Partners being present at birth due to covid restrictions

[Kateleanne90]

I’m 36 weeks pregnant with my first baby. I’m a pretty anxious person who suffers with social anxiety. I’ve been hearing/reading a lot of horror stories of poor women being in labour alone, induced alone, partners only being allowed for end of labour and then told to leave after an hour, and therefore not being allowed onto the ward.
It’s really stressing me out, as I’ve had no guidance, antenatal classes, I’ve never even held a baby! So the thought of giving birth and then being alone of the ward with my new baby, not having a clue of what I’m doing is causing me so much anxiety.
Has anyone experienced this? Did you get good support from the midwives once you were on the ward? Is there any advice you can give me? I’d appreciate anything at this stage!

www.dailymail.co.uk/debate/article-8726401/KATE-MANSEY-miscarriage-coped-without-husbands-loving-hug.html

Thanks for sharing @Ginfilledcats

Hi lovely !

Like you I also suffer with anxiety and I had a stressful pregnancy.

My little boy arrived in July he's now 10 weeks old

My trust were strict . I was induced due to complications and absolutely no partner were allowed until Women were 4cms.

Saying goodbye to hubby was really hard. My induction was slow and I was alone for 4 days then had my waters broken and hubby was allowed in! He stayed with me till a few hours after my little one made it into the world. I was discharged after 24 hours and waking to the car park to reunite with hubby was the most amazing feelings.

Basically what I'm trying to say is the current restrictions are awful and shouldn't be happening . I urge anyone to sign the petition to get the rules changed BUT If they don't change you can do this! My birth is a distant memory now you will be ok! The midwives are amazing and will support you

You do not have to consent to a vaginal examination. There are other ways to determine whether you are in active labour.

Do I have to have a vaginal examination to assess whether I am in established labour?

No. You always have the right to decline any intervention, including vaginal examinations (VEs). If you have given your consent to a vaginal examination under pressure, for example, because you have been told your partner cannot join you until you are in established labour, your consent may not be valid and the healthcare professional could be legally liable if they proceed with the VE.

There are other ways for an experienced midwife to tell if you are in established labour (around 3-4cm dilated) and therefore ready to be admitted to the unit if that is your plan. If you are still in early labour, you should have the option of returning home with your partner. If there is any doubt about whether you are in established labour or not, you should be admitted to the birth centre or labour ward if there is room.

From www.birthrights.org.uk/2020/03/12/coronovirus-how-will-it-affect-my-rights-to-maternity-care/