Covid-19 Advice

COVID-19 Maternity Hotline

We have set up a COVID-19 maternity hotline number which is available for you call from 9am until 6pm Monday to Friday for any queries you may have. Please call us on 07831 122 271.

We are here to support you

During this time our services may be subject to change due to the impact of Covid-19. Please check our Covid-19 maternity Frequently Asked Questions below which are updated regularly.  

For anyone needing extra support or advice, please click here to view a selection of free services that are available.
 
Attend Anywhere online face-to-face Video Consultations
 
We are also offering all maternity users to make use our convenient Attend Anywhere appointment system which takes place via a video call (or it can be a regular voice call if preferred) with your midwife or doctor. Your midwife will advise you as to when this may be a suitable.

View how to make the most of your maternity Attend Anywhere appointment here.
 
 
 

 
 

How have maternity services changed?

When should I come to the hospital?

Pregnant women have been put on the vulnerable list as a precaution during COVID-19. Social distancing has therefore been recommended for this group. As a result of this, we need to limit the number of times you need to travel to see us but please be assure that we will still give you the best possible care.
 
Please note that you can still self-refer online from 6 weeks of pregnancy.
 
If you have an appointment with a doctor at the hospital, they will contact you over the phone and give you advice to decide whether you need to come in.
 

If you feel unwell or your baby’s movement is reduced, please attend the maternity assessment unit to be seen. Please do not stay at home as you may need to have urgent care

What will happen when I need to come in to the hospital?

All health workers are now wearing gloves, aprons and masks when caring for you. This is so we can keep you and NHS staff safe. We also require anyone who is entering the hospital to wear a face mask so please ensure you bring one with you.

For antenatal appointments please come on your own, unless it is absolutely necessary to bring someone who is essential to your care such as a signer or interpreter. Please use our labour ward entrance only when attending for appointments, we have a map of our site available to view here.

We ask that you tell us if you develop COVID-19 symptoms before your appointment. If you do have symptoms, please don't worry as this won’t affect the quality of the care you receive, but it will ensure that those looking after you, and people around you, can be protected.
 
If you are being admitted to the maternity unit within the next few days, you will be offered a test for COVID-19. You can find out about what happens during the test by clicking here.

 

Are antenatal and breastfeeding education workshops still available?

Following current government advice, all face-to-face group antenatal education workshops at Whittington Health are  unfortunately paused until further notice except for VBAC workshops. However you can access information and support via these apps and websites:

As a Trust, we are looking at ways in which we can offer online classes with you, please discuss with your midwife as to when these classes may be available.

How will Covid-19 affect my appointments?

Booking by a midwife will be on the phone or via a video call with your consent.
We are now able to offer the booking appointment via Attend Anywhere video consultation. Details about this will be sent with your Welcome Pack which includes booking information, this will be sent to you by email.
 
Before your video call, please read this information about how the virtual appointment works. It is worth noting that you will need access to wifi or have plenty of data to use the video appointment successfully.
 
If we feel that a face-to-face booking is necessary we will arrange this for you and you will be offered this shortly after you booking appointment to take the screening bloods.
 
Attending Obstetric Scans

Update 8 February 2021:

We understand that you want and need support at your scans and we are doing all we can to welcome a partner or supporter where possible, however we have to do this in a way that keeps you, your partner and our staff safe.

We are making it possible for your partner to be in the scanning room with you for the last 5 minutes of your appointment for selected scans which are stated below.
 
The ‘5 minutes in the room’ rule at the end of your scan is necessary because the rooms are small and have little ventilation,  therefore it would not be safe for three people to be in the room for longer. We cannot admit you or your partner into the room without a mask.  Unfortunately, if your partner is exempt from wearing a mask we will not be able to allow them in the room with you.
 
We ask that our staff  are respected and politely request that you follow their guidance as everyone’s safety is paramount. Policy decisions on partners in scan rooms are taken to reduce the risk of virus transmission in order to safeguard the team so that service levels can be maintained. If you are unhappy about any aspects of our policy we can arrange for a senior manager to discuss this with you.
 
  • Your dating scan at 11 plus weeks and bloods appointment
    This will be face to face with the scan and bloods appointment in one session. You are welcome to bring a partner or supporter to this scan for the last 5 minutes as described above. Your partner is welcome to wait in our atrium/reception area until they are allowed in for the 5 minute slot. These waiting areas have lots of space and high ceilings making it a safe place to wait.

  • At 16 weeks you will have a face-to-face appointment to see how you are and your blood tests results will be reviewed. We ask that you attend this appointment alone.

  • At 20 weeks you are once again welcome to bring a partner or supporter to this scan and they can be in the scanning room with you for the last 5 minutes.  Your partner can again wait in our atrium/reception area as mentioned above.

  • From 28 weeks you will have an antenatal appointment every 3 weeks as normal. They will be face-to-face with a midwife and/or consultant. Some community hubs (Children’s Centres) are re-opening and your midwife will inform you where to attend. We ask that mothers attend these appointments alone.

  • You may have  additional Ultrasound growth scans after 28 weeks, following a clinician or midwife referral. We ask mothers to attend these scan appointments alone.

  • At 36 weeks you will discuss your birth preferences and options with your midwife.


Can my partner attend antenatal appointments?

Please see the FAQ above 'How will Covid-19 affect my appointments' for detailed information about how appointments are affected.
 
Where specified,  we ask that you attend any outpatient appointments, including antenatal visits and blood tests on your own so that we can maintain social distancing whilst in the room itself.

Your partner or supporter is welcome use our nearby waiting area to see you after your appointment. Please ensure you are wearing a face mask to your appointment if you are using the waiting area.  An interpreter will be arranged if you need one, so please let us know before your appointment.

How will the birth of my baby/babies be affected?

Can I bring a birth partner?

At the moment we are only permitting one consistent birth partner with you if you are having your baby in the Labour Ward or Birth Centre.  This policy will be regularly reviewed alongside government guidelines.
 
If you are moved to theatre, one partner can go with you.
 
On the postnatal ward, one partner can stay with you, but this arrangement will be kept under review and may be subject to change according to how the safety measures around COVID-19 develop.
 
Please note that your chosen partner or supporter will be asked to leave if they are showing symptoms of COVID-19. In this instance, please plan to have another partner or supporter available should your chosen partner be ill. 
 
We are very pleased to still be able to welcome one birth partner to be with you throughout labour. Postnatally, we are the only Trust in the North Central London sector that is able to offer one person to stay with you throughout.

 
Useful forms for partners or supporters:

Can my partner or supporter attend my induction?

Yes, they can. This arrangement will be kept under review and may be subject to change as the health and safety guidelines around COVID-19 change or develop.

Where can I have my baby?

You can have your baby in our Birth Centre, Labour Ward at home  or by planned caesarean. Please speak to your midwife about your choices.
 

Can I still use water during labour or water birth?

Please speak to your midwife about this option.

Will my planned caesarean still be able to go ahead?

 We will carry out all planned caesareans, both for medical need and maternal request. We might have to change the planned date and /or venue of your caesarean, if it is safe to do so. We will always let you know if this is the case.

Home Births

UPDATE JANUARY 2021: We are pleased to be able to reinstate our home birth service following restrictions due to Coronavirus that were put in place during December. Your midwife will be in touch if you were affected by this change.

Coronavirus continues to have a significant impact on all NHS services across the country and we are doing everything we can to ensure that the safety of women and their babies is not compromised. We will continue to closely monitor the situation and keep our maternity users updated.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Kaye Wilson, Head of Maternity Commissioning for North Central London at kaye.wilson1@nhs.net.

Keeping safe and looking after you and your baby

What should I do if my baby's movements are slowing down?

If you notice any changes please contact the Maternity Assessment Unit immediately on 020 7288 5880.

What happens to my care if I have tested positive for COVID-19 or I have symptoms?

We will continue to care for you as normal and have processes in place to keep you safe.  As a precautionary approach we recommend monitoring your baby's heart rate using continuous electronic foetal monitoring.

Who should I contact if I am feeling worried or depressed during my pregnancy or after the birth?

Please do talk to your midwife or health visitor.  There is still lots of support for you, please click here to view our free support summary. 
 
 

How can I look after my mental wellbeing during the crisis?

It is important to look after your mental health at any time during your pregnancy and especially during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
 
Try to stay connected with family and friends, which could include using video calls and messaging services to share photos and keep a daily routine. Keep active, eat well, make a to-do list. Ensure you take a lunch break, and be kind to yourself, make sure you rest if you need to.
 
Finally, please speak to your midwife – we are here for you.

Is it safe to breastfeed my baby during the Coronavirus pandemic?

Yes it is. Keeping you and baby together is still important and breastfeeding is strongly encouraged and there is currently no evidence that the virus passes into breast milk. You can find more information about breastfeeding and Coronavirus here.
 
When you are breastfeeding, you will make antibodies that will be passed on to your baby via your milk, usually within four hours, this antibody protection will not exist if your baby/babies are exclusively formula fed.

If you have symptoms of COVID-19, try to wear a mask when feeding and ensure you wash your hands regularly.

After your baby is born

Can I register my baby's birth?

Please remember to register your baby’s birth, you will be given the relevant paperwork you need to register your baby when you are sent home from hospital. Your local Registry Office may have individual arrangements in place so it is important to check before you try to go in person.
 
Information about registering the birth of your baby from the main boroughs we serve can be found below:


Your baby does not need to be registered to receive medical care. You can also claim for child benefit or universal credit if the birth has not been registered as yet.

What happens after my baby's/babies' birth

We will phone you before we visit you the for first time after you have had your baby when you are at home. 
 
The day after you go home we will then visit you at home and then 5 days after your baby’s birth we will visit you at home again. This visit will include the heel prick test (blood spot check) for your baby.
 
Then 8 days after your baby’s birth we will check in with you by phone to see how you are and at around days 10-12 you will receive another phone call and a visit can be arranged if required.

Our Midwives will decide when to transfer your care to health visiting services, depending on you and your baby’s health. They may also refer you to other services for further help and support.

Health visiting and breastfeeding support services will contact you by phone and inform you on how to access their support after you have had your baby.

I have more questions and concerns, what can I do?

You can contact the COVID-19 maternity helpline from Monday-Friday 8am-6pm, 07831 122 271.
 
During weekends or after hours, please contact Maternity Assessment Unit on 0207 288 5880.

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