Covid and scans/appointments

[Missnicolinda96]

Hey. I'm currently 16+3 with my 20 week scan booked for the 11th of January. As of now I don't need to take a covid test beforehand, but I'm concerned this could change by then. I called them and they said that even if I test positive they will still scan me if isolation would take me over the time slot (it would).

I'm petrified that the rules won't allow me to have a 20 week scan. They weren't ever being cancelled but theyll only scan me at 21 weeks or less. If I did isolate, I couldn't go back to work before the next scan was organised or I might test positive again.

I could go private but the government might shut them too. I can't possibly go from 16 weeks to god knows when with nothing. I work in an extremely busy supermarket and likely won't be allowed to move onto a quieter department until 20 weeks anyway. I've literally been losing sleep over this. I've considered quitting my job but I can't.

Did anyone else test positive and still get scanned with extra precautions?

I've just missed my 20 week scan as I tested positive the day before, but they're scanning me at 22+1

Hi there. You should still get your 20 week scan as this is considered a key part of antenatal care.

Hospital policies can vary somewhat, depending upon the individual circumstances of the hospital and the population it covers, so check with them and try to get a written copy of their policy for information (it's often on hospital websites).

Some hospitals will try to still scan if someone is positive and isolation would take them well past the planned scan date. In those situations, it would usually be a case of coming in to a separate waiting area for people testing positive, wearing PPE, and staff all wearing PPE too. Some hospitals will suggest rescheduling the appointments for shortly after a patient would be clear from isolation. But no hospital would deny you and your baby important antenatal care.

At the moment, though, from what you've written you aren't testing positive and there's no guarantee that you would test positive, so try not to worry too much. If you're taking precautions then you're as safe as anyone else. Vaccinations, booster, masks, hand hygiene, social distancing, avoiding unnecessary contacts with others - all of these will help you manage the risks. And let your midwife know how worried you are, as she may be able to help reassure and support you.

I have a colleague who tested positive a few days before her 20 week scan - they just rescheduled it for the next week instead.

Keep an eye on the updates from your health board! All hospitals have different policies.
My friend lives nearby but crosses over to another health board and her restrictions have been completely different to mine all the way through the pregnancy

To be honest the idea of being pregnant/ having a baby during this covid madness is paralysing me with fear. With midwifery services being so stretched and covid cases being so high, I'm terrified I'll end up losing my baby at some point , be it a late miscarriage, stillbirth, negligence during delivery etc etc.

I'm scared I won't be seen soon enough if I have reduced movement or bleeding or that I won't be able to have a safe delivery (I am planning on having a c section). Due to lack of staff. I feel like I could lose my baby at any turn. What if I end up waiting for hours with a baby that's not moving, knowing they might be slipping away with every second that passes?