Advice if you are pregnant
Find out how coronavirus (COVID-19) could affect you, your baby and your maternity care.
Last updated: 29 January 2021
You should call the maternity advice line on 0300 422 5541 if you have any concerns about any aspect of your pregnancy, including symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19).
Reducing risk
There is currently no evidence to suggest that coronavirus poses a greater risk if you are pregnant than it does to other healthy people.
However, national guidance from Public Health England advises anyone who is pregnant to take extra care against the spread of coronavirus, which includes:
- stricter social distancing
- working from home where possible
Our maternity team will do all it can to provide information, guidance and support to you and your birth partner during the birth of your baby.
Risks relating to race and ethnicity
Research shows that more than half (56%) of pregnant women admitted to hospital with COVID-19 are from a Black, Asian or minority ethnic background.
Asian women are 4 times more likely than white women to be admitted to hospital with COVID-19 during pregnancy, while Black women are 8 times more likely.
Staff at our hospitals are aware of the increased risk if you are from a Black, Asian or minority ethnic background and will prioritise consideration of any worries that you have.
If you are concerned about your own or your baby's health, such as reduced fetal movements, you should seek advice from your local maternity unit without delay.
Postnatal care
Once you are home with your baby, we will call you to check that you are not experiencing coronavirus symptoms before we visit.
We may arrange phone or video check ups where it's suitable.
Parent information for newborn babies
Get ready for a visit from your midwife during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Breastfeeding
If you have symptoms of coronavirus, we advise that the benefits of breastfeeding outweigh any potential risks of transmission of the virus through breast milk.
However, you should take the following precautions:
- wash your hands before you touch your baby, your breast pump or any bottles
- avoid coughing or sneezing on your baby while you breastfeed
- clean your breast pump after every use
- wear a face mask while you breastfeed, if you have one
Whatever method of feeding you choose, consider asking someone who is well to feed your baby. If you are breastfeeding, you can express your milk so someone else can bottle feed.
Attending appointments and scans
If you are well, it’s really important that you attend all routine appointments and scans during your pregnancy.
Our infection prevention and control team monitor coronavirus (COVID-19) rates in the county daily, to keep you as safe as possible.
We have also introduced new measures to keep you safe, like access to alcohol hand gel, compulsory face masks, social distancing guidance and increased cleaning in our hospitals.
You will be called before any face-to-face appointments to check you do not have coronavirus symptoms and are still able to attend.
If you have any concerns about attending your appointments, please speak to your midwife or healthcare team.