Is This the Worst Time to be Pregnant? A Dr’s FB Post May Answer
By Dr Puneet Bedi
“OH MY GOD, IS THIS THE WORST TIME TO BE PREGNANT? I AM SO SCARED”.
This is a typical call I get from pregnant women these days and I am not sure how to answer that. I am attempting to answer this in an attempt to reassure pregnant women. If I end up scaring them more, it will be my fault. My answer:
Needless to say, the amount of ‘Medical care’ you will receive during pregnancy this year, will be less than what you would have got last year. That means fewer visits to Antenatal clinics, Labs, Ultrasound clinics and hospitals.
This is not such a bad thing as the care provided currently in private clinics in India is excessive, compared to the NHS of UK and in the Scandinavian countries (Pre CORONA days). Over the last 30 years, too many blood tests, Ultrasounds and Foetal monitors have been used without any commensurate improvement in the outcome of the pregnancies. In an attempt is ensure that nothing gets missed out, and no harm comes to the pregnancy due to ‘inadequate’ care, an optimal level of care with reduced physical interaction with the medical professionals is being evolved. I would try to give a rational perspective, a planner for each stage of pregnancy, to the best of my knowledge, soon. Meanwhile, suffice to say that in the current situation, avoid all ‘routine’ visits, lab visits and ultrasounds, and reschedule to at least until after the 3-week lockdown. Most consultations should be on SKYPE / Video calls. The exact pattern is being to be evolved. This is an evolving situation and nobody really knows what to do, and that includes us, the medical professionals. Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of UK is uploading new Guidance every other day, as per the advice given on 26. 3. 2020:
1. Pregnant women are not at an added risk of getting COVID19 infection, as compared to Non-pregnant women.
2. Like other viral infections, if you do get the infection, the symptoms may be more during pregnancy.
3. There is no evidence that COVID19 leads to an abortion.
4. There is no evidence so far from China and Europe to show that the infection can be passed on to the unborn baby (Foetus). At this stage, the foetus seems to be safe.
5. Even if the infection occurs in the last month, you can deliver and in all probability, you and your baby will be alright.
The precautions to be followed by everyone should be followed by pregnant women. Washing hands and Social distancing. The pregnant women need to be even more strict about it, if at all possible. Self-quarantine at home is advised for all pregnant women for 3 months until the picture is more clear. Those who cannot leave work should contact their individual doctors for advice.
If you get a fever or new dry persistent cough, symptoms suggestive COVID19, please do not visit a clinic for pregnant women. Don’t go to an antenatal clinic and expose other pregnant women. If you need to see a doctor first see a physician who deals in general medicine or chest medicine. Use the Telephone, WhatsApp and Skype more than physical consultations.
This is by no means a medically speaking last word, or even an authentic source on the issue. This is just my personal opinion for women under my care. Individual pregnant women should seek advice from their respective doctors. What I just wrote is based on evidence on 26th March 2020. It is likely to change very frequently. EVERYBODY IS SCARED, but let us try to pass this time using available science.
(This was originally posted Dr Puneet Bedi’s Facebook Page here)
