How the Pandemic is impacting pregnancy, IVF and adoption decisions.

Infertility affects both men and women and the pandemic has created and added layer of stress that needs to be addressed for a successful pregnancy.

Struggling with fertility is anxiety producing and one of the most stressful situations for women and couples.  A study shows that 68% (204 million) of Americans are worried about their family’s health related to COVID-19. 

The pandemic has increased the level of fear and anxiety over whether it is safe to conceive and have a healthy pregnancy and baby. The influence of Covid-19 pandemic on the psychological status of infertile couples is having an affect.

Studies report that as many as 30 percent of women are postponing pregnancy because of all this (health risks and worries; isolation; job loss and more)

Women with infertility will still be recovering from having their fertility treatments cancelled, surgeries postponed and closed clinics. Many women feel like they will have to start from square one. There is concern about when it will be safe to resume treatments and if COVID-19 would cause deformities such as Zika virus.

The information on the impact of Covid-19 has not been conclusive making it difficult for couples to decide if it is safe to move forward with getting pregnant. 

The CDC findings are that pregnant women are at risk for more severe illness from covid versus non-pregnant women. 

Pregnant women with Covid-19 or more likely to be admitted to the hospital and in the ICU with a 70% more likely to need ventilators according to data, though death numbers are not impacted. Even with these findings there are gaps in the data.

What do we know for sure? 

Patients that have pre-existing health issues such as obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and immune problems that would have also been considered high risk under normal circumstances are at higher risk if they contract Covid-19. 

During pregnancy there are changes in the immune system that make women more prone to severe illness from influenza and can also be harmful to the developing baby. Flu vaccines are an added protection during pregnancy because the antibodies will pass on to the developing baby. 

The difference with Covid-19 is that there is no vaccine available and will take time to study efficacy once it is used.

 What can couples do now?

Each couple will have to take a hard look at their health right now and if they can improve their overall health, which in turn will help with fertility and pregnancy. Look at setting a timeline and health goals around getting pregnant for both male and female.  If it is possible to postpone or wait a bit, couples that can are rethinking when they will resume if they are working with a fertility clinic. 

Taking a whole health perspective of eating well, exercising, losing weight and stress reduction will help to strengthen their immune system and reduce their risks of severe illness. 

Relieve Stress

Stress is the biggest disrupter of reproductive hormones. It’s not about relaxing, it is about the overall function of the nervous system being triggered over and over creating anxiety.

Focus on your overall health

Think of the big picture of habits that contribute to your overall health - sleep, nutrition, exercise, mind-body practices, and self-care. This can also include the relationship with your partner, as fertility can put a strain on relationships. These habits all support fertility, no matter what stage of the fertility journey you are on. 

Holistic approaches

Acupuncture: studies show acupuncture can improve fertility outcomes for both men and women. Acupuncture helps to regulate the nervous system and has shown to activate certain neuropeptides in the brain that reduce inflammation and stimulate the immune system to heal. 

Males: It is important that male fertility is investigated. Studies show the virus can damage testicular cells and interfere with spermatogenesis causing problems with male fertility. Men should get tested for antibodies and also sperm health, preemptively they can freeze sperm for the future as well.

Is Caffeine Safe for Pregnant Women?

You don’t have to give up your morning cup of coffee if you are pregnant.

Determining if all caffeine should be avoided by all pregnant women is difficult to determine. Prenatal and maternal health is important for the health of the mother as well as the developing fetus. Infant and maternal mortality rates in the US have increased and in many cases the deaths were preventable.

Maternal caffeine consumption is related to lower birth weight and most studies recommend limiting caffeine intake. Many of the studies were looking at coffee consumption, though caffeine can be present in other beverages and foods and should be carefully monitored. 

Studies show that keeping caffeine intake to below 300 mg per day or 1 to 2 cups of brewed coffee is not a concern.

Substituting green tea for coffee. Green tea has half the caffeine and has antioxidants as well as immune boosting properties.

What we do know is that high caffeine intake can restrict blood flow in the placenta affecting fetal growth. Caffeine is a stimulant and a diuretic,and can cause dehydration. Dehydration can cause the amniotic fluid and influence baby development as well as preterm labor. Pregnant women need to stay well hydrated.

Caffeine does cross the placenta and goes to the fetus, and clearance of caffeine from the body slows during pregnancy. 

Though there is very limited data as to whether caffeine alone negatively impacts fetal development.  Studies show the effects of maternal dehydration can reduce blood and oxygen to the fetus can also decrease fetal heart rate.  

Each pregnancy is different and for women that are in the higher risk category of pregnancy with a tendency for high blood pressure should eliminate stimulants such as caffeine that increase blood pressure. 

Caffeine can also aggravate acid reflux, cause rapid heart rate, anxiety and trouble sleeping.