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Home quarantine to blame? 

Aside from the shortage of basic commodities, the imposed home quarantine has limited access to different birth control methods, such as pills. 

Mandatory lockdowns that were supposed to control the spread of the virus has forced couples to spend all day together in makeshift home offices, as nearly all events and places that attract mass gatherings have been closed. 

Increased Condom Sales 

There is also a sudden interest in buying condoms especially in China, where the coronavirus outbreak was first reported. 

Before the pandemic, China's birth rate was at its lowest despite the easing of the one-child policy. 

Shortages in condoms were seen even in neighboring countries, such as Singapore and Hongkong but not for the reason one would think of. In the early days of the outbreak, condoms were used as gloves after claims that it would thwart COVID-19 have spread. 

Online selling platforms, such as Pinduoduo, also reported that condoms were among their most in-demand products. 

Aside from Asia, an increase in condom sales was also reported In the United States, where lockdowns have already been imposed. 

Even in Digital Dating 

Who said that only conventional dating patterns have changed since the coronavirus outbreak? Even dating apps, such as Tinder, have dipped their toes in the COVID-19 discussion as they interrupt you from swiping right to remind users to always carry a hand sanitizer and to maintain social distance. 

Despite these momentary interruptions, dating apps are expecting to increase as more people go into quarantine. Software developers are hoping that users will use their platform to stay connected and meet new people without leaving their homes. 

Historical Pattern 

"For women and families, the idea that you can't get access to birth control is just too much," Maine Family Planning Services vice president for program services Evelyn Kieltyka said. 

But this is not the first time that a possible rise in birth rate is predicted. When the second world ended, marriage and fertility rates soared leading to the boomer generation. And when it was their turn, the boomers themselves grew up and showed increased fertility, leading to the millennial generation. 

Biggest Baby Boom 

"It's probably going to be the biggest baby boom we've seen," said Neonatologist Dr. Kevin Kathrotia. 

He adds, "Everyone's at home. Those married with kids are less likely to have a kid. But couples without kids---there's going to be kids in nine months, I can assure you." He continues. 

Even politicians believe that the coronavirus will lead to the second wave of baby boom, which may be bigger than the previous one. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine hinted that the nation may see another spike in birth rate when he provided the latest statistics on COVID-19 last Thursday. 

DeWine said that he and Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Amy Acton foresee a possible baby boom as millions of romantic partners are cooped up for months amid the massive lockdowns. 

"It reminds us of how good life is and the importance of all of us doing everything we can to get through this and to move forward. There will be a new day coming," he said. 

Planned Parenthood said they will connect patients to an app that will help them obtain birth control pills without leaving the home. Other providers said they automatically renew birth control for their clients without requiring a doctor's appointment, while some are instructing patients with symptoms of coronavirus to use their online services or reschedule appointments.