Online Healthcare Dos and Don'ts For Pregnant and Post-Natal Women

1. Online Healthcare Dos and Don'ts For Pregnant and Post-Natal Women Premise Feeling under the weather from time to time is a common part of pregnancy. Should you see a GP now? Is it nevertheless safe to consult a doctor online through a video call? This publication emphasises the importance and best practices of contact between pregnant and post-natal women and their doctors. Introduction Recently, in Ireland, there has been a rise in telemedicine services thanks to platforms like the Get Sick Cert. Such platforms allow users to buy medical certificates that they need to show at the workplace to account for sick leave. Other than sick notes, virtual medical consultation is also prevalent, in which users can connect over a doctor video call to talk about their medical issues.

2. Yet still, telehealthcare does have limitations when it comes to treating women during their pregnancy and childcare period. Video consultations may be a helpful alternative to in-person GP visits for specific concerns. Breastfeeding problems, follow-up and regular prenatal care, and postpartum mood issues may be handled over the phone. However, when it comes to taking sick leave from work during pregnancy, seeking medical guidance for more serious complications, pain, or bleeding-related issues, or monitoring pregnancy at home, it is imperative to see the doctor in person. Challenges of Video Conferencing For Pregnant and Post-Partum Women A recent NCBI qualitative study published in March 2022 on the topic pointed out several challenges to implementing telehealth services for prenatal women during COVID-19. A key finding was that several participants sought additional reassurance about their health care during the pandemic. These concerns were anything from the implications of COVID-19 for the pregnancy to the best approaches to managing key aspects of their pregnancy amidst the pandemic—accessing COVID testing during pregnancy, how to manage labour, and how to report delivery. Not all answers can be obtained online. Doctors cannot decide the actual condition of the mother and child over a video call. Practical Practices For Telehealthcare for Mothers Although increased internet access and quality telehealth services are widely available in Ireland, not everyone is as technologically skilled as others. While a lack of technology understanding may be a hurdle, other standards such as a loss of privacy and a lack of in-depth diagnosis are important reasons not to rely entirely on virtual healthcare during pregnancy or child care. Below are some of the best practices for mothers to follow: To Do ➔ Seek information from reliable sources and platforms that have Irish-registered doctors answering questions and providing accurate and up-to-date information. ➔ Schedule virtual consultations only for indicated ailments, and don’t try to fit a more serious concern into them.

3. ➔ Cross-reference information from multiple trusted sources to ensure accuracy. Discuss any doubts or concerns with your healthcare provider. Do Not ➔ Ignore Warning Signs if you experience any unusual symptoms during pregnancy or post-natal recovery, do not dismiss them, See GP now. ➔ Do not try to self-diagnose medical conditions with online research, virtual consultations, or over-the-counter drugs. Professional diagnosis and evaluation should always come first. Place more trust in their knowledge than the data you find online. Products and services claiming to be advantageous to pregnant or post-natal women abound in online marketplaces. Before using any new product or starting any new therapy, exercise caution and consult your healthcare practitioner. You can make the most of internet resources while also ensuring a safe and educated trip during pregnancy and the post-natal period if you follow these dos and don'ts. Conclusion Online healthcare services for pregnant and post-natal women may provide a wealth of information, support, and convenience. Nonetheless, while dealing with online healthcare, it is vital to operate with caution and discernment. Enquire about the background of sources before believing what they say. Consulting with healthcare professionals over the Internet must be limited to minor issues, not medical emergencies or monitoring the condition.