Couples postponing conception, Covid scare to blame

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, May 10

While novel coronavirus has equal potential to penetrate and spread irrespective of gender and age, many have a notion that women trying to conceive — naturally or through assisted reproductive treatment (ART) — are slightly at an increased risk of infection pertaining to their lower immunity, a local fertility expert said.

“While it is imperative that the in vitro fertilisation (IVF) procedure requires special care and attention during the process, but once after conception, pregnancy is just as precautious as normal conception,” said Dr Shilpa Gulati, gynaecologist and IVF expert

She said a majority of couples who were planning to undergo IVF treatment have postponed their consultations, while others have delayed their dates of embryo transfer until the pandemic situation comes back to normal.

She said there are no guidelines issued regarding the restrictions on any type of ongoing fertility treatments, adding that it was currently a voluntary choice. But it was best to prevent exposure of the mother and foetus to infections, as multiple visits and special care are required. “The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has changed the way for everyone and gynaecologists are managing the antenatal care during pregnancy through online video consultations to limit the exposure to outside world. At the same time, it is essential to follow the safety and preventive measures until delivery,” she said.