of being on my own during labour and husband coming towards the end if thats what ends up happening, but i’m dreading the scenario where he can only stay for an hour or something afterwards. I’ll be scared and obvs not feeling 100% after so if i could choose i’d rather give birth without him and have him with me after. You’re not alone with how you feel x

Thanks everyone for responding. It is starting to look really bleak in the coming weeks so I'm fairly sure there will be some changes to the current guidance re giving birth. I was induced in hospital over three days with my first baby and she was in NICU for a week - I cannot imagine going through something similar this time round without my partner there to help. The midwives and nurses last time were incredible so I'm reassured that I will have their support, but I'm still apprehensive at having to cope with the post-birth experience essentially alone!

My only hope is that somehow this Covid wave isn't as devastating for the NHS as previous ones...

Me! I'm due mid feb having an elective section. I'm not massively bothered about being on my own for the section but I am so worried DH won't be able to stay long after the birth, he'll be devastated as will I! We are lucky that we will be able to isolate for the 10 days prior to the birth because I'll know the date and DH works from home anyway, but I'm worried they won't have the staff available to do my section or similar and it'll be put off!

I'm due 10th Feb, hoping for midwife led stand alone unit birth so hoping rules will be more relaxed than hospital. My main aim is getting home asap so if it's looking risky I may just home birth.

My worry is being transferred to hospital 8f something goes wrong.

But to answers your question, yea I'm worried it's on my mind alot.

I'm worried too. I'm due 2nd week in feb and could not cope without my DP in there with me after an awful first birth where I almost didn't make it.
My first child was born early in the pandemic and we left hospital a day before lockdown started. I can't believe it is happening again and I'll be fuming if I'm cheated out of a second maternity leave as I was either ill or in lockdown for the entirety of my first maternity leave.
I really hope they don't change any rules regarding partners in the lead up to the birth as I was in labour 3 days last time and I can't do that again if I'm alone.

I think by Feb you might be in a better position - this wave is peaking quickly and the concern is more the next couple of weeks. By Feb most peoples boosters will have kicked in too, so try not to worry.

I say that as someone who has a c section booked on the 29th Dec! I’ve just had covid so am not allowed to test but I am paranoid DP will catch it and not be able to come with me or be close contact with the baby afterwards. Also worried my limited options for DD childcare will fall through of my dad tests positive.

But ultimately what can we do but just cross our fingers - these babies won’t wait!

I am due January and am worried about various things. I am planning a homebirth so with any luck won't need to go near a hospital but that could also mean homebirth team being suspended to work in the hospitals. Also if I need to go in for any reason or pre term labour our before then I am nervous, yes.

Me!! ELSC booked for 31st Dec, I'm really worried that DH will catch covid and I'll be by myself, or that our childcare will fall through because of people isolating, or that someone will bring covid into our house when the new baby is only a few days old, or that I'll get no help post section in the hospital due to staff shortages.

We're doing everything we can to stay covid free, but there's things we can't control too!

@TheLovleyChebbyMcGee same! We just have to hope all will work out ok. Currently on hopefully negative results from my mum who was in contact with someone with confirmed covid. Childcare is now proving the most stressful part as she was meant to look after him and I've never left him with anyone before either .. Elective c section in 2 days!
We got this. Sending love

Very worried! I'm due 3rd Jan and have now gone into isolation at home, no visitors, no going out. Just me and the dog and the only thing I'm doing is going for countryside walks. Husband unfortunately still has to work in retail up to the due date and I'm terrified he'll catch it and I'll be alone for the birth. I'm actually getting really fed up with seeing people post pictures on social media of them out in large groups at the pub or at night clubs (I totally understand it's still legal and they have every right to) but when cases are soaring and I'm facing going into a COVID infested hospital because there are hardly any regulations to stop infections getting out of control, it's hard not to feel frustrated.

Keep going mumsnetters, we'll manage no matter what!

Yep - pretty terrified. Due 17th Jan but having an ELCS the week before (haven’t got a date yet). All sorts of worries about catching it and getting really sick, having to go into hospital alone, our childcare falling through because of it… and also the possibility that the NHS will simply collapse.

Best of luck @Lozzak21!!! I've had a call and my ELCS has been pushed back 2 days to the 2nd, no difference really tbh, bug fingers crossed for you!

Yes due 12 January and so anxious to give birth alone