In Ireland, telehealth services allow busy people to get GP prescriptions online without visiting the GP in person. Plenty of resources are available for women. From contraceptive pills and medication for urinary tract infections to acne treatment, women can get online doctor consultations and prescription medication for all of these conditions and many more.
When it comes to pregnant or breastfeeding women, however, the options for telehealth care are next to none. Why so? Safety is a major factor, which is why we encourage in-person care. This article addresses the issue in more detail.
Mothers Healthcare and Wellbeing—Why In-Person Assessment Is Recommended
Certain issues make it okay to have a GP consultation online, over the phone, or through a video call. Some situations that work include mood issues, minor breastfeeding difficulties, and gathering information about drug interactions.
The main reason women are always advised to speak with their doctor, who has been treating them all along, is because changes in medical practitioners may create contradictions in care. The drug's suitability and risk of side effects are major concerns.
For instance, doctors frequently prescribe antidepressants to treat fatigue, sleep issues, and headaches. Some women develop urinary tract infections (UTI), which are common after childbirth. Combining these two medications may lead to interactions and side effects. It is important to choose the right dosage and brand. Without an in-person check-up, it can be challenging for a GP to accurately assess underlying health issues that may influence the choice of medication.
Telehealth Platforms in Ireland Focusing on Safety
Despite the restrictions of online GP prescription services for mothers, the digital healthcare system in Ireland continues to evolve to meet certain needs. Hybrid consultations are now commonplace. Doctors can carry out follow-up appointments online when all they need is to talk to the patient, and in-person assessment is not a necessity. The following list outlines some of the possibilities:
- General advice: Online doctors may be reluctant to treat women during pregnancy and the postpartum period, but many are willing to provide preliminary advice in cases where your doctor is unavailable. You must mention this consultation with your doctor sooner or later.
- Diet and nutrition: Postpartum weight gain, nutritional issues, and overall well-being can be managed via online services.
- Pharmacist-led digital services: Even though complex maternal health conditions cannot be covered by telehealth platforms, new mothers can get online prescription services in Ireland for certain medicated products like acne creams or antibiotic creams for bacterial vaginosis.
How Irish Telehealth Platforms Encourage Responsible Care for Pregnant and Postpartum Women
Some of the most prominent Irish telehealth platforms, such as Get Healthcare, are overly vocal about their “restrictions” and “limitations” owing to the treatment of women during the postpartum period. The availability of this information is often a valuable resource. It provides women with vital knowledge about the telemedicine process. And promotes responsible use.
Secondly, the limitations of GP prescriptions online in Ireland for breastfeeding or pregnant women don't restrict online GP guidance. Women can book an appointment with a doctor and get medical data about treatment options for conditions like hypertension, gestational diabetes mellitus, and mental health issues.
With improved communication and prompt access to IMC-certified doctors online, Irish telehealth platforms can provide significant "contactless" resources for new mothers. The clarity of these resources encourages more women to utilise digital healthcare services more confidently and confidentially. Getting answers from experts still makes a lot of sense, if not treatment. The process fosters a trustworthy environment for mothers to get quality medical attention without spending a whole lot of money, time, or the hassle of travelling.
