Two groups of gynecologists issue recommendations to facilitate the management of pregnancies and deliveries in times of health crisis.
- France is experiencing its fourth epidemic wave of Covid-19, Prime Minister Jean Castex confirmed on Wednesday July 21.
- Since Wednesday, the health pass has been compulsory to go to places of cultural leisure for more than 50 people (cinemas, amusement parks, museums, etc.).
- It must be extended to restaurants, cafes, hospitals… from the beginning of August.
As a preamble, concerning pregnancy, the CNGOF and the GRIG recall once again the interest of generalized vaccination and support compulsory vaccination for caregivers.
They also point out that the health pass does not only include vaccination, but also recent biological tests. “Thus, a patient with a recent negative test has the same rights as a vaccinated patient,” they recall. The CNGOF and the GRIG also take stock of several key situations.
1°) Compulsory vaccination for certain professions: what to do during the first trimester of pregnancy?
This situation exposes women to the risk of being sanctioned if they do not get vaccinated and may oblige them to announce their pregnancy very early to their employer. “Vaccination against COVID-19 is possible throughout pregnancy, including the first trimester”, say health professionals. They add : “However, we consider that it is not possible to force patients to be vaccinated in the first trimester. Indeed, the risk of spontaneous miscarriage at this term is significant and a causal relationship should not be effect is inappropriately established between the performance of the vaccination and the spontaneous miscarriage”.
The use of frequent PCR or antigenic tests, on prescription so that patients benefit from care, constitutes, according to them, a good alternative to vaccination.
2°) How to manage pregnancy monitoring?
“It is essential that the management of pregnancies can continue under the usual conditions required”, insist the CNGOF and the GRIG. The health pass does not apply to female patients. “All can therefore consult, urgently or not, without checking the health pass”, they recall.
3°) What about the co-parent and relatives of the pregnant woman?
“The co-parent is not a simple visitor but is an actor of care”, remind health professionals. Here’s what they recommend for spouses:
– during childbirth and postpartum, the co-parent without a health pass must also be able to be present, even if he must absolutely be encouraged to respect the rules of distancing and hygiene.
– He should also be encouraged to get vaccinated or to carry out a PCR test near his due date.
– During follow-up consultations or ultrasounds, the co-parent with health pass can be accepted: either he is vaccinated, or he has anticipated the consultation by carrying out a biological test.
– All other visitors must be up to date with their health pass and visits must always be limited according to local organizations.
“In a period of very high tension in maternity wards due to a significant lack of medical and paramedical staff, the control of health passes cannot be based on maternity staff”, conclude the two groups.
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