Butler Health System | Health Link | Spring 2020

Anie Perard, MD, OB-GYN, Chief of Staff, Butler Health System Clarion Hospital Our goal from the very beginning has been to take good care of our patients while limiting exposure to the novel coronavirus disease. This virus is spread via close contact through drop- lets. An infected person who coughs, sneezes or speaks can release the droplets, and anyone who comes into contact with those droplets can then become infected. Common symptoms of COVID-19 include a fever (a temperature of 100.4 degrees or more), a cough and shortness of breath. Symptoms may not appear for a week after exposure. Early symptoms include fatigue, body aches and feeling warm. Late symptoms can include diarrhea and loss of the senses of taste and smell. Protecting at-risk women Pregnant women are known to be at greater risk of severe morbidity and mortality from other respira- tory infections, such as influenza. This means they get sicker if they get infected with those viruses. So it’s reasonable to assume that the same is true for COVID-19. Pregnant women are therefore an at- risk population. In the wake of the rapidly evolving COVID-19 pandemic, providers at BHS Clarion Hospital and across the Health System, including Butler Memorial Hospital, started a new approach to prenatal care. We wanted to limit pregnant women’s visits to the office, thereby limiting their direct exposure to other sick or exposed patients. We limited clinic visits to those who require in-person services (like ultrasounds and lab tests) and initiated virtual visits for care that could be done remotely. Overall, the pregnancy is managed the same way. Our goal always is to optimize the mother’s health and well-being. When and how to deliver is based on pregnancy indications, not on whether mom has the infection or has been exposed. As always, the women were asked to call the office if they had any questions or concerns. Similar models were endorsed by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. We will continue these safety practices as we look toward increasing access over time. This enables us to meet our patients’ needs without exposing them unnecessarily to an illness that could complicate an otherwise normal pregnancy or a pregnancy already complicated by other medical conditions. Prenatal care during the pandemic So happy together Strong support is still part of the birthing experience, even during the pandemic On April 14, Baby Lena arrived at BHS. She had dark hair and beautiful blue eyes. Her mom and dad, first-time parents Alyssa and Cody Cribbs, were thrilled. “We couldn’t wait to get back to the room and hold her and give her lots of love,” Alyssa says. Little Lena was born at a time when the coronavirus pandemic is changing the typical birth experience. The couple had heard some hospitals were restricting maternity visitors altogether. “We were nervous,” Cody says. “So when we found out that Butler allowed one support person to be there, it was a huge weight lifted off our shoulders.” Cody was able to be with Alyssa throughout her labor, unexpected cesarean birth and recovery. And he kept the rest of the family updated. Later, he and Alyssa used a video app to show their parents and siblings the baby. The couple found a silver lining to their low-key maternity stay: “We really enjoyed just being with each other and learning Lena’s cues and sleeping patterns,” Alyssa says. “The nursing and labor and delivery staff at Butler were absolutely wonderful.” COVID-19 Baby on the way? Visit butlerhealthsystem.org/ Services/Maternity.aspx to explore what BHS Maternity Centers do to protect you and your baby every day. HEALTH LINK 6 |