Prenatal Care Continues--With Changes
Pregnancy is as much a social event as a medical one. With the restrictions like social distancing and stay at home orders brought by COVID-19 prevention, many women worry that their experience of pregnancy and birth will be a lonely one.
There is good news!
The majority of pregnant women will be able to have a wonderful experience of pregnancy and birth that includes partners and loved ones.
Prenatal Ultrasounds Continue
Most moms to be will have an ultrasound to confirm the pregnancy in their first trimester (8-12 weeks)and another routine ultrasound mid-pregnancy (18-21weeks). These continue unchanged.
Standard infection control precautions will include restricting the number of guests to one, and having all present wear a mask or face covering.
Technology can be used to include other family members via tools like Skype, facetime or zoom.
Modified Prenatal Care Schedules
Most offices are modifying prenatal care schedules to reduce in-person visits but providers remain as available to patients as ever using:
- An abbreviated in-person visit schedule
- Added remote appointments by phone or video chat
- Emergency phone numbers for connecting with care when problems or concerns arise after hours
- Clinicians continue to provide medically all necessary referrals, and consultations.
Labor and Delivery Visitor Restrictions
As with visits for ultrasound, most labor and delivery units will restrict visitors to one person of her choosing.
Everyone is aware that these are special moments for a new family and, if the health of mom and baby permit, family members are welcome via technology.
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