Six facts women need to know about
giving birth during COVID-19 pandemic
TIMESLEDGER | QNS.COM | MAY 21-MAY 27, 2021 23
Giving birth is stressful
enough. Adding a pandemic
to the mix has
only increased anxiety
among today’s moms-to-be.
While it’s true that aspects of
labor and delivery may look
different than they did prior
to COVID-19, the American
Society of Anesthesiologists
(ASA) says the goal remains
the same - to ensure the health
and safety of mom and baby.
“Laboring moms don’t
need more worries and
should be comforted to know
that the hospital is a very
safe place to have a baby
now,” said ASA President
Beverly K. Philip, M.D.,
FACA, FASA. “The obstetricians,
midwives, physician
anesthesiologists, nurses
and other health care providers
who care for women
in labor have been vaccinated
and follow other precautions
to ensure safety, such
as wearing personal protective
equipment (PPE).”
ASA wants to help prepare
pregnant women for
giving birth during the pandemic
by noting six things
that have changed.
Getting the vaccine
protects baby
The Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention
(CDC) recommends pregnant
women get the COVID-19
vaccine, citing new research
that it is safe. The good news
is not only does the vaccine
protect you, it protects your
baby, who will receive antibodies
from you. Talk to
your health care provider
about whether the vaccine is
right for you.
Testing is routine
Everyone who is admitted
to a hospital today, regardless
of vaccine status, is
tested for COVID-19, including
mothers in labor. If you
are scheduled for a cesarean
delivery, you’ll be tested two
to three days before your
procedure. Hospitals also
will screen your labor support
partner or person for
signs of COVID-19. If you
test positive, your providers
will wear extra PPE and
physician anesthesiologists
- experts in airway control
and critical care - will be
closely involved in your care
because COVID-19 can cause
breathing issues.
Everyone wears a mask
Hospitals require everyone
who is admitted or visiting
to wear a mask. Because
the virus that causes COVID-
19 spreads through the air
and women who are in labor
usually breathe heavily during
contractions, you’ll need
to wear a mask while your
health care providers are in
the room with you, as will
anyone who accompanies
you for support.
Cheering sections are smaller
Currently most hospitals
will allow only one or two
support people in the room
with the laboring mom. If
you test positive for COVID-
19, safety protocols mean
you will not be able to bring
anyone in the room with
you. Further, many hospitals
allow only one visitor
in the waiting room, if that.
But be comforted to know
that while providers have always
been available to help
with breathing or provide
an encouraging word or extra
support, they are making
additional efforts to be even
more available to provide
the support you need, especially
if you have COVID-19.
For example, they can arrange
a live video chat (such
as FaceTime) with your support
person.
Less time in the hospital
After delivery, most
new moms leave the hospital
sooner than they might
have before the pandemic:
one day (vs. two days) after
a vaginal birth and two or
three days (vs. three or four)
after a cesarean delivery.
But your providers will follow
up with you after your
release to monitor your pain
and answer questions. Led
by physician anesthesiologists,
the Enhanced Recovery
after Cesarean protocol
helps women recover more
quickly after the procedure.
The elements of the protocol
include providing patient
education prior to delivery,
recommending limited fasting
and increased intake
of carbohydrates before
the procedure, managing
pain during and after labor
and delivery with little
or no use of opioids, promoting
breastfeeding and
mother-baby bonding, and
getting women up and moving
as quickly and safely as
possible.
Telehealth appointments
can help you connect
Telemedicine can help
women whose pregnancies
are high-risk be seen regularly
before they are in labor.
After you give birth, it
also can connect you with
your providers, such as your
physician anesthesiologist,
who can recommend pain
management.
Rest assured that some
things haven’t changed during
the pandemic. Health
care providers such as physician
anesthesiologists will
be by your side during your
time of need, including providing
access to various options
for pain management
during labor such as epidurals,
the most common type
of pain relief used during
labor. However, currently
some hospitals may not provide
inhaled nitrous oxide,
which does not relieve pain
but can reduce anxiety during
labor, due to concerns
about the risk of spreading
the virus.
No matter the circumstances,
having a baby is a
joyful occasion. Changes in
labor and delivery protocols
during COVID-19 ensure it’s
a safe experience, as well.
— Courtesy of BPT
HEALTH
/QNS.COM