On Monday, November 9, the Ministry of Solidarity and Health took stock of the delivery conditions during this Covid-19 period, in particular regarding the wearing of a mask.
The current health situation is not reassuring for pregnant women, in particular because of the much information circulating around the restrictions. “In French maternity hospitals, women are required to wear a mask during their childbirth. They suffocate, vomit, panic, tear it off … When this mask does not fall off by itself, it prevents a good intake of air and sufficient thrust. It generates stress which is detrimental to the good progress of childbirth and disrupts the meeting with her child ", alerlait Sonia Bisch, founder and spokesperson of the “Tou.te.s Against Obstetrical and Gynecological Violence” Collective.
In addition, according to the figures, 11% of women gave birth without the presence of the spouse. "This is against all the recommendations issued by the National College of French Gynecologists and Obstetricians", notes Sonia Bisch. But also, 46% of women gave birth with a mask and gestures of obstetric violence were practiced in 3% of cases, such as abdominal pressure, a practice banned since 2007 by the High Authority of Health (HAS). "This shows that obstetric violence is generalized (…) without there being any link with the regions where the coronavirus was most rife", said Sonia Bisch.
Wearing a mask is not compulsory during childbirth
A distressing situation that the Ministry of Solidarity and Health wanted to clarify: “Birth must remain a special moment even in this context of the epidemic.”
This Monday, November 9, they took stock based on the recommendations of the National College of French Gynecologists and Obstetricians (CNGOF), as well as the High Council of Public Health (HCSP).
“The ministers wish to recall, alongside the CNGOF and the HCSP, that wearing a mask for women who give birth is desirable in the presence of caregivers but that it can in no case be made compulsory ", indicates the official press release. Thus, pregnant women are not required to wear the mask during childbirth. Furthermore, it is recalled that mothers can be accompanied by their spouse.