OB-GYNs call for COVID-19 testing on pregnant women

The Philippines Obstetrical and Gynecological Society has proposed universal coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) testing for all pregnant women.

According to Rida Reyes' Friday report on 24 Oras, pregnant women were among those who were at  "high-risk" from the illness.

"The proposal is to do the test as close to term, or as close to the delivery as possible. So that would be about 38 weeks, or 37 weeks sa age of gestation," said Society President Dr. Christia Padolina.

"We prevent the contamination of both the healthcare personnel, and at the same time, we also protect the newborn na hindi mai-infect," Padolina added.

The management of the Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital approved of the proposal, especially as two newborns in the hospital tested positive for the illness.

Medical staff in the hospital said that they found out too late about the mother's symptoms as both had kept quiet about it.

"Ginagawa ng ibang nanay, hindi talga sila nagdi-disclose dahil gusto talaga nila makapanganak. So napakalaking bagay at problema para sa amin 'yan na mahaluan," Fabella Medical Director Doctor Esmeraldo Ilem said.

"Most likely 'yung paghina o napaubo man 'yung nanay at dahil nga nage-breastfeeding siya puwedeng doon nakuha ng mga babies," Ilem added.

The hospital established a separate area for pregnant women who were suspected cases of COVID-19. — Joahna Lei Casilao/DVM, GMA News