New COVID 19 Measures 21st March

[BabyOne90]

So I've read the new Measures for pregnancy and I'm really worrying about them. I work in a public sector so still telling us to social distance but it's impossible at times with customers they just don't listen. I am extremely anxious now how can we go back to work and not be worried. My work has already had a couple of suspected cases. I literally feel sick with anxiety it's such a worrying time and I'm so worried what will happen with work.
What's everyone else thoughts on the new guidelines?

Can your doctor sign you off?

@pollypocketrocket I've not contacted them yet I think I'll be doing it next week, although I've seen a few women on here post about doctors saying they wasn't very helpful in this situation for pregnancy.

Definitely contact them. And explain everything don't let them fob you off. Mine signed me straight off. Good luck x

Hi @BabyOne90 how many weeks are you?

Looks like the new guidelines say that up until the third trimester, pregnant women can use the same social distancing techniques as everyone else.

Pregnant women in the third trimester need to be more cautious and work from home if possible.

I’m a doctor and am 22 weeks pregnant and still going to work, but have switched to admin and telephone duties so I’m not coming into direct contact with patients. I am still in contact with a large team of physios/OTs/nurses who are seeing patients in the community. So long as everyone is washing their hands and maintaining 2m distance from me I’m not worried. From 28 weeks I will hopefully transition to doing this job from home

I know these are worrying times but please try not to panic. The evidence suggests COVID19 will affect pregnant women much like the flu does and babies appear to do really well

Sorry, to clarify, I’m talking about the RCOG guidelines rather than government

Thanks @pollypocketrocket , I hope I can get something sorted. X

Hi @Nelbert19
Thanks for your post. I'm 15 weeks. I am so anxious as i said my job is public facing and very close proximity and I cannot change my job role or do admin duties.

@Nelbert19 sorry to jump on this post but do you know what it is about the 3rd trimester that people need to be careful about? I’m 27 weeks so this will apply to me next week, although I’m currently off work and shut inside most of the day anyway now with barely any contact with people but would be good to know what the risks are.

OP I would also try to get signed off work, the stress this thing Is causing anyone is enough to make anyone feel ill!!! Even without the virus!

That’s good news then @BabyOne90, you aren’t at more risk than the general population and there’s no evidence your foetus will be effected. Just be stringent with your hygiene and try to maintain 2m distance from people

@catlover10 the concern in 3rd trimester is the extra strain on your immune system. You don’t seem to be more likely to catch it, but there is a SLIGHTLY higher chance that you’d have more severe symptoms. There are still no reported maternal deaths and only one seriously unwell pregnant woman so this is all theoretical.

It would also be rubbish to labour with the flu! Also hospitals don’t want COVID positive mums coming in, and you’re more likely to be attending hospital for antenatal appointments or labour in the 3rd trimester

This is the information for healthcare professionals
www.rcog.org.uk/globalassets/documents/guidelines/2020-03-21-covid19-pregnancy-guidance-2118.pdf

I’ve personally been very reassured by the government response and the research coming out. I think they’re doing a great job, as stressful and difficult as it is and will be as the cases peak

I’m 22 weeks and a teacher, HOD sent me home Tuesday morning and told me not to return for the foreseeable, we also knew the college would probably be closing Friday so it wasn’t a huge deal.

Try and ask the doc to sign you off.

I’m 17 weeks & work as frontline in the nhs, as of Friday I was told to not come back for the foreseeable but today I’ve been told I am now safe to come in. I completely disagree with this, we do not know how this is going to affect pregnancies at this stage so I believe we should err on the side of caution! I have a sick line for the time being & will take every day as it comes

It's so sad to hear of so many workplaces not supporting their pregnant staff.
I'm frontline NHS & just into my third trimester. My trusts guidelines are still "pending" so management aren't taking any action. I've been told they currently cannot support working from home as per RCOG guidelines. Really at a loss at what to do.
Hope everyone is staying safe x