Coronavirus: CCG issues advice for pregnant women in Peterborough and Cambridgeshire

Coronavirus guidlines have been issued for pregnant women

The CCG, which represents 87 doctors’ practices across the region, issued the guidance today (March 20) for women who are pregnant and due to deliver soon and who have confirmed or suspected coronavirus/COVID-19.

The CCG guidance said:

- If you are in early labour you should call the maternity unit for advice.

- If your intended birth partner has symptoms, or has been in contact with a confirmed case, they will not be able to visit in any area of the maternity unit.

- If you have mild coronavirus/ COVID-19 symptoms you should remain at home in early labour as per standard practice but call the maternity unit first for advice.

- You should come to the hospital in private transport (your own car or someone else giving you a lift) where possible or call 111/999 for advice as appropriate. If an ambulance is required, the call handler should be informed that you are currently in self-isolation for possible coronavirus/COVID-19.

You should alert a member of maternity staff that you have arrived at the hospital, remain in your car and phone the labour ward for instructions before you enter the hospital. You can do this by phoning the labour ward.

Guidance for women who are pregnant for antenatal appointments:

- If you have no symptoms of coronavirus please attend your antenatal appointments as usual unless you are contacted directly by your community midwife.

- Please contact your community midwives directly for all queries regarding appointments and where they are taking place as circumstances will be changing daily

- Please note that GP surgeries and Children’s Centres are likely to be reviewing access to them over the coming weeks and months so location of appointments may change over this period

- Please note If your partner has symptoms they should self-isolate and not attend any appointments/visits with you

Guidance for formula feeding:

If you are formula feeding your baby please follow the instructions on the packaging. Please do not water down the feed or add any other milk substitutes. If you have any queries please refer to the website below.

https://www.unicef.org.uk/babyfriendly/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2008/02/start4life_guide_to_bottle_-feeding.pdf

Guidance for breastfeeding

If you are breastfeeding your baby please continue to do so, more information is available here https://www.llli.org/coronavirus-resources/

For more information please visit https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/