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We appreciate that you may be concerned or anxious regarding the COVID-19 outbreak. Our maternity services have made some changes to help respond to COVID-19 and protect women, their families, and staff. Extra measures have been put in place for all women who come into our services to make sure you stay safe. We will continue to keep this section of the website up to date with the most recent advice and guidance, as well as any changes to our service to help you cope during pregnancy and when your baby arrives.
Guidance for Partners and Designated Visitors in Maternity Services
Visitor-Guidance-for-Maternity-Services-V1.0-June-2022Frequently Asked Questions
Q.Can a woman who is Covid-19 suspected or positive have a birth partner as an essential visitor during childbirth?
A. Yes. If a woman has suspected or confirmed COVID-19, a birth partner who is not self-isolating and has a negative LFD (see question below) may attend and should be provided with the appropriate PPE equivalent to that worn by staff, during childbirth.
Q. Can a birth partner who has tested positive, has symptoms, or has been told to self-isolate support the woman in labour?
A. Yes, subject to risk assessment. They will be asked to wear the appropriate PPE equivalent to the PPE worn by staff. Particular attention should be paid to their movements through the hospital, so arrangements would need to be discussed with staff prior to attending.
Q. Can a birth partner stay with a woman who tests positive upon admission?
A. Yes. They will be asked to wear the appropriate PPE equivalent to the PPE worn by staff. Particular attention should be paid to their movements through the hospital, so arrangements would need to be discussed with staff prior to attending.
Routine Asymptomatic Testing
Routine Asymptomatic Testing has commenced for women who require admission to Maternity Services in NHS Grampian. For information on this please access these links below.
Please download the following information leaflets regarding Coronavirus pregnancy and newborns.
Covid-19 Vaccination
It is now strongly recommended that pregnant woman receive the vaccination for COVID-19. Vaccination is the best way to protect against the known risks of COVID-19 in pregnancy for both women and babies, including admission of the woman to intensive care and premature birth of the baby
Pregnant women are at a greater risk of becoming severely unwell with COVID-19, especially in the later stages of pregnancy. None of the pregnant women admitted to hospital in the UK with severe COVID-19 had been fully vaccinated. If you contract COVID-19 in pregnancy you are three times more likely to have a preterm baby and there is a higher risk of stillbirth.
Around 200,000 pregnant women have now been vaccinated in the UK and USA, with no adverse effects on the woman, pregnancy or baby.
Whether to take the vaccination in pregnancy is your choice. The information in these links may help you in your decision making. If you wish to discuss the vaccination with a health professional please speak with your midwife or obstetrician.
Pregnancy, breastfeeding and the coronavirus vaccine (NHS Inform)
The Covid-19 Vaccination- Important information about pregnancy and breastfeeding (Public Health Scotland)
COVID-19 vaccination information sheet and decision aid (RCOG, RCM, UKTIS, MOMS)
COVID-19 Vaccine factsheet (UKTIS, Bumps- Best use of medicines in pregnancy)
Useful Links and Resources
- Royal College of Obstetrician’s and Gynaecologists Information for pregnant women and their families regarding Coronavirus.
- Parent Club: Coronavirus Information
- UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative Guidance on Coronavirus and Breastfeeding
- NHS Inform Scotland – all the latest guidance about COVID-19 from NHS Scotland and the Scottish Government, including social distancing and stay at home advice.
- Royal College of Midwives updated advice on Covid-19 vaccination in pregnancy and women who are breastfeeding