3 Dec 2020
The Academy of Medicine Singapore, College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists Singapore, and Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society of Singapore today announced the launch of a set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for the public on pregnancy and birth in women during COVID-19.
Called ‘Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Pregnancy & COVID-19’, this is part of the efforts to support Singaporeans in their parenthood plans during the COVID-19 period. The FAQs help to address the concerns by couples and reassure them that they can still have a safe pregnancy and delivery during this period.
“COVID-19 has profoundly marked our lives but it has also made us realise how important many things we take for granted are, such as family and health. As a result, many couples have experienced uncertainty, even fear, with regard to a completely normal issue such as having a family.
“Based on the evidence locally and internationally, the Academy of Medicine, Singapore together with the College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, Singapore and Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society of Singapore have consolidated this FAQs so that women and their partners can make an informed decision on how to have a safe and healthy pregnancy in these unprecedented times,” said Associate Professor Yong Tze Tein, President of the College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, Singapore.
Areas covered in the FAQs include: COVID-19’s impact on pregnancy and the unborn child; safety of healthcare facilities; COVID-19’s impact on antenatal care; COVID-19’s impact on the birthing process; COVID-19’s impact on postnatal care and COVID-19’s impact on fertility treatment.
“Since fertility declines with age, delaying the decision to start a family could mean that it is more difficult to become pregnant at a later date. For most women, the benefits of trying to conceive when you are younger outweigh the risks of contracting COVID-19 in Singapore, as the number of cases in the community is extremely low.
“With the use of contact tracing measures such as TraceTogether and SafeEntry, as well as strict screening and preventive measures in the hospitals and clinics, we are doing everything we can to minimise the risk to patients attending for fertility treatment and antenatal visits,” said Dr Lim Min Yu, Vice-President of the Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society of Singapore.
Members of the workgroup involved in developing the FAQs comprise specialists in obstetrics and gynaecology from both the public and private sectors.
Members of the public may access the FAQs on the Academy’s website at www.ams.edu.sg/faqs-covid19-pregnancy
