A couple days after Christmas, we found out we were expecting another baby. We had no clue what was to come in the months ahead, and coronavirus (it wasn't even called COVID-19 yet!) was far from our radar. Boy, has that changed.

Now, only a few short weeks from meeting our second son, it's incredible how different this pregnancy has been in comparison to when our first was born in April 2018. As strange as things are, I'm so thankful to be carrying this baby and for the care we've received at Nebraska Medical Center.

I have a lot of pride in Nebraska Medicine. In fact, my husband Zach and I both work here. While I'm not in patient care and currently able to work from home, he does have contact with patients and often works on the COVID-19 units. I'd say our first worry when the pandemic started was that he would become infected through work, then bring it home to our family. This would have been concerning anyway, but being pregnant added a new layer of anxiety.

However, as time has gone, we both came to realize that the hospital is actually one of the very safest places to be, as a health care worker or as a patient. The additional masking for everyone in the facility, the personal protective equipment in place for care providers and the limited visitor policy are all in place to keep everyone as safe as possible. Our infectious diseases experts are among the very best in the world, so I'm confident that Nebraska Medicine is always on the forefront of the latest research and putting the latest evidence-based information into practice.

That being said, this pregnancy is a lot different than last time. There are no celebrations with friends, I haven't seen my out-of-town family since the beginning of March and I basically only leave the house to go to the doctor. While it's been isolating, I also know that I'm incredibly lucky to have stable employment, a secure place to live and a healthy family. 

Things look a little different at the Olson Center for Women's Health, too. When you walk in the facility, you are screened and put on a mask. In the clinic, there are signs for social distancing on the floor and in the waiting room. And probably the biggest change for many pregnant women is that visitors aren't currently allowed in the clinic, meaning video calls are the only way to share an ultrasound with your partner. I'd be lying if I said this part wasn't disappointing and difficult, but I also know that it's in my best interest and that of the staff treating me. The fewer number of people in and out of there, further reduces the possibility of exposure. With so little research so far on how COVID-19 affects pregnancy and children, every precaution is worth it. 

My visit schedule has changed a bit too. My appointments have been spaced out a little more than last time and the team of OB-GYNs was focused on patients in the hospital for the majority of the summer, and not seeing their patients in the clinic. This ensured that they stayed healthy to deliver new babies and assist new moms in the hospital. I love my doctor, Karen Carlson, MD, so I've definitely missed her and look forward to seeing her in a couple weeks. But it's been nice knowing that I can still communicate with her through the One Chart | Patient portal, and she's quick to respond to questions or give me a phone call when there was something that I wanted to talk through. The whole team at the Olson Center is great, so whether I was seeing a resident or a nurse practitioner (I have to give a shout out to Alissa Wormington, who is also awesome), I knew I was in capable hands and that they would collaborate with Dr. Carlson for my care. 

Although I'm looking forward to it, I know delivery won't be quite the same, since only Zach will be allowed in the hospital with me. I'm disappointed that our baby's grandparents and siblings won't be able to meet him until we are released, but again, I appreciate that Nebraska Medicine is making difficult decisions such as the restricted visitor policy in the name of safety. 

The two years since our first baby was born have flown by, so hopefully it won't be long before this pandemic is behind us. We're continuing to wear masks, wash our hands and social distance, while also knowing that happiness continues to shine through these strange times, especially through new babies. Thank goodness Nebraska Medicine is right there with us.