Have you ever heard of birth plan? And more than one of us loves to have everything under control. It gives us security to know that everything is going well and that things are going as planned. This happens on a daily basis in a general way and of course it is accentuated during one of the most important moments of our lives: pregnancy . Keeping control prevents us from suffering uncertainty which in turn can cause us fear, nerves and tension. That is why it is highly recommended to carry out a slow and calm exercise throughout your pregnancy. birth plan .
However, and taking into account the circumstances of the pandemic in which we find ourselves, it is common for us to ask ourselves questions such as:Does it make sense to create a birth protocol? How is a birth plan made taking into account Covid-19? Or is it safe to give birth in times of coronavirus?
What is a birth plan?
Before going into details we must know What is and what does a birth plan consist of?, No?
Even though it is aright of pregnant womenand an element that guarantees the quality of care in birthEven today there are a large number of women who either have not heard of the subject or do not know the benefits of writing this writing.
It is adocument in which the mother expresses the wishes, preferences and expectations about labor and birth of the baby .“What is this document for if in my hospital the professionals who care for me already know what they have to do?”
Despite what you may believe at first, the purpose of this document is not to plan the development of childbirth in itself since this depends on multiple factors that are beyond our control. However, the birth planhelps the healthcare team respond to certain circumstances in the most appropriate way taking into account your needs and preferences .
How do you make a birth plan?
The birth plan can be developed throughout the 9 months of pregnancy, although The ideal thing is to do it between the week 28-32when you have all the necessary information offered by an obstetrician, midwife, physiotherapist, etc. You can consider doing it throughout the development of the fetus in the second trimester of pregnancy.
This document will reflect issues related to:
- He pain in childbirth: “Do I want to give birth without medication or do I not want to suffer hardly? Do I not conceive of giving birth without the epidural?, etc”
- The company: “Who do I want to have by my side in this unforgettable moment: my partner, my mother, my best friend,…?” We cannot forget the role of the couple during pregnancy and in childbirth.
- during childbirth : “In what position would I like to dilate? What if I don’t want to be administered synthetic oxytocin? I refuse to have one done!episiotomy!, etc.”
- After childbirth : “Do I want to do skin-to-skin or do I prefer my partner to do it? What do I want to do with the umbilical cord?”
It is modifiable even before giving birth, although We recommend taking it to the patient care service, the gynecology service and the neonatology service. before we go into labor.
We must emphasize that, as in everything, the birth plan also has boundaries: Alternatives cannot be requested that are not effective or that cannot be offered due to the center’s particular circumstances. First of allscientific evidence will prevail to guarantee safety and health.
Giving birth in times of coronavirus
Getting pregnant does not mean living life under a rosy filter. As the expected dates for delivery approach,the fears of pregnancy of future mothers are increased. Added to this are newdoubts and concerns fruit of what it implies giving birth in times of coronavirus: fear of possible contagion, what the action protocols will be like, will the birth plan that we have prepared with so much love and enthusiasm be carried out,…
Due to the situation we find ourselves in, the first thing we must take into account is thataction protocols are changing and updating Therefore, the recommendations of scientific organizations must be followed. There are factors that influence when it comes to giving birth, such as the hospital you go to or the autonomous community in which you are located. But… calm down! At all times, extreme security measures are taken for both the baby and the mother.
Is it safe to give birth in the middle of a pandemic?
The babies of 2020 are coming into the world surrounded by masks, rubber gloves and the occasional tear. An apparently safe environment but that aggravates the susceptibility of their parents.
Despite what you may think and despite the exceptional situation in which we are immersed, we must say thatYes, it is safe to give birth in times of coronavirus. This is so due to the isolation of the birth areas and the fact that hospital stays are sought to be as short as possible . Pregnant women without symptoms compatible with Covid-19 are recommended not to go to the hospital until entering the active phase of labor (when the contractions They are intense and sustained, as long as there are no complications such as hemorrhage, lack of movement of the baby, etc.). Discharge will be made 24 hours after birth if there are no complications and both baby and mother are well.
Of course, to reduce the risk of contagion and avoid crowds, visits are not recommended.So, Does it make sense to make a birth plan in these times? Yes, why not?It makes sense as long as we are flexible and we understand that our preferences will come true or not depending on the moment.
And if I am infected with coronavirus… what do I do?
“Can I get coronavirus if I am pregnant?”, “If so, will it be more serious?”
Don’t panic! Are there pregnant women who have been infected with coronavirus? Yes. However scientific studies have not observed a greater number of complications in this population. However, in the event of suspicion or positive coronavirus in a woman who is going to give birth, the action protocol is different .
It is of utmost importance comply with the recommendations of the Spanish Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics(SEGO). However, first of all, it is essential notify of the situation as soon as possible and of course take all preventive measures(mask, safety distance, etc.). There will be two coordinated teams that evaluate both the mother and the baby: the obstetric-gynecological team and the team in charge of treating Covid-19. During childbirth there are many factors that are beyond our control and even more so with the coronavirus. Now that you know more about the birth plan, do not take it as a condition but as help.
In Singularmom We know how important the opinion, participation and involvement of both pregnant women and their partners is in such a special moment of life as pregnancy.
That’s whyWe like to give priority not only to care but also to aspects such as orientation, nutritionor accompaniment and management of emotions during the nine months until delivery.
