Expecting a baby – especially for first-time mums – can make for anxious moments at the best of times. Factor in a global pandemic and it is especially scary. Clinical psychologist Hannah Reidy, CEO of mental health charity Mind Hong Kong, became pregnant in the early months of the pandemic and understands the challenges first-hand. “In the lead-up to that birth there was a lot of uncertainty and worry – what would happen if I tested positive [for Covid-19]? When would I be able to see my family? Would they be able to visit Hong Kong?” says Reidy. She gave birth to a healthy baby girl in November 2020. One of her daughter’s first words, after “Mama” was “mask”. Friends who have recently given birth locked themselves down before their due date Hannah Reidy, CEO, Mind Hong Kong “She would see my husband and I talking about putting our masks on before we went out and she pointed to her face and said, ‘Mask, mask,’” says Reidy. “Mask” may have been one of this Covid baby’s first words, but she did have the advantage of having both her parents working from home for a huge chunk of her first year. No husband, no visits: giving birth amid coronavirus crisis Now Reidy is expecting her second child. But almost a year and a half on, the worry and uncertainty around delivering in a pandemic remain. “It was the first time I was becoming a mum and that was quite scary in itself, not feeling like you are sitting on quite firm ground because of everything that was going on,” says Reidy. Conflicting and changing health advice is one of the big challenges. Vaccines became available in Hong Kong when Reidy was breastfeeding , and there was debate about whether it was safe for her and her child to have the jab. Eventually, she was told it was not only safe but advisable to get the vaccine – yet when she went to the vaccination centre, the people there expressed alarm. As a mental health professional, she wanted to share her story to support other expectant mothers. First, to reassure them that there are big changes coming up and it is OK to feel nervous and anxious. Teresa Chan, a clinical adviser at Mind Hong Kong, is pregnant with her first child and says on top of the usual first-time mum worries, she’s also been anxious about deciding which hospital to deliver at and whether to get a booster shot. Conflicting advice from friends, family and official outlets made the decisions more difficult. “From reading the evidence, and friends and family – my brother is a doctor in the UK – I was very much for getting the booster, but my GP and obstetrician were for erring on the side of caution,” says Chan. In the end, she decided to get the booster. In the past couple of weeks, the advice in Hong Kong has changed and the leaflets handed out at community centres now advise pregnant women to get the booster. Recent news reports of women being separated from their babies when one of them tests positive for Covid-19 have sown fear in many expectant mothers. This tops the list of Chan’s concerns. “There is a big uncertainty around delivery and I’m hearing different reports about it. For example, if either partner has contracted Covid-19 and not being allowed in hospital, having to be moved, being separated from your newborn if either of you tests positive,” says Reidy. For couples expecting their first child, the few weeks before delivery is their last chance to be together as a couple without a baby without the late nights, nappy changes and everything that comes with the sleepless first few months. But Reidy says this time around it will be quite different and she’s conscious of the need to stay close to home to keep safe. “Friends who have recently given birth locked themselves down before their due date, they didn’t leave home or see anyone apart from immediate family,” says Reidy. Prenatal classes, where communities of women come together and form friendships that take them through early parenting and childhood, are now held online. This makes it more challenging to form close connections, but they still represent an opportunity to connect with othersand share experiences which to normalise the experience. The mental health mantra during the pandemic, when uncertainty is the name of the game, has been to “focus on the things you can control” – and that applies doubly for expectant mothers. Reidy stresses the importance of keeping to a routine. “ I’ve been doing a lot of walking . It’s so helpful to keep active and moving. You can’t go to the gym, but you can still keep active during your pregnancy and that has really helped me,” says Reidy. She has also found it really helpful to connect with other mums-to-be and people who have recently had children. “If their kids are a little older, they are a little further down the track, then they can offer advice and tips. That social support is so strong if you can latch onto it,” she Reidy. She has also found it helpful to check in with her partner. “Sometimes we underplay that our partner is quite anxious. By checking in on how we are both feeling, we can provide reassurance for each other,” she says. Hong Kong’s Covid rules leave families stressed: how to cope – expert tips Chan is limiting the time she spends watching the news and on social media and messaging, recognising that social media groups can be a double-edged sword – it can be beneficial, but it can also be a source of anxiety . With her baby girl due in the summer, she is quietly excited and hopeful for the future. “I’m trying not to think too much about the things that I will potentially miss out on, but on the opportunities and things I can look forward to. It is my first child and I want to make it the best experience,” says Chan. Like what you read? Follow SCMP Lifestyle on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram . You can also sign up for our eNewsletter here .