Obstetrics and COVID-19 Experience: Challenges and Strategies Adapted by a Tertiary Care Hospital in a Developing Country.

Fakhar, Shazia; Asghar, Irram; Ashraf, Muhammad; Khan, Ejaz; Azam, Sumeyya

Novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has produced profound effects on the global healthcare systems including every specialty. Pregnant women are physiologically immunocompromised and may be affected more by the pandemic than the general population. New and unique challenges were encountered by hospitals and healthcare providers (HCPs) related to medical, surgical and strategic management involved in obstetric care. Data of obstetric patients presenting in labour and delivery unit from April to July 2020 was studied. In all 533 patients presented, 46 (8.6%) were COVID-19 positive. Overall, 41% cesarean sections were performed with one mortality and one COVID-19-positive neonate. The challenges faced by HCPs regarding delivery of care and collective successive measures taken to overcome those challenges as well as challenges faced by patients related to healthcare provision are also addressed. Strategies adopted for timely intervention to overcome those challenges were implemented for smooth and safe care to all patients and staff. We believe that planning and preparing proactively is the key to address any pandemic like COVID-19. Key Words: COVID-19, Pregnancy, Obstetric care, Challenges.