Will women giving birth have to wear masks ?

[Namechangedorthis]

Does anyone know as I can’t seem to find any clarification on this anywhere ?
Tia

What has given you the idea that this will happen?

I had to for my csection in mid May as did my husband but we removed them as soon as we were in recovery.

Because from the 15 June you have to wear a face covering if attending hospital I wondered if this extended to day assessment unit (if in early labour), labour itself or before and during a c section

I was both partner for my friend in March - her husband couldn’t attend because he had a cough so they were treating as though she had been in contact with COVID which probably made a difference but yes we were both asked (not forced) to wear masks. We both ended up taking them off after a few hours as it just wasn’t feasible. All midwives were gowned and masked and when she had to go for emergency c section they were fully hazmatted and I wasn’t allowed in.

When the baby was born she had to wear a mask when holding him or feeding him, it was really hard for her until her test came back negative.

No way. Nothing and I mean nothing would stop me puffing on gas and air in labour. I’m pretty sure that would be instinctive to rip that off with all the heavy panting in labour. That won’t happen.

Check your trusts maternity Facebook page. Some have said yes it seems!

I can’t imagine you will once in full labour. I couldn’t keep clothes on as I was too hot and throwing covers off as dh tried to keep my decency. I’d expect staff will and patients coming in but once in and in a room then no.

Covid is making us inhumane! Face masks to give birth?! Jog on. I’d literally have thrown it in their face. The midwives who are not in agony & requiring gas & air should be wearing PPE, not those in labour! C-sections are different, you aren’t in pain. And can therefore breathe normally.

I asked about this in my hospital. If they suspect corona they put you in a different corona room and wear PPE themselves. If the birth partner has Covid they put him/her in a hazmat suit.

Just ask about it, most maternity wards have already put protocols in place.

I don't think making a woman in labour wear a mask is doable. Instinct takes over.

I gave birth less than a week ago. I didn't have to do anything different. They asked if my partner felt fine then let him in, he also didn't have to wear anything. All the staff wore masks and changed aprons/gloves constantly.
The only time we had to wear a mask was in the nicu.
This was nhs Scotland.

@Bol87 I had an oxygen mask in place for csection so not sure how that would work. Masks are being used on patients when they are moved through the hospital but once in your bay/room they aren’t required

I gave birth admittedly 7 weeks again but I didn’t have to. I have no idea how you would keep on on during labour. Surely not. I think the hospital rule applies to outpatients. When in labour you’re an inpatient.

The mask rule must be for outpatients. Otherwise inpatients wouldn't be able to eat or drink!

(If anyone tells me I have to wear a mask, that's the last straw and I'm having a homebirth even if it is higher risk.)

The rule is for outpatients. Women in labour are inpatients.

Ridiculous to introduce this measure now when rates are much lower, why not 6 weeks ago?