Careful preparation is needed to give birth in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. If the pregnant woman is about to give birth, first know what things she needs to do and prepare before giving birth, either normally or by caesarean section.
The World Health Organization (WHO) states that all pregnant women, including those infected or suspected of being infected with COVID-19, have the right to receive good quality care before, during and after delivery.
So, keep in mind that pregnant women who are about to give birth in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic have the right to:
- Get treatment with respect and dignity
- Accompanied during childbirth
- Get clear information about pregnancy or childbirth from the doctor or midwife who cares for her
- Get the treatment that suits your needs
- Get referrals if needed
- Making choices regarding her pregnancy
This is Preparation for Childbirth in the Midst of the COVID-19 Pandemic
In order to prepare for childbirth in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, there are several important things for pregnant women to know, namely:
self protection
Pregnancy naturally causes the immune system to decline. This makes pregnant women more susceptible to infections, including Corona virus infection. In addition, various changes in the body that occur during pregnancy also make pregnant women experience more severe symptoms when exposed to COVID-19.
Approaching the time of delivery, the schedule for pregnancy check-ups to the obstetrician or midwife is also becoming more frequent. This means that pregnant women leave the house more often. Now, To reduce the risk of contracting the Corona virus, it is very important for pregnant women to take preventive measures, including by:
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or hand sanitizer with a minimum alcohol content of 60%
- Don't leave the house first, unless there is an urgent need, and don't travel to crowded places
- Do physical distancing, i.e. keep a distance of at least 1 meter from other people, when outside the house
- Use a cloth mask when going out of the house
- Avoid contact with sick people
- Don't touch your eyes, nose and mouth if you haven't washed your hands
- Practice coughing and sneezing etiquette
In addition, maintain your immune system by eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep. Take pregnancy supplements as recommended by your doctor and don't forget to check your pregnancy with your doctor according to the specified schedule.
Choice of place of birth
The choice of place to give birth, be it at home, clinic, or hospital, pregnant women also need to think carefully by considering the risks and benefits. Discuss this with your doctor first.
If pregnant women want to give birth at the clinic or at home, make sure there is an ambulance or vehicle that can reach the place where the pregnant woman is giving birth. This is just in case pregnant women need to be immediately referred to the hospital.
If pregnant women suffer from COVID-19 or may have certain health problems, you should not give birth at home. It will be safer if the pregnant woman gives birth in a hospital so that the condition of the pregnant woman can be closely monitored and the baby can be protected as much as possible during the delivery process and after it.
To give birth in a hospital, first determine which hospital will be the place for the pregnant woman to give birth long ago. Pregnant women should also check with their obstetrician to find out the estimated time of delivery.
During the delivery process at the hospital, either by caesarean section or normal, pregnant women may be accompanied. However, as much as possible the companion is limited to only one person.
Even so, if the pregnant woman's companion has symptoms of COVID-19 or is unwell, she is not allowed to enter the delivery room. This is done so that pregnant women, babies, and doctors or midwives who assist in childbirth do not contract the Corona virus.
Method of giving birth
Pregnant women are free to choose the method of delivery, whether to give birth vaginally or by caesarean section. However, this choice must still be adjusted to the conditions of pregnant women. The obstetrician or midwife will give advice on the best way to give birth for pregnant women.
Caesarean section is usually only required under certain conditions, such as genital herpes or HIV infection in pregnant women, pregnancy with placenta previa, or pregnancy with abnormal fetal position.
That is why, pregnancy checks still need to be carried out regularly according to schedule, so that doctors can monitor the health of pregnant women and fetuses, and determine the best delivery method.
Special handling for pregnant women with COVID-19
If pregnant women feel symptoms of COVID-19, such as fever, cough, and shortness of breath, immediately self-isolate and contact hotline COVID-19 at 119 Ext. 9 for further directions.
Pregnant women with COVID-19 can still freely choose the method of delivery they will undergo, but must be referred to the nearest COVID-19 referral hospital to undergo isolation and be given special treatment, be it before delivery, during the delivery process, or after the baby is born.
During the isolation period, pregnant women with COVID-19 will continue to receive pregnancy care and supervision, adequate delivery facilities, and moral support. In addition, babies born will also continue to receive breast milk as well as care and supervision.
Preparing to give birth in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic can indeed make pregnant women confused and stressed. However, there is no need to worry, because pregnant women and their children will still get the best service. how come, although there are one or two things that are different from the usual birthing procedures.
In order for the delivery process to run smoothly, plan well for preparation for childbirth since entering the middle of the third trimester. Pregnant women can also start preparing things that need to be taken to the hospital.
However, don't let this preparation stress pregnant women, okay? Fill the days leading up to delivery with positive thoughts so that pregnant women feel calm. If you still have questions about pregnancy and childbirth in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, pregnant women can consult directly with a doctor on the ALODOKTER application.
