What to Expect When You Are Expecting: How to Access Prenatal Care During COVID

Pregnant women face a unique challenge as we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. While many men and nonpregnant women have opted to postpone routine medical appointments, prenatal appointments are vital for ensuring the health and well-being of mother and child. The skilled team at Pomona Valley Health Centers (PVHC) understands in-person appointments and that they can lead to excess stress, anxiety or even depression during these uncertain times.

How to get safe prenatal care during COVID when expecting

At PVHC, we’re taking every precaution possible to ensure we continue to provide quality and safe care for you and your baby. We are following the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and taking specific measures to protect you, your family, our employees and our communities. Here is how you can be sure to receive safe care during COVID when expecting:\

• Personal protective equipment (PPE)
  All patients and medical staff are required to wear face coverings as well as other PPE as required while inside the medical facility. When everyone wears appropriate PPE, like face coverings, we help slow the spread of COVID-19.
• Spaced out appointments
  For those who are not ill or having a high-risk pregnancy, limited in-person appointments are available. We have spaced out in-person appointment times to reduce the number of people in the facility at one time. Less people in a closed, indoor space also helps slow the spread of COVID-19.
• Alternate or reduced prenatal care schedules
  For those who are not ill or having a high-risk pregnancy, your doctor may recommend a reduced schedule of in-person visits that include only essential services (e.g., initial prenatal visit, anatomy ultrasound, and 28-, 36- and 39-week prenatal appointments). All other appointments may be available via remote telemedicine appointments based on your risk stratification.
• Telemedicine appointments
  Pomona Valley Health Centers has added the option for you and your doctor to conduct certain appointments remotely. Telemedicine appointments may be available for nonessential prenatal services.

For more information on women’s health services, including prenatal care, call 909-378-9025. We are also keeping a COVID update page up to date with our most current policies and practices related to the ongoing pandemic. If you have any questions or concerns, please give us a call.