By Ajita Rijal

Kathmandu, Apr. 3: At a time when the whole world is reeling under coronavirus pandemic, pregnant women are experiencing immense stress as they might be unable to reach hospital easily and receive doctors’ attention in case of complications thanks to lockdown.
Be it with the fear of virus transmission or not getting health care timely or being isolated, most expecting mothers are swayed by stress.
Most of the expectant mothers are in a heightened state of worry and anxiety due to the coronavirus. Their access to health care has been limited as most of the hospitals have closed their OPD services.
Manju Sharma, 26, of Gongabu is at her 36 weeks pregnancy. As she entered the third trimester she is more anxious with the outbreak of the coronavirus.
This is the time she always worries about life coming into the world. She wants to be sure that the heartbeat of the baby is sound and it is in right position. “I wanted to be sure after doctor’s examination.”
But due to the lockdown it is always hard to visit the doctor whenever I want, lamented Sharma.
The third trimester can be both physically and emotionally challenging for a pregnant women, said doctors.
As the due date nears, a woman may experience more aches, pain, and swelling. A pregnant woman may also begin to become anxious about her delivery and this lockdown has added anxiety as to how they can reach the hospital.
Dr Jageshwor Gautam, director at Paropakar Maternity and Women’s Hospital (PMWH), suggested pregnant women staying home, having prescribed medicines, eating balanced diet regularly and engaging in various activities to minimise stress.
“The pregnant women should continue taking prescribed medication,” said Dr Gautam. “I do not suggest expecting mothers to visit the hospital except at the time of emergency.”
It is not safe to commute without an emergency, especially so for pregnant women, said Dr Gautam, adding staying home was the best precaution to get prevent virus infection.
Dr Deepmala Karki, a Consultant Gynecologist, who now talks with her patients over the phone, said she received many phone calls from the expecting mothers. Most of them inquired about their regular antenatal checkup, said Dr Karki.
“I usually suggest them as per their needs, and in case they need ultrasound, then I fix time for them with radiologist,” added Dr Karki. “If emergency

care is needed I ask them to reach the hospital.”
During the third trimester, pregnant women may experience complications including vaginal bleeding, less or no fetus movement and pain in lower abdomen, among others. In such cases, doctors suggest them visiting emergency department at the nearest hospital.
As the lockdown is a precautionary measure necessary to reduce the spread of the coronavirus, some expecting couples are having additional trouble.
Sudina Kharel, 27, of Budhanilkantha is almost 38 weeks pregnant, almost on her way to give birth during the lockdown. She said, “I would be relieved after my delivery, but I am not happy as my mother would not be by my side at the time.”
As her mother is in Biratnagar, she has to take care of the newborn baby along with her husband on top of looking after their four and a half years old first child.
“I wanted the moral support,” said Kharel, adding no one knew how long the pandemic would continue cause trouble to everyone.