Tips for pregnant mothers during the COVID-19 pandemic

 By Dr Ng Ying Woo

Obstetrics & Gynaecology

SBCC Women’s Clinic

Pregnancy is often a joyous event in our lives. However, this has been dampened by the recent COVID-19 pandemic. The disease has spread to almost every part of the world, including Singapore. Drastic measures such as circuit breaker and social distancing have been implemented in our country. These measures have brought stress and uncertainty to our expectant mothers. Thus, it is natural that most mothers have questions about the disease and how it impacts their pregnancy.

Here are some tips that may help you to ride safely through this pandemic:

Is it safe to go for my prenatal check-ups?

These check-ups are essential during your pregnancy. The risk of contacting the virus is probably low as hospitals and clinics scan the temperature of every visitor, and there are hand sanitisers at almost every counter. Wearing masks, keeping a safe distance from others, and driving directly to the hospital instead of taking public transportation may help reduce the risk of contact even more.

What should I do as a pregnant mother to keep myself safe from COVID-19?

Stay home to minimise the risk of infection. Going out to shop for baby stuff like we used to may not be advisable. Pregnant mothers may need to adjust their preparation and make purchases online instead.

You might have to do most of your prenatal workouts at home if you want to stay healthy and fit before giving birth. Precautions like these should help pregnant mothers to stay safe and well from COVID-19.

How will the new precautionary measures in place at hospitals affect me?

Congratulations! You and your loved ones have gotten through the circuit breaker period safely. From June 2, 2020, Singapore has entered Phase One of reopening:

Husbands with negative contact history will continue to be allowed to accompany their wives during active labour. However, everyone in the labour room will still have to wear masks.

In Phase 1, a maximum of five pre-designated visitors will be allowed to visit inpatient wards. However, only one person will be allowed to visit the patient at a time. Children below 12 years old are still prohibited from visitation. Though the family may be excited to visit the new mother and baby, be sure to remind them of this visitation restriction.

Is it still safe to give birth in a hospital with the current situation?

The hospital has strict rules about keeping people from getting sick and keeping infections under control. Measures such as temperature scans, health declarations, mask wearing at all times, frequent use of sanitisers, restriction of visitation, etc. help to keep the risk COVID-19 spreading to our mothers to a minimum.

How should I prepare for my stay in the hospital? Are there additional items I should pack in my hospital bag?

Simple preparations such as clothing for yourself and the baby should suffice. Your husband can help to prepare the required documents and other miscellaneous items, e.g. camera, mobile phone charger, etc.

With consideration of COVID-19, a small bag of masks and hand sanitiser may be useful.

Stay strong and stay together

Use a positive outlook and attitude to deal with the worries and fears that this pandemic has caused. With that in mind, we can safely welcome our little one into our family.