PREGNANCY WOES during the pandemic

 

 

Saima Sultana planned on enjoying her pregnancy right from the moment the doctor confirmed the news.

"I remember buying a lot of gender-neutral clothes in the beginning and loading myself on ice-cream, and then COVID-19 happened!" remembered Sultana.

The announcement of the first confirmed coronavirus case, on 8 March, caused a lot of panic amongst citizens, especially pregnant mothers.

"We just didn't know what was to happen to us! Because doctors, including mine, requested to forgo regular visits to their chambers unless absolutely necessary; this, they did to prevent any sort of transmission of the virulent disease. And this very fact that I couldn't meet my gynaecologist whenever I wanted, actually made me more anxious," said Sultana.

Syeda Marzia Farhana, a busy mum of three children, expected the delivery of her fourth child amidst the pandemic. 

"As this was my fourth pregnancy, with a previous case of C-section delivery, I was worried of the risks involved. However, the doctor calmed me throughout the gestational period, and we were connected all the while via telemedicine. I could even reach my doctor at 2AM, if necessary," recalled Farhana.

Visits to the hospitals disclose it is much more difficult to wait-out for labour during the pandemic because the patients have to wear additional masks, adding to their already existent breathing difficulties.

"At one point, I couldn't take it anymore," Sultana said.

Dr Syeda Husna Akhter, retd. senior consultant, gynae and obstetrics, B.M.C.H and currently practicing privately at a local hospital in Dhanmondi, explained to us the extra precautions taken during the pandemic.

"I request all pregnant patients to come directly to the OT and actively discourage staying at the hospital after the first day, unless absolutely necessary — this precaution is taken to prevent any sort of cross-infection between an infected patient and the new mother and baby.

The recovery process is mostly done at home, based on what we advise the patient and the caregiver. I think the process is daunting to any new parent, but if properly followed, does not pose as any sort of risk," the doctor said.

Getting to the hospital was also an overwhelming task during the complete lockdown. Most public transport options were out of reach and ambulances were in short supply. Even though the situation regarding transport has been relaxed now, due to the lift of the ban, there still remains a lot of preliminary tasks such as arranging for a donor etc. All that has to be managed in a pandemic when even loved ones are discouraged from visiting each other.

Naima Sultana had a healthy pregnancy all throughout the pandemic and gave birth to a baby girl in the first week of June. It was only after the birth given birth did she realise that her new born had a yellow tinge to her skin. Her daughter's bilirubin was over the normal, demanding immediate treatment, which meant a prolonged stay at the hospital.

 

sourch

https://www.thedailystar.net/lifestyle/news/pregnancy-woes-during-the-pandemic-1988221