Covid-19 Information
Coronovirus (COVID-19) updates - https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
We are making adjustments to provide safe care for our patients - more limited use of office visits and increase use of telephone or teleconference communication. Insurers are encouraging this approach and for the time being telehealth/telephone visits are treated by them as the same as am office visit.
As the phone lines can be busy, we suggest that especially for non-urgent issues, appointment requests or questions - feel free to e-mail us via the ‘contact Dr Hanjani’ link or email directly to:
Stephanie.Reynolds@Steward.org
Use the telephone or go to the emergency/labor room for emergencies. Also never rely on e-mail if the communication is urgent or sensitive!
For email communication - Always include your date of birth, cellphone number, meds you are taking, your allergies, and if pregnant, your due date, in your emails. Also include as much of your history and current medical status as you can so I can get back to you faster.
Teleconference: We can set up a teleconference if you prefer. Email us and we can set up a time at https://doxyme.com/DrHanjani.
Do not come to the office and contact us:
If you have any symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath).
Have been in contact with anyone diagnosed with Coronavirus (COVID-19).
Have traveled in 14days to any at risk countries or states.
COVID19 – Advice based on American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) - 5/2022
How does COVID-19 affect pregnant women?
Pregnant women have a higher risk for more severe illness from COVID-19 than nonpregnant women.
Reports note that:
Pregnant women who have COVID-19 and show symptoms are more likely than nonpregnant women with COVID-19 and symptoms to need care in an intensive care unit (ICU), to need a ventilator (for breathing support), or to die from the illness. Still, the overall risk of severe illness and death for pregnant women is low.
Pregnant women with some health conditions, such as obesity and gestational diabetes, may have an even higher risk of severe illness, similar to nonpregnant women with these conditions.
Pregnant women who are Black or Hispanic have a higher rate of illness and death from COVID-19 than other pregnant women, but not because of biology. Black and Hispanic women are more likely to face social, health, and economic inequities that put them at greater risk of illness.
How can COVID-19 affect a fetus?
Researchers have found a few cases of COVID-19 that may have passed to a fetus during pregnancy, but this seems to be rare.
Studies suggest there is an increased risk of preterm birth and stillbirth for women with COVID-19.
After birth, a newborn can get the virus if they are exposed to it.
Vaccine
Is it safe to get a COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy?
The vaccines has been used extensively in pregnant patients and there do not appear to be any adverse effects on the pregnancy or fetus. A vaccine may protect you from severe illness, which could help both you and your fetus.
Should breastfeeding women get a COVID-19 vaccine?
Yes, ACOG recommends that breastfeeding women get a COVID-19 vaccine. There is no need to stop breastfeeding if you want to get a vaccine.
Should I get a COVID-19 vaccine if I am trying to get pregnant?
Yes, if you are planning or trying to get pregnant, you can get a COVID-19 vaccine. You also do not need to delay getting pregnant after you get a vaccine.
Some COVID-19 vaccines will require two doses. If you find out you are pregnant after you have the first dose, you should still get the second dose. Your should also get boosted on schedule.
Staying healthy
What should pregnant women do to avoid the coronavirus?
Limiting contact with other people as much as possible and feasible.
Staying at least 6-8 feet away from other people if you need to go out.
Wearing the most protective mask you have access to in public and any other needed protection while at work. N95 and KN95 are far more protective than regular masks.
Washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Cleaning hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol if you can’t wash them (rub until your hands feel dry).
Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Having a good stock of essential supplies, including at least 30 days of any medications (so you don’t have to go out as often).
Keeping your prenatal care visits. Some women may have fewer or more spaced out in-person visits. You also may talk more with us over the phone or through an online video call.
Calling 911 or going to the hospital right away if you need emergency health care.
How can I stay physically healthy right now?
Pregnant women can stay healthy by following the usual recommendations during pregnancy, including eating healthy meals, exercising regularly (though be mindful to stay at home or away from other people while exercising), getting plenty of sleep, avoiding smoking, alcohol and drugs.
How can I manage stress, anxiety, and depression?
If you are feeling fear, uncertainty, stress, or anxiety because of COVID-19 – talk to us. Also reaching out to friends and family during this time may help. Phone calls, texts, and online chats are safe ways to stay connected. There also are treatment and support resources you can access over the phone or online.
Talk with us or any other health care professional about how to get help if you’re having symptoms like:
Feeling sad, hopeless, worthless, or helpless; Having fear or worry, which may cause a fast heartbeat; Feeling that life is not worth living; Having repeated, scary, and unwanted thoughts that are hard to get rid of. If you are in crisis or feel like you want to harm yourself or others, call 911 right away.
What should I do if I am pregnant and think I have COVID-19?
If you think you may have been exposed to the coronavirus and have a fever or cough, call your health care professional, usually your primary care provider, and us, for advice.
If you have emergency warning signs, call 911 or go to the hospital right away. Emergency warning signs include the following: Having a hard time breathing or shortness of breath (more than what has been normal for you during pregnancy); Ongoing pain or pressure in the chest; Sudden confusion; Being unable to respond to others; Blue lips or face.
What should I do if I am pregnant and diagnosed with COVID-19?
If you are diagnosed with COVID-19, follow the advice from your health care professional. The CDC advice for alll people with COVID-19 includes the following:
Stay home except to get medical care; Avoid public transportation; Separate yourself from other people in your home; Wear a face mask when you are around other people and when you go to get medical care; Speak with your health care team over the phone before going to their office; Get medical care right away if you feel worse or think it’s an emergency.
Labor and Delivery
Labor and delivery plans?
Talk to us about your birth plan. In most cases, the timing and method of delivery (vaginal birth or cesarean birth) do not need to be changed.
The hospital has made changes to the number of visitors allowed and usually only one person is allowed with you in the delivery room. The rules change frequently based on the status of the infection in the community.
Breastfeeding and Newborn Care?
Can COVID-19 pass to a baby through breast milk?
Current information shows that it is safe to feed breast milk to your baby when you have COVID-19. Remember that breast milk is the best source of nutrition for most babies. Breast milk also helps protect babies from infections, including infections of the ears, lungs, and digestive system. For these reasons, having COVID-19 should not stop you from giving your baby breast milk.