What should I do if I’m worried about my baby?
You can continue to contact us in the normal way and we would like to encourage you to continue to seek support from us at any time. If you have concerns about any aspects of your pregnancy or baby, you can call the hospital (the number is on the front of your notes) for advice. You should contact us straight away if there is any change to the pattern of your baby’s movements – even if you are isolating with Covid 19 symptoms (coronavirus) – and we will advise you of what you need to do.
Can I still have a waterbirth?
Yes, you can still have a waterbirth if you and other people in your household are well. However, if you or anyone you live with develops a cough or a high temperature it is recommended that you do not have your baby in water so that your baby’s heart beat can be electronically monitored. You can discuss your options with the midwife when you arrive in labour
Can I still have a homebirth?
We are offering a limited homebirth service for low risk women that will be continuously reviewed in terms of staffing, equipment and the status of the ambulance service, in line with national guidance (link below). This means that there is likely to be times when we cannot offer homebirth and women will be invited in to birth at the hospital. Social distancing rules within the home will need to be adhered to and this will be discussed and agreed during the homebirth agreement appointment.
Should I still go to my antenatal appointments?
If you are well and you or anyone you live with doesn’t have a cough or a high temperature it is important that you still go to your routine antenatal appointments. You will be contacted beforehand if this changes. Unfortunately you won’t be able to bring anyone with you unless you require support (such as if you have a disability). Some appointments may be done over the telephone, we will let you know if this is the case.
Can I video or photograph during my scan appointment?
Unfortunately you won’t be able to do this. The sonographers (trained people who perform the scan) have to follow the guidance from their professional body
I feel I am struggling emotionally with all the changes currently, what should I do?
You can talk to your midwife if you are experiencing emotional problems. You can also contact your GP or IAPT. We have a specialist midwife for mental health who may be able to offer you a telephone appointment. You can also access our ‘Ask a Midwife’ feature on our Facebook page 10-12 and 2-4 every week day
IAPT (Improving Access to Psychological Therapies) contact details:
Tel: 01904 556840 email: TEWV.iaptyorkselby@nhs.net
Can I bring my partner or children to my appointments?
Unfortunately you won’t be able to bring anyone with you to any of your appointments or scans unless you need support (such as if you have a disability). This is to protect women, babies and staff by minimising the risk of transmission of coronavirus. We are closely following government advice as your family and our staff’s safety are of paramount importance to us.
Who can visit me in hospital?
You can bring one birthing partner with you when you are in labour or having a planned caesarean section providing they are not showing any signs of illness. Unfortunately there are no visitors on the wards, including if you are attending to be induced. All of the midwives are aware that this can be an anxious time for everyone and we are here to support you. We also ask that you don’t bring anyone with you to appointments, scans or the antenatal day unit. If this changes due to any further government updates we will post the information on our Facebook page.
What should I do if I develop a high temperature or a cough?
If you are otherwise well and have no concerns about your pregnancy (for example any bleeding, reduced movements or pain) you should remain at home to self-isolate for 7 days, take paracetamol as directed on the packet and drink lots of fluids. If you feel your symptoms are worsening or haven’t improved within 7 days you should contact NHS 111 or the hospital you are booked at for further advice.
If you have symptoms and also have a pregnancy concern (for example bleeding, reduced movements, pain) you should contact the hospital you are booked at immediately.
If you have an urgent pregnancy concern (for example you think you may be in labour or severe pain/bleeding) you must contact the labour ward immediately whether or not you have symptoms of coronavirus.
If you are asked to attend the hospital when you have symptoms you must attend in your own private transport (not a taxi or on public transport), if this isn’t possible please tell the person on the phone who has asked you to attend. You will be cared for in an isolation area and can still bring your birth partner, unless they have symptoms.
If someone you live with has symptoms you should self-isolate for 14 days. If your self-isolation means you will miss a maternity appointment or scan please get in touch with your midwife or the scan department to re-arrange your appointment.
Can I still breastfeed my baby?
Yes you can breastfeed but precautions should be taken to reduce the risk of exposing your baby to coronavirus. Please see the latest advice at:
https://www.unicef.org.uk/babyfriendly/infant-feeding-during-the-covid-19-outbreak/
www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/breastfeedingcourse
Do I need to socially distance because I am pregnant?
You are strongly advised to socially distance due to your pregnancy. More information about this is available here: https://www.gov.uk/…/guidance-on-social-distancing-for-ever…
The latest information available from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists can be found here:
Can I still attend antenatal classes?
Unfortunately all face to face antenatal education sessions have ceased, in line with government guidance – this includes hypnobirthing. You can access online information on the Trust website.
What is the hospital doing to keep you and your baby safe?
-Following government guidance as soon as it becomes available
-Relaying information to the public via the website and facebook
-Asking women not to bring anyone with them to appointments or scans
-Reducing visiting on the hospitals wards
-Asking women not to attend routine appointments if they or anyone they live with has a cough or high temperature
-Hospital and community staff are washing their hands more frequently using hand sanitiser and wearing protective clothing where appropriate
-If suitable, holding appointments over the phone
-Looking at ways we can support women ‘virtually’ to connect with each other
You can access up to date information on the Trust website:
https://www.yorkhospitals.nhs.uk/our-services/a-z-of-services/maternity-services/coronavirus/
You can access all of our patient information leaflets here:
https://www.yorkhospitals.nhs.uk/your-visit/patient-information-leaflets/maternity-patient-leaflets/
You can also access the national Whatsapp chatbot:
WhatsApp chatbot tool to ensure that the public have trustworthy information about COVID-19 from GOV.UK and NHS.UK, including advice on prevention, symptoms and staying at home. The new service has already attracted one million messages and you can add 07860 064422 in your phone contacts and then send ‘hi’ in a WhatsApp message to get started
Handy tips…..
-If you have changed your phone number make sure you have told your midwife
-Make sure your mobile phone is charged in case your midwife needs to contact you
-Make sure you wash your hands more often than usual
-Avoid touching your face, mouth and nose
-Maintain at least 2 metres from other people if you have to go out
