2019-20 coronavirus outbreak

Virology

Computer science

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)

Outbreak

Virtual reality

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Infectious disease (medical specialty)

Medicine

Pandemic

Disease

Human–computer interaction

Pathology

Journal of Patient Safety & Infection Control

Dear Sir, Presence of birth companion during the labour is encouraged as a part of ensuring quality labour care and has been implemented in several hospitals across the globe. It is expected that allowing the presence of birth companion in labour rooms will help to reduce mental stress of the pregnant women during the process of childbirth. Research shows that women who receive good social support during labour and childbirth tend on average to have shorter labours, to control their pain better and to have less need for medical intervention.[1] However, the COVID-19 pandemic is temporarily changing the way hospitals and communities function to reduce the possible spread of coronavirus infection. Although majority of elective medical and surgical procedures are being postponed, deliveries and caesarean sections are still being carried out with due precautions. During this unprecedented time, many expecting mothers and their partners are apprehensive on how this will affect their birthing experience and the newborn baby. To ensure a healthy and safe environment for patients and staff and to protect the mother and the newborn from possible exposure to COVID-19, birth companions are not allowed at most of the hospitals, including the maternity ward, labour room and operation theatre during caesarean section.[2] This can have adverse effects of the mental status of labouring women who are already in a stressed state of mind. Use of technology to stay connected to one's family during delivery can be extrapolated in improving the birthing experience during this pandemic.[3] The birth companion can be allowed 'virtually' into the labour room and operation theatre by means of mobile phones that can be placed on a mobile holder attached to the IV stand. A video call dialled from the parturient's phone to the partner or the birth companion will allow them to be digitally together, thereby helping to maintain the support system for the mother throughout labour and delivery as well as in operation theatres during caesarean section. Permitting and practicing this technique will contribute positively to maternal satisfaction during delivery and will definitely be welcomed by couples and obstetricians alike as a part of 'new normal'. This will serve as yet another modification during this COVID-19 pandemic that is rebooting the world into virtual reality. Financial support and sponsorship Nil. Conflicts of interest There are no conflicts of interest.

A virtual birth companion! – Yet another application of virtual reality during the COVID-19 pandemic