Indications for caesarean section
The determination of mode of delivery should be based on obstetric
indications. However, the safety of vaginal birth, cesarean section or
other methods in the context of COVID-19 infection has yet been
confirmed [6]. Nevertheless, senior obstetricians in Wuhan suggest
two
recommendations:
1.
During the current period of emergency
[7],
the indications for caesarean section for women with
COVID-19
infection should be applied flexibly and the threshold for Caesarean
section lowered;
2. In particular, the threshold for caesarean section on the basis of
delay in the first stage of labour should be lowered;
These suggestions are aimed at reducing maternal in-patient stays,
minimizing the chance of cross-infection, reducing maternal physical
exertion during delivery and ensuring the safety of other postnatal
women, newborns and health care workers. There are currently very few
COVID-19 infected pregnant women, thus a lowered threshold for caesarean
section will not significantly increase the overall caesarean section
rate.