The Scottish Government has issued new advice for women who are pregnant and the risks of coronavirus
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During the Covid–19 coronavirus lockdown a number of things have changed in the way that pregnant women and their partners will be treated, during their pregnancy and birth.
The Scottish Government has outlined these changes as part of its coronavirus web pages at nhsinform.scot.
During your pregnancy and labour
People who are pregnant don’t appear to be more susceptible to coronavirus (COVID-19) than the general population, but are generally more susceptible to infection.
If you get coronavirus during your pregnancy it's likely that you:
- won't be more seriously unwell than other healthy adults
- will experience only mild or moderate cold/flu-like symptoms
More about coronavirus symptoms and when to phone 111
You should continue to follow health advice during your pregnancy, including:
- monitoring your baby’s movements.
- following our physical distancing advice
You should contact your midwife or maternity team immediately if you think your baby’s movements have slowed down, stopped or changed.
Antenatal and postnatal appointments
You should continue to attend your scheduled routine care when you're well. How you receive some of your care may change, for example by phone or by Near-me video call instead of in-person. Your maternity team will speak to you about this.
If you have symptoms of coronavirus and are self-isolating, please ask your midwife or antenatal clinic for advice on going to routine antenatal appointments. Do not reduce your number of visits without speaking to your maternity team first.
Unfortunately you cannot bring anyone with you to appointments (including children). This is to help keep everyone (you, staff and other pregnant women) safe from coronavirus. If you or your birth partner are following shielding advice please contact your midwife prior to birth.
Whilst group antenatal classes have been cancelled, one to one information may be available from your midwife.
You can also access online antenatal classes and discuss the content with your midwife at your next appointment.
Immunisation appointments
If you are well, you should be able to attend your antenatal care as normal, and in order to receive your whooping cough vaccine.
If you have symptoms of possible coronavirus infection, you should contact your midwife to postpone your vaccination appointment until after the isolation period is over.
Stay updated about immunisations on our immunisation pages and follow the @NHSImmuniseScot twitter account for updated advice on immunisation.
Getting your baby box
You can still register for your baby box at one of your antenatal appointments and it will be delivered within four weeks of your due date. If you have coronavirus your midwife will be able to register on your behalf.
Changes to your birth choices
During this time, some birth choices such as the homebirth service may be unavailable due to staff and patient safety concerns. These changes will only be temporary and you will be told of any local changes that may affect your birth plan. Please speak to your midwife or maternity team who will provide you with up to date information on your options.
Labour and your birth partner
Your birth partner can be with you during your labour and the birth of your baby.
However, if they have symptoms of coronavirus, they must not accompany you to the hospital, so you may want to think about who might be an alternative birth partner in that case.
In labour you may notice that midwives and the maternity team caring for you are wearing protective clothing such as aprons, masks or eye protection.
These measures protect you and your baby, the staff caring for you and reduce the risk of spreading infection.
Giving birth with suspected or confirmed coronavirus
There is no evidence currently to suggest that if you have coronavirus, giving birth vaginally or by caesarean has any difference in risks or benefits for you or your baby.
As a precautionary approach, if you've suspected or confirmed coronavirus, you'll be advised to give birth in an obstetric unit.
This is so the maternity team looking after you have the facilities in which to monitor your oxygen levels and the baby’s heartbeat. You'll be cared for in a dedicated area to keep you, your baby and staff as safe as possible.
Partners visiting after birth
Following birth, your baby and you will be moved to a ward and your partner will not be able to visit you.
Whilst we understand this is very difficult, it's essential that we limit the number of visitors to hospitals during this time to protect other pregnant women, their babies, and staff.
Taking your baby home
If you and your baby are well you will be discharged home as quickly as possible. Your postnatal care will be discussed with you when you are discharged, but be reassured that you will get the support and care you need from your maternity team.
More information on caring for your newborn baby
Once home, your midwifery service, health visitor and family nurse will support you. We know that you'll want family and friends to meet your new baby but it's recommended you continue to follow government advice on self-isolation and physical distancing.
If you become unwell when you get home
If you become unwell in any way whilst at home with your baby please contact your GP, midwife or maternity unit.
- For non-emergency concerns do not hesitate to phone NHS 24 on 111.
- If it's an emergency phone 999.
If you are concerned about your physical or mental health or the health of your baby in any way do not wait to seek help. Phone your midwife or maternity unit straight away.
Taking care of your mental health and wellbeing
With all the changes happening it's normal to feel stressed and anxious. Parent Club has some helpful tips for managing anxiety during pregnancy
If you're worried about your mental health and wellbeing or have existing mental health difficulties, support is still available It's important to let your midwife know as they'll be able to help you put the right support in place.
Further information
The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists has more detailed guidance about COVID-19 for people who are pregnant including on self-isolating and guidance for pregnant people in the workplace.
