The COVID-19 pandemic has brought a new level of anxiety and concern for pregnant women about what this means for their health and wellbeing and that of their baby. Our midwife Zoe Islip explains what women can expect at hospital.
The first questions pregnant women want answered are whether they are at increased risk of contracting COVID-19, and if they are at higher risk of severe illness, and any implications to their baby. Get all of these details in our pregnancy and breastfeeding advice.
The next thought, naturally, goes to what this means for women when they come to hospital to give birth. Some of the media reports around this topic have raised some concerns as well.
A couple of things to keep in mind:
- The risk of contracting COVID-19 while you are in a maternity ward is low because of the precautions we have in place
- All of our doctors and caregivers, including midwives and nurses, are fully vaccinated as per Department of Health mandates in NSW, Victoria and WA and will not care for you or your baby if they are unwell.
- Everyone involved in caring for you and your baby carefully follow strict hygiene practices so that you have a safe and positive experience in our care.
- If there are any changes to your maternity care, we will get in touch directly and speak with you about what it means.
1. Visitors
We know it is important you have your birthing/support partner with you and we will try to accommodate this for you wherever we can, however it is possible some restrictions will be in place, in line with the latest government advice.
Find out more about the measures in place for our visitors, including maternity support partners.
2. Parent education
Depending on where you are located and the current Department of Health restrictions in play, parent education classes may or may not be able to go ahead in-person.
Regardless of whether you attend classes in-person or online, we will still be able to provide you and your partner with the education and support you need ahead of birth.
Please contact your maternity hospital to discuss your options.
What you can expect:
The same, high level of care
Throughout your pregnancy you will continue to receive the same, high level of care to support you and your baby in the lead up to birth. This includes appointments with your obstetrician and midwives, which may be done face-to-face or via telephone or video conference.
You should continue to attend all of your antenatal appointments so that we can support your health and wellbeing at this time.
Birth services
We are ready and waiting to care for you when you give birth. All of our birth services are still running as normal so that you can give birth vaginally or via caesarean section, planned or emergency.
There is no evidence that the way you give birth will change your risks of contracting COVID-19.
Follow the instructions from your obstetrician or midwives and, as is our normal process, call ahead if you think you are in labour or have any concerns.
You do not need to wait at home for any longer than directed.
The safest place for you to give birth continues to be in hospital where we have all the equipment and expertise to help welcome your baby into the world, and provide extra support to your baby if they need it.
Postnatal care
You can also expect to receive the same high level of care from your obstetrician and our midwives after birth.
This includes breastfeeding and early parenting support, neonatal services and care for your health and wellbeing.
Our breastfeeding and early parenting support in particular is very important to help you settle in with your newborn when you do go home.
You can choose to go home early. If you do, we will make sure you are connected with community based support so that you can get the ongoing care you and your baby might need.
Find out what to expect when leaving hospital with a new baby during COVID-19.
Other concerns?
If you have any concerns or worries please speak to your obstetrician or our midwives.
We want to provide all the information and care you need during pregnancy, birth and after birth, so don’t hesitate to get in touch.
St John of God Health Care COVID-19 information
St John of God Health Care is committed to providing safe and compassionate care to all our patients and clients, and to keeping our communities safe.
For more information about COVID-19 in your state, including current restrictions, please check these links for the latest updates:
