At a time when the covid19 virus has become a pandemic throughout the world, of course it makes worry in almost all fields. This is caused by the covid19 virus which is very contagious and can cause death. Many women who are pregnant and especially those who have entered their month before delivery also feel anxious and afraid to go for a check-up or give birth at the hospital. Most have a question: is it safe to go to the hospital for ultrasound? When should I have my pregnancy ultrasound? Is it safe to give birth in a hospital, especially if I have a high risk? And others.
To answer this question, recommendations and joint agreements have been formed from the Indonesian Association of Obstetrics & Gynecology regarding antenatal care activities (routine examinations for pregnant women) and deliveries in private practice midwives or hospitals.
When should I have an ultrasound examination at the hospital?
- Trimester 1 (1-12 weeks)
Pregnancy checks are not recommended unless an ultrasound examination is needed when there are suspicious complaints. For example: bleeding, spotting, abdominal pain, it is recommended to go to the hospital for an ultrasound
- Trimester 2 (12-28 weeks) and Trimester 3 (28-36 weeks)
If there are no complaints , the antenatal check can be postponed or done online. However, if there are complaints such as: severe nausea, vomiting, severe headaches, bleeding from the birth canal, abdominal pain, contractions, seizures, high blood pressure or discharge from the birth canal, it is mandatory to do an ultrasound examination at the hospital .
- Trimester 3 before delivery (> 37 weeks)
Ultrasound examination MUST be done in preparation for delivery.
What should I prepare for a pregnancy check-up at the hospital?
- Make an appointment with an obstetrician so you don't have to wait long at the hospital. Once the inspection is complete can immediately go home
- Not bringing children
- It is recommended not to use public transportation
- Wear a mask and bring soap or hand sanitizer
- Do a temperature check and wash your hands before entering the hospital
- Doing social distancing in the waiting room
- Report to the midwife or obstetrician if there are symptoms of fever, sore throat, cough, shortness of breath or history of travel abroad.
- After returning home, immediately wash your hands or clean yourself first before gathering with family members.
What are the preparations for delivery in the third trimester?
- Recognize the normal signs and symptoms of the start of labour. There are 3 signs of starting labor, namely: contractions that are regular and increasingly frequent and strong. Mucus discharge mixed with blood. Finally, there is the opening of the birth canal. If there are any of these signs, immediately contact your midwife or obstetrician or immediately go to a health facility.
- Recognize the danger signs and symptoms of pregnancy, namely: high blood pressure, seizures, severe headaches, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, heavy bleeding from the birth canal, premature rupture of membranes, severe abdominal pain that does not stop. If any of these symptoms are present, immediately contact your midwife or obstetrician.
- If co-morbidities are found, notify immediately. For example asthma, heart defects, diabetes, goiter, etc.
- Prepare a bag containing preparations for childbirth and baby equipment. It's good from 34 weeks of gestation. So that if something suddenly happens, it doesn't bother you and shortens the time to go to the hospital immediately.
- Get enough rest and eat regularly and nutritiously
- Sports such as light gymnastics and stretching
- Prepare yourself for payment administration at the hospital such as BPJS, insurance or cash
- During the Covid19 pandemic, it is not recommended to bring many families or children to the hospital. While in the hospital, continue to follow the recommendations to avoid transmission.
- Keep calm and positive thinking. Because every hospital must have a system to protect doctors and patients during examinations and deliveries so that mothers and babies are healthy even during this Covid-19 pandemic.
Those are the tips given by dr. Efilda Silfiyana, Sp.OG (Obstetric and Gynecology Specialist at EMC Tangerang Hospital).
If you have anything to ask, you can contact EMC Tangerang Hospital at 021-5575 2575 or via Instagram @rs.emc