Read

This Mother Chronicles Her Pandemic Pregnancy Experience

Creator:
Published:
January 30, 2024
November 23, 2020
Imagine having to go through a coronavirus pregnancy; this woman chronicled it as well as the stress that came with it.

As a nurse, Laura Olson is all too familiar with the risks that the pandemic brings. As an expectant mother, these risks are heightened to a new level. Her experience journeying through this pandemic is filled with fear and anxiety, and yet she pushes on each day, conscious of the life she is carrying — and the joy it will bring.

"His name means, 'He laughs or rejoices,'" Laura says of her newborn. "I just think that's really important right now during everything that's going on in the world."

Video Transcript

Meet Laura Olson: nurse

Fort Worth, Texas

July 2020

Laura Olson: I'm a nurse and my husband is a doctor, and I am currently nine months pregnant amid a global pandemic, so this is a crazy time to be having a baby.

I'm due here at the end of July, and of course, here in Texas, this is the month where the COVID cases are just having a crazy surge, so not only are we working in high-risk places, but I'm also pregnant.

Also, I just found out this last week that the policy for the hospital when I go in to deliver is that they will test me for COVID, and if positive, they will recommend separating mom and baby. So, I'm pretty terrified.

(Laura in her car wearing a face mask)

So I'm in line to get tested for COVID. Just been having headaches and nausea and fatigue, which I mean, could all be end pregnancy symptoms, but here it goes.

(Laura in the car without a mask)

I got tested. Basically someone was really short with me when I was driving up, and I almost started crying. I think just because I was stressed and I'm like, "I'm sorry, I'm just really scared." And then all of a sudden I just like started crying. I’m like “I'm due next week. I don't want to be doing this. I'm hoping this is all just like pregnancy symptoms.”

(After getting test results)

My COVID was negative. Huge sigh of relief.

(Laura getting out of the car putting a mask on)

Going into my last appointment before next week. Had to figure out crazy childcare solution because my sitter was exposed over the weekend so —

(Walking out of the clinic with a mask on)

Okay, I’m leaving the clinic. So I have to get induced today. The baby's measuring kind of small, probably because of stress, so it's time for baby to come out.

Woman: Good morning.

Laura: Good morning.

I’m a little freaked out. Trying not to feel guilty. The Lord is with us, I guess. Yeah, here we go.

(In hospital bed)

Okay, so I am in the hospital bed now.

24 hours later

So, we had a baby. Meet Isaac Marian Olson. His name means, “He laughs, or rejoices.”

I just think that's really important right now during everything that's going on in the world. We rejoice over you, and you bring laughter and joy.

(Baby sleeping peacefully)

Creators:
Grotto
Published:
January 30, 2024
November 23, 2020
On a related note...
How I'm Holding on to Faith During the Sex Abuse Crisis

How I'm Holding on to Faith During the Sex Abuse Crisis

Megan Brown Czerwinski

How Resting on Sundays Can Transform Your Perspective

How Resting on Sundays Can Transform Your Perspective

Christian Santa Maria

Was I Healed In a Miracle? Maybe

Was I Healed In a Miracle? Maybe

Jessica Mannen Kimmet

3 Easy Steps to Make Praying Out Loud Less Awkward

3 Easy Steps to Make Praying Out Loud Less Awkward

Lisa Greey Lytwyn

Walking with the Homeless in Denver | Little Ways: Engage

Walking with the Homeless in Denver | Little Ways: Engage

Grotto

Habitat for Humanity Transforms Communities

Habitat for Humanity Transforms Communities

Grotto

"Sun Cycle"

"Sun Cycle"

Josh Noem

Providing a Safe, Fun Environment for Children in Foster Care

Providing a Safe, Fun Environment for Children in Foster Care

Grotto

A Healthy, Tasty, and Cheap Alternative to Buffalo Wings

A Healthy, Tasty, and Cheap Alternative to Buffalo Wings

Grotto

Caught in the Middle: The Ambivert Struggle

Caught in the Middle: The Ambivert Struggle

Josh Flynt

Struggling to Say 'No'? Try Prioritizing Better

Struggling to Say 'No'? Try Prioritizing Better

Khang Tran

Meatless Friday Recipe: Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Meatless Friday Recipe: Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Grotto

6 Tips for Exploring Your Creative Side

6 Tips for Exploring Your Creative Side

Maddie Thompson

What a ‘Restorative Niche’ Is & Why You Need One

What a ‘Restorative Niche’ Is & Why You Need One

John Nagy

Having the Strength to Name and Overcome My Alcoholism

Having the Strength to Name and Overcome My Alcoholism

Erica Tighe Campbell

Finding the Humor in Grief

Finding the Humor in Grief

Molly Cruitt

"Point A"

"Point A"

Marjorie Maddox

Learning to Slow Down for Father-Daughter Time

Learning to Slow Down for Father-Daughter Time

Grotto

Sharing Love Through Her Pottery

Sharing Love Through Her Pottery

Grotto

Pizzeria Serves Up Second Chances in Cleveland

Pizzeria Serves Up Second Chances in Cleveland

Grotto

newsletter

We’d love to be pals.

Sign up for our newsletter, and we’ll meet you in your inbox each week.