I want to address the recent policy reversal in our office regarding obstetrical ultrasounds. We recognize how exciting it is for partners to see their future child on the imaging screen and it is one of the highlights of our busy days to see families for ultrasounds—bubbling with excitement and anticipation. We were eager to announce that as of July 1st, fathers would again be permitted to attend the anatomy ultrasound and equally disappointed to retract this, less than two weeks later.
The prevalence of the virus now requires that we proceed with an abundance of caution. These are difficult policy decisions for us all. We appreciate your understanding. We are committed to your safety and the safety of all our patients, staff and families.
Some of you have questioned whether we are carrying our COVID 19 precautions “too far.” You have asked us to make exceptions, asking what is the difference if one more adult is allowed in the office. This is understandable, considering the lack of agreement among our political and healthcare leaders regarding what is safe. But we don’t want to let just one additional person into the prenatal visit; we want to let every father or family member accompanying each mother, every visit. If we see 100 mothers in a day, and the prevalence of the asymptomatic infection in our community is 5%, then five expectant mothers may be infectious to others. Maintaining prenatal care visits is needed, so this potential exposure is accepted. However, this risk is doubled, if the fathers accompany them into the office, doubling the risk of exposure and infection for others present in the office.
Wearing masks, rigorous handwashing and physical distancing reduce transmission. But transmission is more likely in closed spaces, with extended exposure—like the anatomy ultrasound. If any of our staff, including our sonographers become infected and then infectious, they’re personal risk is extended to our patients. We are obligated to a higher standard than other businesses in the community—we are caring for our expectant mothers.
Regarding the controversy about mask wearing. This is not a political issue. This is a the best method we have to reduce transmission of the COVID-19 virus, while we navigate through our days. Your mask does not protect you as much from others, as it reduces the risk to others from you, in case you have the virus and are unaware. The masks of others reduce the risk that they will infect you. Not wearing a mask is less a statement of personal freedom, than a statement that you have disregard for the health of others in your community. Of course our masks are not 100% effective, but reducing the risk of transmission is an effective strategy. Any facial covering is preferable to no facial covering. Avoid N95 masks that have a valve which is designed to protect the wearer from particulates in the air and allows breath to be directly expelled through the valve.
If you have any symptoms of COVID-19 or believe you have been exposed to someone with known COVID-19, please call before coming in. We will determine if it is best to come in, postpone your visit, or seek care urgently at the hospital. The American College of ObGyn (ACOG) provides us with guidelines to make the safest decision for you and your unborn child.
Please, quarantine yourself at 37 completed weeks of pregnancy, in order to minimize the possibility of arriving for delivery of your child with asymptomatic or pre symptomatic COVID-19. Currently fathers or one support person may accompany mothers during their hospital stay. You are required to wear masks when entering the hospital and when outside your labor room and postpartum room, but you may be without a mask during labor, delivery and recovery while in your room.
We must be flexible during this time of rapid changes and response. Do not hesitate to call us with questions or concerns. We promise to protect you and your family to the best of our ability during this time of uncertainty.
- Dr. Pamela Carbiener
