Rational and standardized workflow for the screening of pregnant women
Screening strategies among pregnant women should be based on their risk of infection:18 Specific epidemiological history: occasional visits to an epidemic area, worked at or lived near epidemic area, exposure to an infected patient; Symptoms: fever, respiratory symptoms, diarrheal, etc; Existing evidence: abnormal blood routine, pneumonia-like radiographic features, etc. Assign designated hospitals for epidemic treatment for pregnant women.
For low-risk pregnant women referred to hospital
Flowing prenatal examinations should not be postponed beyond its opportune gestational age: Ultrasound examination for confirming intrauterine pregnancy and Nuchal Translucency (NT) measurement (11+0 to 13+6 weeks); Screening for foetal aneuploidy; Prenatal diagnosis with medical indications; Ultrasound screening for foetal structural anomalies; Oral glucose tolerance test (24+0 to 27+6 weeks). Scheduled prenatal check or prompt hospitalization were highly recommended for: Approaching terminal gestational age (beyond 37 completed weeks); Complex multiple pregnancy; Pregnancy with severe maternal comorbidity or obstetrical complication; Signs of labour (rupture of membrane, severe abdominal pain, etc); Any of the following signs including abnormal foetal movement, vaginal bleeding, convulsions/fits, severe headaches with blurring vision, fever, severe abdominal pain, fast or difficult breathing.19 In areas where the epidemic is reported, appropriate protective approaches were recommended to be performed during the visit to hospital: wearing masks, hand hygiene, etc.
Prenatal care out of hospital
Mental health is recommended to be included in perinatal care during PHE: Close cooperation of psychologists, obstetricians, and public health authorities is needed; Long-term collaboration is worth keeping for investigating PTSD or postnatal status; Goals: rational risk perception of epidemic and stable mental status during pregnancy. E-health is recommended to be applied to the following aspects, not limited to: Education on diet and weight management, and on temperate home activities; Updated medical guidance; Timely psychological counselling.