01 Apr Dr. Rehberg answers questions on how to protect yourself against coronavirus during your pregnancy
We wanted to take a moment and address the valid concerns of our patients who are experiencing the joy of pregnancy during these uncertain times of the coronavirus outbreak. Should you take special precautions during the pandemic? You may be wondering how your appointments and delivery will be handled during this time.
At Sylacauga OB/GYN, we are taking all precautions by implementing guidelines to decrease the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). We now have Televisits and Telemedicine appointments through the HEALOW App to remotely assist our patients.
How we’re handling prenatal care during the pandemic
There’s a lot of testing currently going on to better understand this new disease, yet we know very little about COVID-19 related to its effect on pregnant women and infants. New information will come available and we will keep our patients updated. Our facility is taking every measure we can to protect our patients and our staff, especially during these times. We’ve made modifications to limit the risk of exposure to the virus for moms-to-be and your babies.
Q: During my pregnancy, am I more at risk of contracting coronavirus?
A: Not that we know of right now. According to the Center for Diseases Control (CDC), you should be monitored; however, data to date on COVID-19 has not shown an increased risk for women who are pregnant. Of course, it’s important to take preventive actions such as washing your hands often and avoiding people who are sick. This will help you avoid getting a viral infection.
Q: How will prenatal care appointments and delivery be handled?
A: We will continue to provide medically necessary prenatal care and consultations. We are continuing to see patients in office who are not exhibiting symptoms. If you feel sick, call us to set up a televisit or to determine if you need testing for COVID-19. We are also implementing parking lot waiting and a one-guest allowance per patient in order to curtail the spread of this disease. If you’d prefer rescheduling your existing appointment, we can accommodate you. Otherwise, we want you to keep your scheduled appointments if you are well and more than 28 weeks into your pregnancy.
We will not be rescheduling any inductions or cesarean sections at this time; we will let you know if that changes.
Q: If I contract coronavirus, can I transmit the disease to my baby?
A: There have been no reports of mother-to-baby transmission for other coronaviruses (MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV). None of the infants tested positive for the virus among the few case studies of infants born to mothers with COVID-19 published in peer-reviewed literature. There was also no virus detected in samples of amniotic fluid or breast milk.
With that said, there have been a few reports of newborns as young as a few days old with infection, suggesting that a mother can transmit the virus to her infant through close contact after delivery. In this unfortunate case, we would have to take measures to decrease the risk of coronavirus transmission to your baby as recommended by the CDC, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, which would mean separating you and your baby in quarantine.
This would only last until you are no longer at risk of transmitting the virus. We understand this would be heartbreaking. That’s why we will certainly be there for you and provide support in the form of emotional counseling as you get better. We would want to reunite you and your baby as quickly as we can.
Q: What plans should I make to prepare for my delivery during the pandemic?
A: Keep your scheduled appointments with us so that we can form a plan for your delivery as your due date approaches. You can choose your guest who’ll accompany you in the delivery room, whether you want your spouse or partner or another family member. We now have a one-guest per patient visitation rule to keep everyone safe, following health regulations.
Q: How does Televisits and Telemedicine work?
A: We are now able to provide virtual appointments to you, our patient. From the comfort of your home, you can speak with your physician and review medications and track your vitals. Please call us and we’ll help you set up and use your HEALOW app! You can contact us at 256-249-6995.
General prenatal care during coronavirus pandemic
We really want you to keep your scheduled appointments if you are well and have no symptoms. We understand that some of you might choose to delay your appointment. If you are not having an acute issue and are less than 28 weeks, please call us to consider televisit or reschedule. If you are more than 28 weeks in your pregnancy or having any acute problems, we want to see you.
We are continuing to see well patients in the office. If you feel sick, call us to set up a televisit or determine if you need testing for COVID-19.
LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW SYLACAUGA OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY IS HANDLING CARE DURING THE PANDEMIC AND WHAT MAKES US A TOP PROVIDER
Sylacauga OB/GYN is the premier provider of obstetric and gynecological services in Sylacauga, Alexander City, Talladega, and the surrounding areas. Stay updated with us by checking our website and Facebook page for news. Please give us a call at 256-249-6995 for more information or to schedule an appointment.