Are you pregnant and received a positive Covid-19 test result?
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Coronavirus and your pregnancy
We understand that you will be worried about the impact of coronavirus on your pregnancy and your baby; that’s natural. To try and help we’ve pulled together information about coronavirus, your pregnancy care and changes we have made to maternity services during the coronavirus outbreak in to a leaflet – Coronavirus and your pregnancy[pdf] 2MB. This leaflet is also available in Arabic, Bengali, Urdu and Somalian.
If you need to stay with us overnight we will test your for COVID-19. Find out more about pre-admission testing on our dedicated page.
We also have a dedicated COVID-19 hotline available Monday to Friday, 9am until 5pm on 0121 335 8234. Our friendly midwives are on hand to answer any questions you might have about your maternity care during COVID-19. The helpline is available for you to discuss changes we have made to the care we provide, to ensure your safety during pregnancy, birth and after you have your baby. We can also offer advice on what you can expect when coming into our hospital.
If you still have any further questions you can also get in touch with you community midwife.
It’s really important that if you have any concerns during your pregnancy (such as stomach pains, bleeding, reduced/changed movements) you don’t hesitate in contacting our Maternity Triage on 03000 201 201, as well as obviously getting in touch at the onset of labour.
This video is also available in Mirpruri.
If you would like futher information on coronavirus and pregnancy you can also see this document from the NHS: Pregnancy and coronavirus
Updated statement regarding Maternity visiting and accompanying of outpatient appointment/scans (15 January)
We welcomed the updated guidance released by NHS England on 15 December and have been working hard to support the safe re-introduction of a woman’s support partner throughout her whole maternity journey. We recognise and understand how important this support is to you and have done as much as we can within existing guidance to enable your chosen partner to be with you to provide support.
We have reviewed the policy for the attendance of women's support partners at every stage of the maternity journey, taking in to consideration also the increasing infection rates. The safety of women and staff is our priority and we cannot yet safely move to all women having a support partner present at all times. Please be assured that we are however, working towards implementing the guidance as quickly as possible. Some of the changes we need to make to the estate, equipment or staffing in the hospitals across our Birmingham and Solihull Local Maternity System will take longer than others, so it is likely that support partners will be welcomed in a phased approach to avoid further delay. We will communicate to you any changes to our policies as soon as we possibly can.
Meanwhile, unless you have been advised otherwise by one of our team, all outpatient appointments, both those taking place in the hospital and in the community, should be unaccompanied with only the woman attending. Any exceptional circumstances should be discussed with your Midwife to ensure we are able to agree these in advance of your attendance and provide written confirmation.
Please understand that we know how important this is to you and we continue to work together with all partners across our Local Maternity System to review attendance by support partners on a daily basis. Due to the changing nature of the situation please visit our website of your visit for the most up to date guidance.
Coronavirus FAQs
Am I still supposed to attend my antenatal/scan appointment?
Unless you have been contacted by telephone or letter to let you know otherwise, please attend your appointment as usual.
Are elective c-sections still going ahead?
Elective c-sections are still going ahead.
Will all vaccinations still be going along as normal?
Yes vaccinations will be administered as normal.
How soon can I be discharged from hospital following the birth of my baby?
If you have had an uncomplicated elective C-section you should be able to go home within 24 hours if all is well. If you have a vaginal birth, you should be able to go home within four to six hours and if you have an assisted birth you will be able to go home within twelve hours, as long as there are no complications.
I am worried about coming into hospital in case I contract the virus
Please feel assured that hospital birth is safe. We are following national guidance regarding transmission of the virus and all staff have been provided with the required personal protective equipment to keep both you and them safe.
I want to breast feed my baby, should I still do this?
All the latest evidence suggests that breast feeding your baby is safe and the virus has not been detected as yet in breast milk.
My 28 week scan was cancelled, will I be able to have it soon?
Due to the pandemic, we had to postpone or cancel some scans, but we are now back in a position where we are carrying out 28 week scans.
Will I be tested for COVID-19?
If you need to stay overnight on our units you will be tested for COVID-19. Find out more on our dedicated pre-admission testing page.
Key visiting and appointment links during COVID-19
Maternity service
As one of the busiest maternity departments in the UK we take pride in welcoming over 8,000 babies into the world each year.
With the highest standards of healthcare quality and safety, we put you at the centre of your maternity care. It’s important to us that you make decisions about your pregnancy journey and how you want to give birth so that it’s memorable for all the right reasons.
Your care
We provide professional and caring support to thousands of families each year. From the day you find out you are pregnant, we will be there for you and your family, helping you choose how you want to have your baby and how you want to be cared for along the way.
We will offer you a series of antenatal appointments with a midwife, or sometimes an obstetrician - a doctor who specialises in pregnancy and birth. We’ll be with you when you need us throughout your maternity journey.
The team
Our team of experienced midwives, consultant obstetricians and healthcare professionals are on hand to answer all your questions, no matter how big or small, and to help you through your pregnancy and birth. Your care is usually provided by midwives who will sometimes work together with doctors to ensure you have the care you need.
You will have a choice of where you would like to have your baby depending on your preference and specific needs. Whether you choose a homebirth or our Delivery Suite we will be by your side every step of the way.