Labour and covid-19

[mummy1214]

Hi just a quick question that just popped in to my head. At our local hospital (Barnsley) when admitted to the hospital in labour we will be tested for the virus which is a good thing but question I have is what would happen if the test came back positive ? Would it affect how/where you give birth in the hospital and what would happen postnatally if you had to stay in for whatever reason ? I am due to be induced in 3 weeks obviously I hope I don't get the virus but know it is always a possibility and even if I'm not ill could still end up positive for the virus. Just wondered what would happen and what differences there would be ? I have looked on our hospitals website but can't see anything will.obviously ask midwife when I next see her but curious if anyone knows what happens in their hospitals x

This is only what I've read online but I believe they test to make sure they test baby on arrival to make sure all is ok?

Thanks for the reply. I know we get tested on arrival at the hospital I just wasn't sure if for example being induced and results came back positive wether that would change anything. Our hospital aren't testing babies unless mother is positive from what I understand saying that there is such limited info on that online x

My hospital say if the test is positive you will still receive all the essential care but they will factor the positive test into any care plans.

If you test positive you will likely be keep in a single room for the duration of your stay and will allow staff looking after you to wear appropriate personal protective equipment. Wouldn’t make any difference regarding your care in labour.

The test also takes 2-3 days to come back so likely you’ll have had your baby by that point anyway :)

I was tested during my labour 5 weeks ago as I had a temperature during it (they were only testing if symptoms). The results came back later that day and were negative. In the meantime I was in a room in a separate Covid area, my husband and the staff and I wore masks not ideal but still good care. Equipment wasn't taken out of the room and we stayed there after the birth until the results came back.

I'm 27 weeks and baby is usually transverse/breech (my guess based on where I'm getting kicked). I'm not worried at this point as they don't usually start to turn until 32 weeks or so, but generally people say to avoid lying down and some find those inflatable balls helpful, or yoga and pilates. On a similar thread on another forum lots of people were recommending the Spinning Babies website, too, so I'd check that out for tips: spinningbabies.com/.

Eck, sorry – meant to post that on another thread!

From what I've heard, you're mostly kept isolated from other areas of the hospital and face mask once baby is born, as current advice is to wear a face mask when breastfeeding if you've tested positive.