We understand that you have a lot of questions about the coronavirus. We try to keep you informed and updated as much as we can. On this page, you can find answers to the most frequently asked questions.
What measures does the Witsenkade practice take?
Based on the advice of RIVMand KNOV, we took the following measures.
How should I get tested if I have symptoms of COVID-19?
Request a test online via coronatest.nl (with your DigiD), or by telephone on 0800 – 1202.
Always let us know if you (or your partner) have tested positive. Even if you do not have an appointment with us at short notice!
Are the consequences of COVID-19 infection more severe for pregnant women?
Based on the limited data available, pregnant women are not more susceptible to the COVID-19 virus than others. How pregnancy interacts with the course of the infection is still unknown. We do know that pregnancy can increase the probability of lung problems in other viral infections.
Is an unborn baby at risk for infection with COVID-19 during pregnancy or delivery?
So far, no indications have been found of direct transmission of the COVID-19 virus to the unborn baby during pregnancy or delivery (vertical transmission). The virus has never been detected in amniotic fluid, umbilical cord blood, breastmilk or in the throat of newborns. However, regular transmission of the virus after birth (horizontal ‘human-to-human’ transmission) is possible.
Can COVID-19 result in a miscarriage?
Based on the limited data available, there is no increased risk of miscarriage or loss of pregnancy in women infected with the COVID-19 virus. The chances of preterm birth might increase slightly, although it is unclear if this correlation is caused by spontaneous preterm birth or by induced labor on medical grounds.
I have been infected with the COVID-19 virus and am currently in self-isolation. What does this mean for my appointment with the midwife or gynecologist?
Of course you will still get your check-ups, but not in our practice. Contact us by telephone. We will decide who will handle your check-up, and where that will take place.
I have been infected with COVID-19, is home delivery still an option for me?
When you have mild symptoms during a COVID-19 infection, you can deliver with us (midwife) at home or in the hospital, you can make that decision. We will wear protective clothes to protect ourselves. If more than 14 days passed since the infection, this recommendation no longer applies.
In cases of severe respiratory distress, we will refer you to the gynaecologist.
Am I allowed to breastfeed while being infected with COVID-19?
There is no evidence for a negative effect of COVID-19 infection on breastfeeding. The COVID-19 virus has never been detected in breastmilk. We do strongly recommend wearing a face mask while breastfeeding and giving extra consideration to hygiene (thoroughly wash hands before touching the baby or breasts, only use your own breast pump or clean the bottle or breast pump extremely well after use). Some mothers decide to ask a non-infected person to feed your baby with pumped breastmilk (or formula).
I am cured of a COVID-19 infection, should I be monitored by a gynecologist during the remainder of my pregnancy?
Because a past infection with COVID-19 is not a medical indication, monitoring by a gynecologist is not necessary, unless there has been admission to hospital because of Corona. We might recommend scheduling fetal growth scans, if you have had fairly severe symptoms.