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COVID-19 has brought a great deal of stress and concern to all of our lives, especially to the lives of expecting mothers and families.
In an effort to provide appropriate care and create an even safer environment, pregnant patients who plan to deliver at Mount Nittany Medical Center will be tested in the outpatient setting for COVID-19 at 38 and 40 weeks gestation. If a scheduled delivery is planned before 38 weeks gestation, a COVID-19 test in the outpatient setting will be completed no later than three days prior to the scheduled delivery.
If a patient tests negative for COVID-19, they will be allowed one visitor/support person. The visitor/support person will need to be screened for COVID-19 symptoms and a temperature check. They will also need to wear a mask for the rest of their stay.
“We are here and ready to care for all of our patients. Testing will enable us to serve all expecting mothers, and their babies, with the care they need and deserve in the safest possible manner," shared Samuel Owusu, MD, department chair, obstetrics and gynecology department, Mount Nittany Medical Center.
Any labor & delivery patient needing specialized care because of suspected or confirmed COVID-19, tuberculosis, disseminated shingles, measles, or chickenpox will be placed in a negative air pressure room. These patients will be given all of the care and support they need, while staff take the needed measures to ensure the safety of other patients, visitors and staff. Per Mount Nittany Health’s visitation policy, confirmed or suspected COVID-19 patients will not be allowed a visitor/support person.
It goes without saying that these are not ordinary times. However, this is, and should be, an exciting time for expecting families. At Mount Nittany Health, we are committed to the health, safety, and overall wellbeing, of the mothers and babies who trust us with their care.
If you are an expecting family and have any questions or concerns about your birth plan and COVID-19, be sure to speak with your provider. For more information visit mountnittany.org/ob-gyn, or call 814.237.3470.
