Pregnancy appointments - corona

[stairgates]

I have my 20 week scan in 2 weeks which is possibly in the middle of the corona really making itself known in the UK. My scan is up at the general hospital so I am really contemplating cancelling as dont want to risk catching and spreading anything. Anybody else thinking the same?

I was wondering this too, but now 38 weeks so don't have any more appointments before induction.
I don't think I wouldn't skip the scan as it is can show a lot of important information about baby development. But some of the more routine midwife appointments I think I could have avoided especially since you have to do urine sample in toilet which are in constant use.

Hello, I have an appointment also end of March for 28 weeks scan and consultant. I am not going to cancel because I want to keep my own health and pregnancy as a priority. I am going to wear gloves in the hospital, not eat or drink anything there and just go straight to the maternity ward not walk through A and E or cafe area. Just avoid communal areas I think then the risk is low?

Absolutely not. What if theres something going on with your baby that you need to know about?

Heres the advice from Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology -

www.rcog.org.uk/en/guidelines-research-services/guidelines/coronavirus-pregnancy/covid-19-virus-infection-and-pregnancy/?utm_source=Royal%20College%20of%20Obstetricians%20and%20Gynaecologists&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=11381928_Coronavirus%20guidance%20%7C%20March%202020%20%7C%20Public%2FSeedlist&utm_content=%3E%20Information%20for%20pregnant%20women&dm_i=15N0,6RYCO,1JD717,R3SIR,1

RCOG advice is very good as posted above. Advice on both routine and urgent care.

I was working in a hospital up until last week (now 37 weeks) - although that was before things have accelerated this week.

You can do your urine sample at home before you come (you probably still will need the toilet anyway though!!)

I wouldn’t want to delay or miss the 20 week scan, it’s important and has to be done within a specific time frame.

If you find yourself unwell before the scan the guidance states to make contact with the maternity unit and ask what to do.

I’m currently 31 weeks and have been concerned about the same thing - baby is due when they’re expecting it to peak! But for now, we have to just carry on and follow the official guidance. Don’t cancel your appointment, it’s the most important one you’ll have. Just take the necessary precautions... don’t touch surfaces where you can help it, and if you do, don’t touch your face afterwards. Keep some hand gel to hand and keep cleaning and avoid places like A&E etc.
There’s new evidence that says wearing gloves actually increase your risk as the virus will stay longer than if it’s on your hands that you then wash straight away but as long as you stay from people coughing etc you’re just as safe there as you are in your local supermarket

Good points above thankyou, I will bring my samples in with me where necessary and literally not touch anything. Its just so worrying isnt it!

Good luck with your induction walkingdeadfan:)

I am 30 weeks and have 2/3 appts a week (complicated pregnancy) and had similar concerns. They are treating a number of corona cases at the hospital I go to. The midwife said to be careful with handwashing etc and when I was in the lift yesterday I noticed a dr pushing the lift buttons with his sleeve (asked him what he was doing and he said they are trying to avoid touching door handles etc).

I've just heard the ICU chief coordinator in Italy who was saying they have a few cases of newborn with corona virus but they react really well to it and don't need much medical help. They saw also children reacting really well to it with no complications.

The cases that died were over 80 treats of age with known pathologies, so people who were already at risk of dying even from normal flu.

This makes me feel reassured that in the case my baby catches corona virus when born, he'll most probably do well.

Try to stay calm and keep good hand hygiene, that will minimise your risks. But even if you would catch it, unless you are already at risk because of other medical conditions other than being pregnant, you should do well.

I had the flu over Christmas and was really bad, lost some weight etc, but I didn't need hospital admission and baby looks perfect so far. This is pretty similar to the flu, the worst complication is respiratory ones.

I was in hospital over the weekend with my toddler and I’ve had a consultant appointment and two scans at the hospital since the coronavirus outbreak. Didn’t even enter my mind tbh, I’m not worried about it in the slightest.

You’ve gotta keep going to your appointments, the 20 week scan is really important to check baby is healthy & everything is going OK. Corona isn’t going anywhere, if you cancel it now, you’ll have to make another appointment for it & the situation could be worse another month.

I’ve had a few complications & back & forth to the hospital & my GP over the last few weeks. It hasn’t really crossed my mind to not go, babies health has needed monitoring! I’m having a section on Friday.. babies gotta come out! Im just being very vigilant about washing my hands thoroughly!

No. Why would you? Keep hands clean and be sensible. You’re no more likely to catch it there than anywhere else.

It’s fine, just wash your hands regularly and don’t touch your face.

I've been in and out the hospital being monitored for weeks.
I'm 39 weeks tomorrow and booked in for a c section tomorrow morning, in the same hospital the 6th person in the UK died of the virus.
A ward was evacuated and there was talks while in one appointment of a suspected corona victim who is pregnant coming in to an appointment.

It is worrying but to me just as much as catching anything else while in a hospital with so many sick adults and kids.
You just have to take precaution and I defo wouldn't risk missing appointments for your babys and your well-being while pregnant as something could be missed!
Good luck with the rest of your pregnancy.

I’m currently 31 weeks and have been concerned about the same thing - baby is due when they’re expecting it to peak!

They’re now saying it could peak in two weeks time, which I think is a positive thing if correct? At least we’ll be over the worst before long.

But some of the more routine midwife appointments I think I could have avoided especially since you have to do urine sample in toilet which are in constant use.

I normally do my urine sample at home on the morning of my midwife appointment anyway. It does mean I’m carrying a pot of wee around in my handbag for some of the day, but it’s something to consider if you want to avoid public lavs!

I will be going but I am worried.
I'm only 10+3 and my 12 week scan is in 3 weeks time. By then I'm really not going to want to be going out if it's at its peak but there we go. Not much way around it.
I'm really concerned I'll get it and miss my scan because we've had a previous chromosomal abnormality.

There's no need to miss appointments just make sure you wash your hands regularly and use hand gels plus don't touch your face! Im 26 weeks, work in A&E and will be for the next 11 weeks until I start my mat leave. There really is no need to panic.

I've been nervous too but reassured hearing @Cornishbumpkin talk about her experience. I think people like you are incredible! I had a GP appointment today and I was so conscious of what is going on. i heard the heartbeat, all was perfect. all we want is to make the right decision for our babies and families. pregnant women in all stages of pregnancy will likely get the virus i guess and we just have to be positive and trust our bodies

I'm so glad to hear I've given you a bit of reassurance @FeelingBeautiful (love the name btw). Such a lovely experience hearing little ones heartbeat, glad everything is good.

@Cornishbumpkin

Just scrolling through and am feeling a bit more reassured for bubs
www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/10/no-elevated-risk-coronavirus-pregnancy

What do we reckon would happen if we got coronavirus? Would we just miss our dating scan?
That's worrying me more than them cancelling them.

I'm worried that if we end up following Italy and go into lockdown, what happens to us having our appointments and scans??
I suffer with really bad anxiety and find the midwife appointments checking the heartbeat really reassuring, and it worries me what happens if we aren't allowed to leave the house how do we have these appts and scans?

I don't think they will be able to not do our scans.
I'm most worried about getting it and not being able to go.