Am J Perinatol 2020; 37(10): 1038-1043
DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1712513
Clinical Opinion
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Home Birth in the Era of COVID-19: Counseling and Preparation for Pregnant Persons Living with HIV

1   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
,
Irina Cassimatis
1   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
,
Saba H. Berhie
1   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
,
Jennifer Jao
2   Department of Pediatrics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
3   Department of Internal Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
,
Susan E. Cohn
3   Department of Internal Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
,
Sarah H. Sutton
3   Department of Internal Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
,
Brianne Condron
1   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
,
Jordan Levesque
1   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
,
Patricia M. Garcia
1   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
,
Emily S. Miller
1   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
,
Lynn M. Yee
1   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

03 May 2020

05 May 2020

Publication Date:
04 June 2020 (online)

Abstract

With the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in the United States, a majority of states have instituted “shelter-in-place” policies effectively quarantining individuals—including pregnant persons—in their homes. Given the concern for COVID-19 acquisition in health care settings, pregnant persons with high-risk pregnancies—such as persons living with HIV (PLHIV)—are increasingly investigating the option of a home birth. Although we strongly recommend hospital birth for PLHIV, we discuss our experience and recommendations for counseling and preparation of pregnant PLHIV who may be considering home birth or at risk for unintentional home birth due to the pandemic. We also discuss issues associated with implementing a risk mitigation strategy involving high-risk births occurring at home during a pandemic.

Key Points

  • Coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has increased interest in home birth.

  • Women living with HIV are pursuing home birth.

  • Safe planning is paramount for women living with HIV desiring home birth, despite recommending against the practice.