What will happen to maternity services?

[booklover164]

My GP has cancelled all routine appointments and is now doing telephone consultations. I am 6+3 and I have my booking appointment on Friday with the midwife then presumably a scan towards the end of April. What do we think will happen? Will they still scan? So many unknowns I know and I'm not sure anyone has an answer but I am starting to feel anxious now..

I expect it will vary from areas but my midwife told me on Friday that I will continue to be seen by her and have scans as they are important. Obviously this could all change but she said there will be a designated “dirty clinic” her words not mine and anyone pregnant that has suspected/confirmed Coronavirus would go there and see a GP instead, they are hoping by doing that all others can continue to see a midwife with less risk.
It all relies on enough staff staying well, but I know she said they get daily emails to read with new protocol so I guess it’s a bit of wait and see too.

I am 30 weeks pregnant and have just had my NHS breastfeeding and parenting classes at the hospital cancelled due to the coronavirus which is fair enough really.

My midwife appointments are not at the hospital anyway and they are going ahead as normal. Presently they are trying to minimalise people going to hospital where possible but I was told they would absolutely not leave pregnant women without prenatal care.

I would imagine your scans will go ahead as normal, they are just trying to direct anything that can be done outside of hospital to other less crowded/risky areas.

I think the main issue maternity services will be up against will be staff sickness, just like any other service. Midwives have one job, to help pregnant women, they're not going to be redrafted to other services to deal with the Coronavirus because they wouldn't be a whole lot of use and as long as there are still pregnant people, the service has to carry on. So as long as their are midwives still in work, maternity services should generally run as normal I think. Obviously a few limitations; perhaps groups will not run, perhaps clinics will have to be handled carefully but that is for them to worry about not you. They will be looking at how they can still deliver a service that cannot possibly stop running with what they have available to them. Try not to worry.

Almost 24 weeks and terrified here. Received a text saying my next appointment I will be allowed only 1 essential guest and it might be over the phone. I wonder how will they check my urine and my blood pressure remotely.

This is a mess and I feel worry is the obvious and normal reaction. People still do not get the enormity of it - but in a few weeks it will be a warzone.

And I have an at-risk pregnancy.

Crap.

I had my 12 week scan on Friday and was told that I would not be allowed to bring anyone with me to my 20 week scan on 6 May and that it’s now at a different location away from the hospital. Hoping it has all calmed down by then because I really don’t want to have such an important scan without my husband!

I’m 11 weeks and due to have my first midwife appointment next week followed the next day by a scan. Have spent the weekend waiting to phone the midwife/gp surgery to see if this is going ahead as I’ve just found out that my gp surgery is closed to all routine face to face appointments. These are really important appointments for us to have all of the 12 screening tests so just keeping my fingers crossed.

I know it’s not ideal but I’ve bought a blood pressure reader and some urines dips on amazon. I’m 31 weeks. If worst comes to worst I can check my own during a virtual appt. Came to about £35 for the two. Has made me feel calmer. xx

My hospital at the moment is saying only birthing partner can attend maternity appointment, really hoping it doesn't change as have my 20 week scan in a week and want my husband there as terrified they will find something wrong.

I have my scan in 2 weeks. I'm hoping it won't be cancelled as I'll be nearly 14 weeks and worried a later scan will mean I can't have the nuchal fold screening tests.

I had a tour today of the birthing centre I've chosen. They've said that due to the virus it's looking like it'll be a partner only event (birth) and no visitors will be allowed to attend the hospital after birth to keep everyone as safe as they can.

I had my 20 week scan last Friday, going back in 2 weeks as baby was in an awkward position for one of the checks. Hoping not to have it cancelled. It's a worrying time

All routine pregnancy appts and scans are counted as medically essential so will carry on.

Things will have to get a shit load worse before antenatal care is withdrawn. Though I’d guess any birth preparation classes may be halted.

Please read this from Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

This one is guidance for maternity services, so should give you an idea of the services they will continue to provide -

www.rcog.org.uk/globalassets/documents/guidelines/coronavirus-covid-19-infection-in-pregnancy-v2-20-03-13.pdf

This one is advice for pregnant ladies -

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=11398661_Coronavirus%20guidance%20-%20%232%20%7C%20March%202020%20%7C%20Public%2FSeedlist&utm_content=%3E%20Information%20for%20pregnant%20women&dm_i=15N0,6SB9H,1JD717,R5HVF,1

As an aside, my hospital are still providing regular services, they'll call and screen you for COVID-19 risk factors before your appointment, then you and anyone accompanying you will be asked to wash your hands on arrival for the appointment.

I'm 33 weeks now and due early May. I've got 4 hospital appointments next week as far as I know none have been cancelled. Not looking forward to going.

I'm high risk and I already have a fear of giving birth the fact I'll be due when it's near the peak is sending me over the edge.