COVID baby bump emerges as birthrate spikes and obstetricians ready for even busier six months

There were cheeky predictions it might happen, now the statistics show SA’s COVID baby bump is here – and obstetricians are readying for a busier few months.

Proud new parents Erin and Matt Linn with their little ‘COVID bub’ Edward Wadmore Linn, born at Ashford Hospital last Monday. Picture: Emma Brasier

It’s official, South Australia is showing signs of a definite COVID baby bump with a 40 per cent increase in registered births in December and some hospitals reporting their busiest January in a decade.

Added to this, obstetricians say they are gearing up for even more activity in the next few months while inquiries at some fertility clinics are also reportedly up.

Ashford Hospital in the inner south west is reporting “its busiest January in more than 10 years” with 145 babies born last month, according to a hospital spokeswoman.

She said births for February were also tracking at 20 per cent higher than the same time last year.

“It has been a really exciting time on the ward, the busiest start to the year that I can recall,” midwife Karinda Williamson said.

At regional Pt Augusta Hospital, almost twice as many babies have been born in January this year with 35 deliveries, up from 17 in 2020 before the global pandemic struck.

Obstetrician Stephen Lane said practitioners at his Adelaide Obstetrics and Fertility were experiencing increased demand and it was a similar story at other clinics despite some “regional variation”.

“All of the doctors (here) have noticed a spike in activity over the past few months … not

only is there an increase in the number of pregnancies, but we have also seen a rise in the number of couples seeking fertility and IVF treatment,” said Dr Lane, who has delivered about 6000 bubs during his 20-year career.

“Our next six months will be the busiest our practice has been for at least six years … my colleagues tell me that they are also noticing an increase in the number of deliveries at other hospitals in Adelaide.

“There is a lot of excitement in our clinic and on the wards.”

The National Association of Specialist Obstetricians and Gynaecologists past president said

there had been plenty of lighthearted banter about conception during the pandemic.

“Many of our patients are joking about being part of the COVID baby boom,” he said.

Dr Lane said some parents had told him the ongoing uncertainty around travel and work in 2021 had prompted their decision to bring forward plans to add to their family.

Official statistics from the state’s Births, Deaths and Marriages reveal the births of 1894 babies were registered in December last year, an almost 40 per cent jump on 2019 when their were 1360 newborn registrations and an almost 60 per cent increase on 2018, which had 1186.

ForJanuary, this year 1582 births have so far being registered (compared to 1707 in 2020), however families have two months from the time their child is born to register the birth, so more are expected with additions to December’s tally also possible.

While the rate of babies born at the Women’s and Children’s is only slightly up (439 births in January 2021, compared to 424 last year), it is expected to get busier, according to whispers from the ward.

Births for January were also slightly up at the Lyell McEwin Hospital (337 in January 2021, compared to 298 in January 2020) while Flinders Medical Centre is on par with last year with 282 babies born in January this year, and in 2021.

Regionally, there have been slight increases at the Riverland Hospital (20 in January, 2021, up from 15 in 2020) and Mt Barker Hospital (49, up from 45).

Proud to be parents of a ‘COVID bub’

Little Edward “Eddie” Wadmore Linn with proud parents Erin and Matt. Picture: Emma Brasier

Adorable little Edward Wadmore Linn – or Eddie for short – became the 34th baby to be born at Ashford Hospital in February, when he arrived in the world last Monday.

His delighted first-time parents, Matt and Erin, say their new little bundle of joy is a reminder of the good that has prevailed despite the global pandemic, a sentiment they plan to share with their precious son as he grows.

“Throughout history there have been many times of global turmoil but it is so important to remember the good things that come out of those times, an increase in births is certainly something to celebrate … (we’ll tell Eddie) that the most wonderful thing to come out of the year for us was him,” Mr Linn said.

While COVID didn’t impact on the couple’s plans to start a family, it had worried them at times.

“The uncertainty of COVID has definitely crossed our minds during the pregnancy and made us more cautious of staying healthy and minimising risk of exposure,” Mrs Linn said.

“We feel so fortunate for the healthcare we have received throughout the pregnancy and birth in SA and feel blessed to live in a place that has been managed so effectively and relatively low risk, COVID wise.”

And how do they feel about little Eddie being dubbed a “COVID bub”?

“We don’t mind at all, given it has been such a difficult year for so many it is a lovely reminder of the good things that have come from the COVID time,” Mrs Linn said.

Ashford Hospital midwife Karinda Williamson said new parents had adjusted well to COVID restrictions.

“In particular, they have told us that the visitor restrictions we’ve had to put in place here (have) given them more time to bond with their baby and prepare for parenting,” she said.

Obstetrician Stephen Lane agreed.

“Coronavirus has brought new challenges to both patients and clinician with restrictions changing so frequently,” he said.

“Fortunately pregnant women have always been able to have their partners at their side when they deliver at hospitals in Australia.

“The government, families, hospitals and doctors deserve praise for keeping pregnant women safe and supported during the coronavirus pandemic.”