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
Covid-19 Advice
COVID-19 Maternity Hotline
We are here to support you
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?
What will happen when I need to come in to the hospital?
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.
Are antenatal and breastfeeding education workshops still available?
- For midwife-led pregnancy health information, visit tommys.org/pregnancy
- The NHS baby buddy app
- A breastfeeding workshop video
- Information about Coronavirus, pregnancy, birth and beyond, www.nct.org.uk/ and search ‘coronavirus'
- A video on the topic of VBAC (vaginal birth after a caesarean birth).
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?
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.
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.
- 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?
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?
- If you can, please read, print and sign our Birth Partner Agreement
- If you plan to stay overnight, please read, print and sign our Antenatal and Postnatal agreement
- If you are unable to print these beforehand, we will ask you to sign a copy on the day
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?
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
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?
What happens to my care if I have tested positive for COVID-19 or I have symptoms?
Who should I contact if I am feeling worried or depressed during my pregnancy or after the birth?
How can I look after my mental wellbeing during the crisis?
Is it safe to breastfeed my baby during the Coronavirus pandemic?
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?
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
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.
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.