Table 2 COVID-19 changes in schedule revised from [32,33,34,35]

Schedule

Recommending a reduction in the number of face-to-face consultations to seven

Stopping regular visits postnatal when possible

No major changes to ANC schedule. Recommending monitoring foetal growth in the third trimester with two ultrasounds from 28-weeks

–

Telemedicine

Encouraging to switch to telephone/video consultations where possible, and to only offer medically necessary ultrasounds

Recommending the use of telephone or video counselling when discussing the form of delivery

Recommending use of digital technologies in the form of counselling via telephone (counselling conversation for screening for Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome and Patau syndrome could take place via phone)

Physical distancing

Only one person can be present at a home delivery, in addition to the maternity nurse and obstetrician

Limited the number of people is allowed during an appointment. The women should come alone, an exception was made for the 10-week and 20-week scan, at which partners were allowed

–

Infection control (1st)

ANC provision

Call clients prior to appointments to explain hygiene measures, to triage for COVID-19 symptoms, and to advise pregnant women to come to consultations alone

Women with mild COVID-19 are allowed to deliver their baby at home, but additional monitoring of respiratory rate is recommended

Physical distancing, hand washing, and working from home. Doctors and patients are required to keep 1.5 m distance, if possible, to not shake hands, apply hand hygiene and use paper towels. The practitioners are asked to use a surgical mouth-nose mask but make their own decision whether the patient has to use such a mask