NIAGARA FALLS N.Y. (WKBW) — Susan Chaffee’s pregnancy isn’t exactly going as planned. The expectant mother from Niagara Falls isn’t allowed to bring her husband to any of the ultrasound appointments because of COVID-19 restrictions.
“It’s hard. My last sonogram I couldn't even get good pictures to bring home to him,” Chaffee said.
Kapree Nordine is in a similar boat.
The 28-year-old didn’t expect to be by herself when doctors delivered some difficult news about the health of her baby during a 20 week appointment.
“I took that extremely hard," Nordine explained. "And to have to tell him over the phone. It was extremely unfortunate,” she expressed.
There’s no state mandate that bans partners from ultrasound appointments. Doctors are making the decision on their own based on what’s best for the practice. Most that are restricting ultrasound appointments for mothers only said it is meant to help reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19.
South Buffalo based OBGYN Doctor Diane Sanfilippo is allowing one additional adult per appointment. No children are allowed. Everyone must submit to a temperature screening, and answer screening questions. Patients and partners are also required to wear a mask.
Still, the majority of OBGYN offices are restricting visits to mothers only which is why Baby’s Bungalow believes it is seeing a 20 percent increase in appointments. The elective ultrasound office in North Tonawanda is allowing at least one guest to accompany the expectant mother.
We reached out to the governor’s office to find out whether he thinks partners should be allowed to be present for the appointments, but we haven’t yet heard back.
