While it seems natural that folks would be more intimate during isolation due to the coronavirus, predictions of a baby boom as a result of more togetherness may fall flat. History shows that even after the Great Blackout of 1965 in New York City, when experts said the numbers of babies born would skyrocket, the birth rate was statistically normal. Currently, experts say that despite stay-at-home orders, Americans are expecting fewer babies, which could have a huge impact on our economy.

According to Bloomberg Businessweek, fewer children means fewer workers, consumers and taxpayers. The fertility rate in the U.S. is only 1.7 children per woman, which is lower than the 2.1 rate demographers say helps an economy thrive.

Parents faced with economic uncertainty and a healthcare emergency have apparently decided to delay having children. One survey conducted by the Guttmacher Institute of 2,000 women conducted in late April and early May found that 34% said they preferred to delay pregnancy or have fewer children as a result of the pandemic.

“What we heard from them very clearly was that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, far fewer women want to get pregnant,” said Laura Lindberg, the study’s lead author, according to NPR. Lindberg added that their decision has been frustrated with less access to birth control measures.

Planned Parenthood Federation of America said it’s seen an uptick in the demand for abortion pills. Spokespeople for the Federation said that women decided not to continue pregnancies in the midst of economic fallout from the pandemic, according to Bloomberg Businessweek.

Lindberg said, “I think it’s pretty clear we’re going to have a baby bust, not a baby boom. Women are clearly expressing a desire to delay parenting right now. Although we’re only in the first few months of the pandemic, as more time passes, I think the fuller effects are going to unfold. Overall, there will be a decline in fertility.”