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COVID-19

guidance

Background and scope of guidance
How can I get assistance with foods and medicines if I am reducing my social contacts?
What should you do if you have hospital and GP appointments during this period?
What is the advice for visitors including those who are providing care for you?
What is the advice if I live with a vulnerable person?
How do you look after your mental wellbeing?
Summary of advice

Background and scope of guidance

This guidance is for everyone. It advises on social distancing measures we should all be taking to reduce social interaction between people in order to reduce the transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19). It is intended for use in situations where people are living in their own homes, with or without additional support from friends, family and carers. If you live in a residential care setting guidance is available.

We are advising those who are at increased risk of severe illness from coronavirus (COVID-19) to be particularly stringent in following social distancing measures.

This group includes those who are:

aged 70 or older (regardless of medical conditions)
under 70 with an underlying health condition listed below (ie anyone instructed to get a flu jab as an adult each year on medical grounds):
- chronic (long-term) respiratory diseases, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema or bronchitis
- chronic heart disease, such as heart failure
- chronic kidney disease
- chronic liver disease, such as hepatitis
- chronic neurological conditions, such as Parkinson's disease, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), a learning disability or cerebral palsy
- diabetes
- problems with your spleen - for example, sickle cell disease or if you have had your spleen removed
- a weakened immune system as the result of conditions such as HIV and AIDS, or medicines such as steroid tablets or chemotherapy
- being seriously overweight (a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or above)
those who are pregnant

Note: there are some clinical conditions which put people at even higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19. If you are in this category, next week the NHS in England will directly contact you with advice the more stringent measures you should take in order to keep yourself and others safe. For now, you should rigorously follow the social distancing advice in full, outlined below.

People falling into this group are those who may be at particular risk due to complex health problems such as:

people who have received an organ transplant and remain on ongoing immunosuppression medication
people with cancer who are undergoing active chemotherapy or radiotherapy
people with cancers of the blood or bone marrow such as leukaemia who are at any stage of treatment
people with severe chest conditions such as cystic fibrosis or severe asthma (requiring hospital admissions or courses of steroid tablets)
people with severe diseases of body systems, such as severe kidney disease (dialysis)

What is social distancing?

Social distancing measures are steps you can take to reduce the social interaction between people. This will help reduce the transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19).

They are:

Avoid contact with someone who is displaying symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19). These symptoms include high temperature and/or new and continuous cough
Avoid non-essential use of public transport, varying your travel times to avoid rush hour, when possible
Work from home, where possible. Your employer should support you to do this. Please refer to employer guidance for more information
Avoid large gatherings, and gatherings in smaller public spaces such as pubs, cinemas, restaurants, theatres, bars, clubs
Avoid gatherings with friends and family. Keep in touch using remote technology such as phone, internet, and social media
Use telephone or online services to contact your GP or other essential services

Everyone should be trying to follow these measures as much as is pragmatic.

We strongly advise you to follow the above measures as much as you can and to significantly limit your face-to-face interaction with friends and family if possible, particularly if you:

are over 70
have an underlying health condition
are pregnant

This advice is likely to be in place for some weeks.

Handwashing and respiratory hygiene

There are general principles you can follow to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including:

washing your hands more often - with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use a hand sanitiser when you get home or into work, when you blow your nose, sneeze or cough, eat or handle food
avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
avoid close contact with people who have symptoms
cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in a bin and wash your hands
clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces in the home

What should you do if you develop symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19)

The same guidance applies to the general population and those at increased risk of severe illness form coronavirus (COVID-19). If you develop symptoms of COVID-19 (high temperature and/or new and continuous cough), self-isolate at home for 7 days. You can find the full guidance at stay at home.

How can I get assistance with foods and medicines if I am reducing my social contacts?

Ask family, friends and neighbours to support you and use online services. If this is not possible, then the public sector, business, charities, and the general public are gearing up to help those advised to stay at home. It is important to speak to others and ask them to help you to make arrangements for the delivery of food, medicines and essential services and supplies, and look after your physical and mental health and wellbeing.

If you receive support from health and social care organisations, for example, if you have care provided for you through the local authority or health care system, this will continue as normal. Your health or social care provider will be asked to take additional precautions to make sure that you are protected. The advice for formal carers is included in the Home care provision.

What should you do if you have hospital and GP appointments during this period?

We advise everyone to access medical assistance remotely, wherever possible. However, if you have a scheduled hospital or other medical appointment during this period, talk to your GP or clinician to ensure you continue to receive the care you need and consider whether appointments can be postponed.

What is the advice for visitors including those who are providing care for you?

You should contact your regular social visitors such as friends and family to let them know that you are reducing social contacts and that they should not visit you during this time unless they are providing essential care for you. Essential care includes things like help with washing, dressing, or preparing meals.

If you receive regular health or social care from an organisation, either through your local authority or paid for by yourself, inform your care providers that you are reducing social contacts and agree on a plan for continuing your care.

If you receive essential care from friends or family members, speak to your carers about extra precautions they can take to keep you safe. You may find this guidance on Home care provision useful.

It is also a good idea to speak to your carers about what happens if one of them becomes unwell. If you need help with care but you're not sure who to contact, or if you do not have family or friends who can help you, you can contact your local council who should be able to help you.

What is the advice if I live with a vulnerable person?

If you live in a house with a vulnerable person refer to our household guidance.

How do you look after your mental wellbeing?

Understandably, you may find that social distancing can be boring or frustrating. You may find your mood and feelings are affected and you may feel low, worried or have problems sleeping and you might miss being outside with other people.

At times like these, it can be easy to fall into unhealthy patterns of behaviour which in turn can make you feel worse. There are simple things you can do that may help, to stay mentally and physically active during this time such as:

look for ideas of exercises you can do at home on the NHS website
spend time doing things you enjoy - this might include reading, cooking, other indoor hobbies or listening to the radio or watching TV programmes
try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, drink enough water, exercise regularly, and try to avoid smoking, alcohol and drugs
keep your windows open to let in fresh air, get some natural sunlight if you can, or get outside into the garden

You can also go for a walk outdoors if you stay more than 2 metres from others.

Further information on looking after your mental health during this time is available.

What steps can you take to stay connected with family and friends during this time?

Draw on support you might have through your friends, family and other networks during this time. Try to stay in touch with those around you over the phone, by post, or online. Let people know how you would like to stay in touch and build that into your routine. This is also important in looking after your mental wellbeing and you may find it helpful to talk to them about how you are feeling.

Remember it is OK to share your concerns with others you trust and in doing so you may end up providing support to them too. Or you can use a NHS recommended helpline.

Advice for informal carers

If you are caring for someone who is vulnerable, there are some simple steps that you can take to protect them and to reduce their risk at the current time.

Ensure you follow advice on good hygiene such as:

wash your hands on arrival and often, using soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitiser
cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards
do not visit if you are unwell and make alternative arrangements for their care
provide information on who they should call if they feel unwell, how to use NHS 111 online coronavirus service and leave the number for NHS 111 prominently displayed
find out about different sources of support that could be used and access further advice on creating a contingency plan is available from Carers UK
look after your own well-being and physical health during this time. Further information on this is available here

Summary of advice

* if one member of your family or household has a new continuous cough or high temperature
** if you live alone and you have a new continuous cough or high temperature
*** for example cinema, theatre, pubs, bars, restaurants, clubs
**** for example via telephone or internet
1 such as anyone instructed to get a flu jab each year

Background and scope of guidance
How can I get assistance with foods and medicines if I am reducing my social contacts?
What should you do if you have hospital and GP appointments during this period?
What is the advice for visitors including those who are providing care for you?
What is the advice if I live with a vulnerable person?
How do you look after your mental wellbeing?
Summary of advice

Background and scope of guidance

We are advising those who are at increased risk of severe illness from coronavirus (COVID-19) to be particularly stringent in following social distancing measures.

This group includes those who are:

aged 70 or older (regardless of medical conditions)
under 70 with an underlying health condition listed below (ie anyone instructed to get a flu jab as an adult each year on medical grounds):
- chronic (long-term) respiratory diseases, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema or bronchitis
- chronic heart disease, such as heart failure
- chronic kidney disease
- chronic liver disease, such as hepatitis
- chronic neurological conditions, such as Parkinson's disease, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), a learning disability or cerebral palsy
- diabetes
- problems with your spleen - for example, sickle cell disease or if you have had your spleen removed
- a weakened immune system as the result of conditions such as HIV and AIDS, or medicines such as steroid tablets or chemotherapy
- being seriously overweight (a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or above)
those who are pregnant

People falling into this group are those who may be at particular risk due to complex health problems such as:

people who have received an organ transplant and remain on ongoing immunosuppression medication
people with cancer who are undergoing active chemotherapy or radiotherapy
people with cancers of the blood or bone marrow such as leukaemia who are at any stage of treatment
people with severe chest conditions such as cystic fibrosis or severe asthma (requiring hospital admissions or courses of steroid tablets)
people with severe diseases of body systems, such as severe kidney disease (dialysis)

What is social distancing?

Social distancing measures are steps you can take to reduce the social interaction between people. This will help reduce the transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19).

They are:

Avoid contact with someone who is displaying symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19). These symptoms include high temperature and/or new and continuous cough
Avoid non-essential use of public transport, varying your travel times to avoid rush hour, when possible
Work from home, where possible. Your employer should support you to do this. Please refer to employer guidance for more information
Avoid large gatherings, and gatherings in smaller public spaces such as pubs, cinemas, restaurants, theatres, bars, clubs
Avoid gatherings with friends and family. Keep in touch using remote technology such as phone, internet, and social media
Use telephone or online services to contact your GP or other essential services

Everyone should be trying to follow these measures as much as is pragmatic.

We strongly advise you to follow the above measures as much as you can and to significantly limit your face-to-face interaction with friends and family if possible, particularly if you:

are over 70
have an underlying health condition
are pregnant

This advice is likely to be in place for some weeks.

Handwashing and respiratory hygiene

There are general principles you can follow to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including:

washing your hands more often - with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use a hand sanitiser when you get home or into work, when you blow your nose, sneeze or cough, eat or handle food
avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
avoid close contact with people who have symptoms
cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in a bin and wash your hands
clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces in the home

What should you do if you develop symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19)

How can I get assistance with foods and medicines if I am reducing my social contacts?

What should you do if you have hospital and GP appointments during this period?

What is the advice for visitors including those who are providing care for you?

If you receive essential care from friends or family members, speak to your carers about extra precautions they can take to keep you safe. You may find this guidance on Home care provision useful.

What is the advice if I live with a vulnerable person?

If you live in a house with a vulnerable person refer to our household guidance.

How do you look after your mental wellbeing?

look for ideas of exercises you can do at home on the NHS website
spend time doing things you enjoy - this might include reading, cooking, other indoor hobbies or listening to the radio or watching TV programmes
try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, drink enough water, exercise regularly, and try to avoid smoking, alcohol and drugs
keep your windows open to let in fresh air, get some natural sunlight if you can, or get outside into the garden

You can also go for a walk outdoors if you stay more than 2 metres from others.

Further information on looking after your mental health during this time is available.

What steps can you take to stay connected with family and friends during this time?

Remember it is OK to share your concerns with others you trust and in doing so you may end up providing support to them too. Or you can use a NHS recommended helpline.

Advice for informal carers

If you are caring for someone who is vulnerable, there are some simple steps that you can take to protect them and to reduce their risk at the current time.

Ensure you follow advice on good hygiene such as:

wash your hands on arrival and often, using soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitiser
cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards
do not visit if you are unwell and make alternative arrangements for their care
provide information on who they should call if they feel unwell, how to use NHS 111 online coronavirus service and leave the number for NHS 111 prominently displayed
find out about different sources of support that could be used and access further advice on creating a contingency plan is available from Carers UK
look after your own well-being and physical health during this time. Further information on this is available here

Summary of advice

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection in
Pregnancy

Table of contents
Introduction 3-5
Advice for health professionals to share with
pregnant women
7-9
Advice for services caring for women with
suspected or confirmed COVID-19
11-23
Advice for services caring for women following
recovery from confirmed COVID-19
25
Acknowledgements 26
Flow chart to assess COVID-19 risk in maternity
unit attendees
27-28
References 30-31
3
1. Introduction
The following advice is provided as a resource for UK Healthcare Professionals based on a combination
of available evidence, good practice and expert advice. The priorities are the provision of safe care to
women with suspected/confirmed COVID-19 and the reduction of onward transmission. Please be aware
that this is very much an evolving situation and this guidance is a living document that may be updated
if or when new information becomes available. We therefore suggest that you visit this page regularly for
updates.
This guidance will be kept under regular review as new evidence emerges. If you would like to suggest
additional areas for this guidance to cover, any clarifications required or to submit new evidence for
consideration, please email COVID-19@rcog.org.uk. Please note, we will not be able to give individual
clinical advice or information for specific organisational requirements via this email address.
1.1 The virus
Novel coronavirus (SARS-COV-2) is a new strain of coronavirus causing COVID-19, first identified in Wuhan
City, China. Other coronavirus infections include the common cold (HCoV 229E, NL63, OC43 and HKU1),
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV).
1.2 Epidemiology
The virus appears to have originated in Hubei Province in China towards the end of 2019. Since then
China has remained the country with the highest number of infected individuals. Within Europe, Italy is
the country currently most affected.
This situation is naturally changing rapidly and for the most up to date advice please consult local Health
Protection advice. Health Protection is a devolved matter and links to local guidance are available
for England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Public Health England (PHE) and Health Protection
Scotland (HPS) have been cited throughout this document; specific guidance from the other areas of the
United Kingdom will be updated as they become available.
4
Pregnant women do not appear to be more susceptible to the consequences of infection with COVID-19
than the general population. Data are limited but special consideration should be given to pregnant
women with concomitant medical illnesses who could be infected with COVID-19 until the evidence base
provides clearer information. There are no reported deaths in pregnant women at the moment.
1.3 Transmission
Most cases of COVID-19 globally have evidence of human to human transmission. However, recent cases
have appeared where there is no evidence of contact with infected people. This virus appears to spread
readily, through respiratory, fomite or faecal methods. Healthcare providers are recommended to employ
strict infection prevention and control (IPC) measures; guidance is available as per local Health Protection
guidance.
Only one case of possible vertical transmission (transmission from mother to baby antenatally or
intrapartum) has been reported in the literature.1 Expert opinion is that the fetus is unlikely to be exposed
during pregnancy. A case series published by Chen et al tested amniotic fluid, cord blood, neonatal
throat swabs and breastmilk samples from COVID-19 infected mothers and all samples tested negative
for the virus.2 Furthermore, in a different paper by Chen et al, three placentas of infected mothers were
swabbed and tested negative for the virus.3 Transmission is therefore most likely to be as a neonate. There
is currently no evidence concerning transmission through genital fluids. The management of the neonate
during early bonding and feeding are discussed below in Section 3.8.
1.4 Effect on the mother/symptoms
The large majority of women will experience only mild or moderate cold/flu like symptoms. Cough, fever
and shortness of breath are other relevant symptoms. More severe symptoms such as pneumonia and
marked hypoxia are widely described with COVID-19 in older people, the immunosuppressed and those
with long-term conditions such as diabetes, cancer and chronic lung disease. These symptoms could
occur in pregnant women so should be identified and treated promptly. At present there is one reported
case of a woman with COVID-19 who required mechanical ventilation at 30 weeks' gestation, following
which she had an emergency caesarean section and made a good recovery.4
Within the general population there is evolving evidence that there could be a cohort of asymptomatic
individuals or those with very minor symptoms that are carrying the virus, although the incidence is
unknown.
5
1.5 Effect on the fetus
There are currently no data suggesting an increased risk of miscarriage or early pregnancy loss in relation
to COVID-19. Case reports from early pregnancy studies with SARS and MERS do not demonstrate a
convincing relationship between infection and increased risk of miscarriage or second trimester loss.5
As there is no evidence of intrauterine fetal infection with COVID-19 it is therefore currently considered
unlikely that there will be congenital effects of the virus on fetal development.
There are case reports of preterm birth in women with COVID-19, but it is unclear whether the preterm
birth was always iatrogenic, or whether some were spontaneous. Iatrogenic delivery was predominantly
for maternal indications related to the viral infection, although there was evidence of fetal compromise
and prelabour premature rupture of membrane, in at least one report.2
6
Advice for health
professionals to
share with pregnant
women
7
2. Advice for health professionals to share with
pregnant women
2.1 Travel advice for pregnant women
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) in the UK offers advice about travel safety that is regularly
updated in line with the evolving situation. Pregnant women in the UK should follow the advice given by
the FCO on the UK Government website.6
All individuals, including pregnant women, should ensure that they have adequate insurance
arrangements prior to travel. Finally, pregnant women should check that their travel insurance will
provide cover for birth and care of a newborn baby if they give birth while abroad.
2.2 General advice for pregnant women who may have been exposed to
COVID-19 or are experiencing symptoms suggestive of COVID-19
Pregnant women concerned about exposure or symptoms indicating possible infection with COVID-19
in England, Wales or Northern Ireland should call NHS 111 or use the NHS's 111 tool.6 In Scotland they
should call their GP or NHS 24 (on 111) or visit NHS Inform for further advice. They should not visit their
GP practice or attend A&E in person. If it is an emergency they should phone 999 and tell the operator of
possible COVID-19 exposure.
Women returning from areas of the world which indicate a possible increased risk for coronavirus
transmission (list for England, Wales and Northern Ireland; list for Scotland) or who have been in contact
with a known case of COVID-19 should phone NHS 111 or, if in Scotland, NHS 24 (on 111) or their GP.
Diagnostic swabs will be arranged if indicated, following advice from local Health Protection. Women
with symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 should be advised to self-isolate until advised otherwise. Advice
on self-isolation for mild confirmed cases is still being developed.
8
2.3 Advice regarding self-isolation for women with possible or confirmed
Pregnant women who have been advised to self-isolate should stay indoors and avoid contact with
others for 14 days. Public Health England currently provides guidance for:
• People who are advised to self-isolate
• People who live in the same accommodation as someone who is self-isolating
For women who are advised to self-isolate, the guidance currently recommends to:
• Not go to school, work, NHS settings or public areas
• Not use public transport
• Stay at home and not allow visitors
• Ventilate the rooms where they are by opening a window
• Separate themselves from other members of their household as far as possible, using their
own towels, crockery and utensils and eating at different times
• Use friends, family or delivery services to run errands, but advise them to leave items outside7
Women should be advised to contact their maternity care provider (e.g. midwife or antenatal clinic), to
discuss attendance for routine antenatal appointments. See below for specific hospital guidance.
Pregnant women who are due to attend routine maternity appointments in the UK should contact their
maternity care provider, to inform them that they are currently in self-isolation for possible/confirmed
COVID-19, and request advice on attendance.
Pregnant women are advised not to attend maternity triage units or A&E unless in need of urgent
obstetric or medical care. If women are concerned and require urgent medical advice, they are
encouraged to call the maternity triage unit in the first instance. If attendance at the maternity unit or
9
2.4 Diagnosis of COVID-19
The process of COVID-19 diagnosis is changing rapidly. If diagnostic tests are advised, pregnant women
should follow advice given, which should not be altered based on pregnancy status. In the UK, pregnant
women should be investigated and diagnosed as per local / Public Health England8/Health Protection
Scotland9 criteria. Obstetricians and midwives should liaise with their local virology service / health
protection team for further details about arrangements for testing and notification reporting of a positive
test result.
hospital is advised, pregnant women are requested to travel by private transport and alert the maternity
triage reception once on the premises, prior to entering the hospital.
10
Advice for services
caring for women
with suspected or
confirmed COVID-19
11
3. Advice for services caring for women with
suspected or confirmed COVID-19
3.1 General advice for services providing care to women with suspected or
confirmed COVID-19, in whom hospital attendance is necessary
The following suggestions apply to all hospital/clinic attendances for women with suspected or
confirmed COVID-19:
The following advice mostly refers to the care of women in the second or third trimesters of pregnancy.
Care of women in the first trimester should include attention to the same infection prevention and
investigation/diagnostic guidance, as for non-pregnant adults.
• Women should be advised to attend via private transport where possible or call 111/999 for
advice as appropriate. If an ambulance is required, the call handler should be informed that
the woman is currently in self-isolation for possible COVID-19.
• Women should be asked to alert a member of maternity staff to their attendance when on the
hospital premises, but prior to entering the hospital
• Staff providing care should take personal protective equipment (PPE) precautions as per local
/Public Health England10/Health Protection Scotland9 guidance
• Women should be met at the maternity unit entrance by staff wearing appropriate PPE and
provided with a surgical face mask (not FFP3 mask). The face mask should not be removed
until the woman is isolated in a suitable room.
• Women should immediately be escorted to an isolation room, suitable for the majority of care
during their hospital visit or stay
o For overnight stays, isolation rooms should ideally have an ante-chamber for donning and
removing staff PPE equipment and ensuite bathroom facilities
12
o Rooms should have negative pressure in comparison to the surrounding area, if available
• Only essential staff should enter the room and visitors should be kept to a minimum
• Remove non-essential items from the clinic/scan room prior to consultation
• All clinical areas used will need to be cleaned after use as per local/Public Health England10/
Health Protection Scotland9 guidance
• Women should immediately be escorted to an isolation room, suitable for the majority of care
during their hospital visit or stay
3.2 Women presenting for care with unconfirmed COVID-19 but symptoms
suggestive of possible infection
Maternity departments with direct entry for patients and the public should have in place a system for
identification of potential cases as soon as possible to prevent potential transmission to other patients
and staff. This should be at first point of contact (either near the entrance or at reception) to ensure early
recognition and infection control. This should be employed before a patient sits in the maternity waiting
area.
Services should follow guidance available from the NHS about whether the woman is at risk of COVID-19.
If women meet the "epidemiological criteria" to be tested (at the time of writing, travel to an affected area
or exposure to a known case) and show symptoms, they should be tested. Until test results are available,
they should be treated as though they have confirmed COVID-19. The full Public Health England
guidance8 has been summarised in a flowchart for this guideline (Appendix 1).
Pregnant women may attend for pregnancy reasons and have coincidental symptoms meeting current
COVID-19 case definition. There are some situations where overlap between pregnancy symptoms and
COVID-19 symptoms may cause confusion (e.g. fever with ruptured membranes). In cases of uncertainty
seek additional advice or in case of emergency treat as suspected COVID-19 until advice can be sought.
13
In the event of a pregnant woman attending with an obstetric emergency and being suspected or
confirmed to have COVID-19, maternity staff must first follow IPC guidance. This includes transferring to
an isolation room and donning appropriate PPE. This can be time consuming and stressful for patients
and health professionals. Once IPC measures are in place the obstetric emergency should be dealt with as
the priority. Do not delay obstetric management in order to test for COVID-19.
Further care, in all cases, should continue as for a woman with confirmed COVID-19, until a negative test
result is obtained.
3.3 Attendance for routine antenatal care in women with suspected or
confirmed COVID-19
Routine appointments for women with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 (growth scans, OGTT, antenatal
community or secondary care appointments) should be delayed until after the recommended period of
isolation. Advice to attend more urgent pre-arranged appointments (fetal medicine surveillance, high
risk maternal secondary care) will require a senior decision on urgency and potential risks/benefits.
Trusts are advised to arrange local, robust communication pathways for senior maternity staff members
to screen and coordinate appointments missed due to suspected or confirmed COVID-19.
If it is deemed that obstetric or midwifery care cannot be delayed until after the recommended period
of isolation, infection prevention and control measures should be arranged locally to facilitate care.
Pregnant women in isolation who need to attend should be contacted by a local care coordinator to rebook
urgent appointments / scans, preferably at the end of the working day.
3.4 Attendance for unscheduled/urgent antenatal care in women with
suspected or confirmed COVID-19
Where possible, early pregnancy (EPU) or maternity triage units should provide advice over the phone.
If this requires discussion with a senior member of staff who is not immediately available, a return
telephone call should be arranged.
14
Local protocols are required to ensure women with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 are isolated on
arrival to EPU or triage units and full PPE measures are in place for staff (see Section 3.1).
Medical, midwifery or obstetric care should otherwise be provided as per routine.
3.5 Women who develop new symptoms during admission (antenatal,
intrapartum or postnatal)
There is an estimated incubation period of 0-14 days (mean 5-6 days); an infected woman may therefore
present asymptomatically, developing symptoms later during an admission.11
Health professionals should be aware of this possibility, particularly those who regularly measure patient
vital signs (e.g. Health Care Assistants). Local guidance should be available on whom to contact for further
assessment of the patient in the event of new onset respiratory symptoms or unexplained fever.
3.6 Women attending for intrapartum care with suspected/confirmed COVID-19
and no/mild symptoms
All women should be encouraged to call the maternity unit for advice in early labour. Women with mild
COVID-19 symptoms can be encouraged to remain at home (self-isolating) in early (latent phase) labour
as per standard practice.
If birth at home or in a midwifery-led unit is planned, a discussion should be initiated with the woman
regarding the potentially increased risk of fetal compromise in women infected with COVID-19 (as was
noted in the Chinese case series of nine women).2 The woman should be advised to attend an obstetric
unit for birth, where the baby can be monitored using continuous electronic fetal monitoring. This
guidance may change as more evidence becomes available.
When a woman decides to attend the maternity unit, general recommendations about hospital
attendance (Section 3.1) apply.
3.6.1 Attendance in labour
15
Once settled in an isolation room, a full maternal and fetal assessment should be conducted to include:
• Assessment of the severity of COVID-19 symptoms should follow a multi-disciplinary team
approach including an infectious diseases or medical specialist
• Maternal observations including temperature, respiratory rate and oxygen saturations
• Confirmation of the onset of labour, as per standard care
• Electronic fetal monitoring using cardiotocograph (CTG)
o In two Chinese case series, including a total of 18 pregnant women infected with COVID-19
and 19 babies (one set of twins), there were 8 reported cases of fetal compromise.212 Given this
relatively high rate of fetal compromise, continuous electronic fetal monitoring in labour is
currently recommended for all women with COVID-19.
• If the woman has signs of sepsis, investigate and treat as per RCOG guidance on sepsis in
pregnancy, but also consider active COVID-19 as a cause of sepsis and investigate according
to guidance
If there are no concerns regarding the condition of either the mother or baby, women who would usually
be advised to return home until labour is more established, can still be advised to do so, if appropriate
transport is available.
Women should be given the usual advice regarding signs and symptoms to look out for, but in addition
should be told about symptoms that might suggest deterioration related to COVID-19 following
consultation with the medical team (e.g. difficulty in breathing, fever greater than 38.0oC).
If labour is confirmed, then care in labour should ideally continue in the same isolation room.
The following considerations apply to women in spontaneous or induced labour:
3.6.2 Care in labour
• When a woman with COVID-19 is admitted to the Delivery Suite, the following members
of the multi-disciplinary team should be informed: consultant obstetrician, consultant
16
anaesthetist, midwife-in-charge, consultant neonatologist and neonatal nurse in charge
• Efforts should be made to minimise the number of staff members entering the room and
units should develop a local policy specifying essential personnel for emergency scenarios
• Maternal observations and assessment should be continued as per standard practice, with
the addition of hourly oxygen saturations
o Aim to keep oxygen saturation >94%, titrating oxygen therapy accordingly
• If the woman has signs of sepsis, investigate and treat as per RCOG guidance on sepsis in
pregnancy, but also consider active COVID-19 as a cause of sepsis and investigate according
to guidance
• Given the rate of fetal compromise reported in the Chinese case series,2 12 the
current recommendation is for continuous electronic fetal monitoring in labour. This
recommendation may be altered as more evidence becomes available.
• There is currently no evidence to favour one mode of birth over another and therefore mode
of birth should be discussed with the woman, taking into consideration her preferences and
any obstetric indications for intervention. Mode of birth should not be influenced by the
presence of COVID-19, unless the woman's respiratory condition demands urgent delivery.
o At present, there are no recorded cases of vaginal secretions being tested for COVID-19.
However, a stool sample from a male patient with diarrhoea in the USA did test positive for the
virus13
• There is no evidence that epidural or spinal analgesia or anaesthesia is contraindicated in
the presence of coronaviruses. Epidural analgesia should therefore be recommended before,
or early in labour, to women with suspected/confirmed COVID-19 to minimise the need
for general anaesthesia if urgent delivery is needed, and because there is a risk that use of
Entonox may increase aerosolisation and spread of the virus.
• If Entonox is used then the breathing system must contain a filter to prevent contamination
with the virus (< 0.05μm pore size
17
• In case of deterioration in the woman's symptoms, refer to Section 3.7 for additional
considerations, and make an individual assessment regarding the risks and benefits of
continuing the labour, versus proceeding to emergency caesarean birth if this is likely to assist
efforts to resuscitate the mother.
• When caesarean birth or other operative procedure is advised, follow guidance from Section
3.6.4
o For Category 1 CS, donning PPE is time consuming. This may impact on the decision to
delivery interval but it must be done. Women and their families should be told about this
possible delay.
• An individualised decision should be made regarding shortening the length of the second
stage of labour with elective instrumental birth in a symptomatic woman who is becoming
exhausted or hypoxic
• Given a lack of evidence to the contrary, delayed cord clamping is still recommended
following birth, provided there are no other contraindications. The baby can be cleaned and
dried as normal, while the cord is still intact.
3.6.3 General advice for obstetric theatre
• Elective procedures should be scheduled at the end of the operating list
• Non-elective procedures should be carried out in a second obstetric theatre, where available,
allowing time for a full post-operative theatre clean according to local/Public Health England
/Health Protection Scotland guidance14 10
• The number of staff in the operating theatre should be kept to a minimum, all of whom must
wear appropriate PPE
• All staff (including maternity, neonatal and domestic) should have been trained in the use of
PPE so that 24 hour emergency theatre use is available and possible delays reduced
18
3.6.4 Elective caesarean birth
• Provide epidural or spinal anaesthesia as required and to avoid general anaesthesia unless
absolutely necessary
• If general anaesthesia is needed, either for pre-existent reasons such as coagulopathy,
because of urgency or because of the mother's medical condition, the advice is as follows:
Where women with symptomatic COVID-19 have scheduled appointments for pre-operative care and
elective caesarean birth, an individual assessment should be made to determine whether it is safe to
delay the appointment to minimise the risk of infectious transmission to other women, healthcare
workers and, postnatally, to her infant.
In cases where elective caesarean birth cannot safely be delayed, the general advice for services
providing care to women admitted when affected by suspected/confirmed COVID-19 should be followed
(see Section 3.1).
Obstetric management of elective caesarean birth should be according to usual practice.
Anaesthetic management for symptomatic women should be to:
o Use of PPE causes communication difficulties, so an intubation checklist must be used
o Rapid sequence induction as per usual practice ensuring tight seal during pre-oxygenation so
as to avoid aerosolisation
o Videolaryngoscopy by most experienced anaesthetist available
o In case of difficult intubation, plan B/C is to use a supraglottic airway, plan C is to use FONA
scalpel-bougie-tube
o The anaesthetist performing intubation is likely to get respiratory secretions on their gloves.
They should therefore consider wearing a second pair of gloves for the procedure, and remove
19
once the ET tube is secured, or if necessary, remove the gloves, wash hands and re-glove, whilst
keeping the rest of the PPE on.
o Determine position of tube without using auscultation - chest wall expansion R=L, End Tidal
CO2
Departments should consider running dry-run simulation exercises to prepare staff, build confidence and
identify areas of concern.
As for elective caesarean birth, an individual assessment should be made regarding the urgency of
planned induction of labour for women with mild symptoms and confirmed COVID-19. If induction of
labour cannot safely be delayed, the general advice for services providing care to women admitted to
hospital when affected by suspected/confirmed COVID-19 should be followed (see Section 3.1). Women
should be admitted into an isolation room, in which they should ideally be cared for the entirety of their
hospital stay.
3.6.5 Planned induction of labour
3.7 Additional considerations for women with confirmed COVID-19 and
moderate/severe symptoms
The following recommendations apply in addition to those specified for women with no/mild symptoms.
Where pregnant women are admitted to hospital with deterioration in symptoms and suspected/
confirmed COVID-19 infection, the following recommendations apply:
3.7.1 Women admitted during pregnancy (not in labour)
• A multi-disciplinary discussion planning meeting ideally involving a consultant physician
(infectious disease specialist where available), consultant obstetrician, midwife-in-charge and
consultant anaesthetist responsible for obstetric care should be arranged as soon as possible
following admission. The discussion and its conclusions should be discussed with the woman.
The following should be discussed:
20
o Key priorities for medical care of the woman;
o Most appropriate location of care (e.g. intensive care unit, isolation room in infectious disease
ward or other suitable isolation room) and lead specialty;
o Concerns amongst the team regarding special considerations in pregnancy, particularly the
condition of the baby
• The priority for medical care should be to stabilise the woman's condition with standard
supportive care therapies
o At the time of publication, there was no UK guidance for supportive care for adults
diagnosed with COVID-19, but a useful summary has been published by the WHO15
• Particular considerations for pregnant women are:
o Radiographic investigations should be performed as for the non-pregnant adult; this
includes chest X-ray and CT of the chest. Reasonable efforts to protect the fetus from
radioactive exposure should be made, as per usual protocols.
o The frequency and suitability of fetal heart rate monitoring should be considered on an
individual basis, taking into consideration the gestational age of the fetus and the maternal
condition. If urgent delivery is indicated for fetal reasons, birth should be expedited as normal,
as long as the maternal condition is stable.
o If maternal stabilisation is required before delivery, this is the priority, as it is in other
maternity emergencies e.g. severe pre-eclampsia
o An individualised assessment of the woman should be made by the MDT team to decide
whether elective birth of the baby is indicated, either to assist efforts in maternal resuscitation
or where there are serious concerns regarding the fetal condition. Individual assessment should
consider: the maternal condition, the fetal condition, the potential for improvement following
elective birth and the gestation of the pregnancy. The priority must always be the wellbeing of
the mother.
21
o There is no evidence to suggest that steroids for fetal lung maturation, when they would
usually be offered, cause any harm in the context of COVID-19. Steroids should therefore be
given where indicated. As is always the case, urgent delivery should not be delayed for their
administration.
In addition to recommendations in Sections 3.6 and 3.7.1, for women with moderate/severe COVID-19
requiring intrapartum care it is also recommended that:
3.7.2 Women requiring intrapartum care
• The neonatal team should be informed of plans to deliver the baby of a woman affected by
moderate to severe COVID-19, as far in advance as possible
• With regards to mode of birth, an individualised decision should also be made, with no
obstetric contra-indication to any method (see above). Caesarean section should be
performed if indicated based on maternal and fetal condition as in normal practice.
• Given the association of COVID-19 with acute respiratory distress syndrome16, women with
moderate-severe symptoms of COVID-19 should be monitored using hourly fluid inputoutput
charts, and efforts targeted towards achieving neutral fluid balance in labour, in order
to avoid the risk of fluid overload.
3.8 Postnatal management
3.8.1 Neonatal care
There are limited data to guide the postnatal management of babies of mothers who tested positive for
COVID-19 in the third trimester of pregnancy. Reassuringly, there is no evidence at present of (antenatal)
vertical transmission.
All babies of women with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 need to also be tested for COVID-19.
Literature from China has advised separate isolation of the infected mother and her baby for 14 days.
However, routine precautionary separation of a mother and a healthy baby should not be undertaken
lightly, given the potential detrimental effects on feeding and bonding. Given the current limited
22
evidence we advise that women and healthy infants, not otherwise requiring neonatal care, are kept
together in the immediate post-partum period.
A risks / benefits discussion with neonatologists and families to individualise care in babies that may be
more susceptible is recommended. We emphasise that this guidance may change as knowledge evolves.
All babies born to COVID-19 positive mothers should have appropriate close monitoring and early
involvement of neonatal care, where necessary. Babies born to mothers testing positive for COVID-19 will
need neonatal follow-up and ongoing surveillance after discharge.
3.8.2 Infant feeding
It is reassuring that in six Chinese cases tested, breastmilk was negative for COVID-19;2 however, given
the small number of cases, this evidence should be interpreted with caution. The main risk for infants
of breastfeeding is the close contact with the mother, who is likely to share infective airborne droplets.
In the light of the current evidence, we advise that the benefits of breastfeeding outweigh any potential
risks of transmission of the virus through breastmilk. The risks and benefits of breastfeeding, including
the risk of holding the baby in close proximity to the mother, should be discussed with her. This guidance
may change as knowledge evolves.
For women wishing to breastfeed, precautions should be taken to limit viral spread to the baby:
• Hand washing before touching the baby, breast pump or bottles;
• Wearing a face-mask for feeding at the breast;
• Follow recommendations for pump cleaning after each use;
• Consider asking someone who is well to feed expressed milk to the baby
For women bottle feeding with formula or expressed milk, strict adherence to sterilisation guidelines is
recommended. Where mothers are expressing breastmilk in hospital, a dedicated breast pump should be
used.
23
3.8.3 Discharge and readmission to hospital
Any mothers or babies requiring readmission for postnatal obstetric or neonatal care during the period
of home isolation due to suspected or confirmed COVID-19 are advised to phone ahead to contact their
local unit and follow the attendance protocol as described in section 3.1. The place of admission will
depend on the level of care required for mother or baby.
24
Advice for services
caring for women
following recovery
from confirmed
COVID-19
25
4. Advice for services caring for women following
recovery from confirmed COVID-19
Antenatal care for pregnant women following confirmed COVID-19 illness
Further antenatal care should be arranged 14 days after the period of acute illness ends. This 14-day
period may be reduced as information on infectivity in recovery becomes available. Referral to antenatal
ultrasound services for fetal growth surveillance is recommended, 14 days following resolution of acute
illness. Although there isn't yet evidence that fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a risk of COVID-19, two
thirds of pregnancies with SARS were affected by FGR and a placental abruption occurred in a MERS case,
so ultrasound follow-up seems prudent.1718
26
Acknowledgments
We wish to thank the following people and teams for expert input and review: the
Royal College of Midwives; the Royal College of Anaesthetists; the Royal College of
Paediatrics and Child Health; the Obstetric Anaesthetic Association; Public Health
England; Health Protection Scotland; NHS England; NHS Improvement Infection,
Prevention and Control Team; Dr Benjamin Black and Professor Asma Khalil.
Authors
Edward Morris, President RCOG
Pat O'Brien, Vice President, Membership, RCOG
Gemma Goodyear, Obstetric Fellow, RCOG
Sophie Relph, Obstetric Fellow, RCOG
Jennifer Jardine, Obstetric Fellow, RCOG
Anita Powell, Senior Director Clinical Quality, RCOG
Emma Gilgunn-Jones, Director of Media and Public Relations, RCOG
Ed Mullins, Clinical Advisor to the CMO
Russell Viner, President, RCPCH
27
Flow chart to assess COVID-19 risk in maternity unit
attendees
Has the woman either been in a country or area at increased risk (category 1), or in close contact
with a confirmed case of COVID-19 in the last 14 days?
List for England/Wales/Northern Ireland
List for Scotland
Does she have symptoms of fever, cough or shortness of breath?
Symptoms present
No symptoms
No further action - usual
care
Check if woman meets current criteria for testing for COVID-19
Criteria in England/Wales/NI
Criteria in Scotland.
Does not meet testing
criteria
No
Derived from Royal London flowchart developed by Dr Misha Moore
Does suspected This flow chart should be
used at first point of contact
(either near the entrance
or at reception), before
women enter the maternity
waiting area, to ensure early
recognition and infection
control.
28
Does the woman either have known COVID-19, or
suspected COVID-19 for which she has been advised by
PHE/HPS to be in isolation?
Meets testing criteria
Yes
Yes
• Transfer to designated area
• Isolate and use infection control
measures and appropriate as per local/
Public Health England/Health Protection
Scotland guidance.
• Alert designated local team, midwife
co-ordinator, obstetric consultant on call
and neonatal team
• MW and Obstetric Dr review within 30
minutes
• MDT discussion including medical team/
infectious diseases regarding best place
of care
Give the woman surgical (non FFP3) face mask and ask to put on
Does the woman have an emergency obstetric issue, or is she
in labour?
No emergency obstetric issue and not in labour
• Advise to take own personal transport
home immediately, self- isolate and
call NHS 111, or attend the hospital's
designated containment area for next
action
• Rebook any appointment after 14
days' time
Yes
29
References
30
References
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What obstetricians need to know. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 2020 doi: https://doi.
org/10.1016/j.ajog.2020.02.017
2 Chen H, Guo J, Wang C, et al. Clinical characteristics and intrauterine vertical transmission potential
of COVID-19 infection in nine pregnant women: a retrospective review of medical records. Lancet
2020 doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(20)30360-3
3 3. Chen S, Huang B, Luo DJ, et al. Pregnant women with new coronavirus infection: a clinical
characteristics and placental pathological analysis of three cases. Zhonghua Bing Li Xue Za Zhi
2020;49(0):E005-E05. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn112151-20200225-00138
4 Wang X, Zhou Z, Zhang J, et al. A case of 2019 Novel Coronavirus in a pregnant woman with preterm
delivery. Clinical Infectious Diseases 2020 doi: https://doi.org/10.1093/cid/ciaa200
5 Zhang J, Wang Y, Chen L, et al. Clinical analysis of pregnancy in second and third trimesters complicated
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wn-cov-infection accessed 05 March 2020.
9 Coronavirus (COVID-19) 2020 [Available from: https://www.hps.scot.nhs.uk/a-to-z-of-topics/covid-
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pneumonia. Transl Pediatr 2020;9(1):51-60. doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.21037/tp.2020.02.06
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Viruses 2020:1-16.
32

Η πρόκληση τοκετού στις 41 εβδομάδες είναι πιο ασφαλής από την αναμονή

Η πρόκληση τοκετού στις 41 εβδομάδες μπορεί να είναι ασφαλέστερη από την τακτική της αναμονής μέχρι την 42η εβδομάδα, σύμφωνα με μια μεγάλη σουηδική μελέτη που δημοσιεύτηκε στο BMJ.

Η τυχαιοποιημένη μελέτη πραγματοποιήθηκε σε 14 νοσοκομεία και διακόπηκε πρόωρα, επειδή οι ενδομήτριοι και νεογνικοί θάνατοι ήταν σαφώς υψηλότεροι στην ομάδα των γυναικών στις οποία τηρήθηκε στάση αναμονής μέχρι τις 42 εβδομάδες της εγκυμοσύνης, σε σύγκριση με την ομάδα των γυναικών που οδηγήθηκαν σε πρόκληση πρόκληση τοκετού στις 41 εβδομάδες.

Δεν υπήρχαν άλλες διαφορές μεταξύ των δύο ομάδων σε ανεπιθύμητες εκβάσεις τόσο για τα βρέφη, όσο και για τις μητέρες, οπότε η πρόκληση τοκετού στις 41 εβδομάδες πρέπει σίγουρα να αποτελεί επιλογή για τις γυναίκες που ξεπερνούν την πιθανή ημερομηνία τοκετού.

Η νεογνική θνησιμότητα και η νοσηρότητα καθώς και η νοσηρότητα στις μητέρες αυξάνει όταν η εγκυμοσύνη διαρκεί περισσότερο από 40 εβδομάδες. Ο κίνδυνος θνησιγενούς νεογνού αυξάνει σταδιακά από τις 39 εβδομάδες και η αύξηση αυτή γίνετε εκθετική όταν η εγκυμοσύνη προσεγγίζει τις 42 εβδομάδες.

Εξακολουθεί να υπάρχει αβεβαιότητα σχετικά με τη μαιευτική διαχείριση της εγκυμοσύνης μετά την πάροδο του της πιθανής ημερομηνίας τοκετού και τον βέλτιστο χρόνο για την πρόκληση τοκετού.

Περίπου το 14% των θνησιγενών παιδιών σχετίζεται με την παρατεταμένη εγκυμοσύνη. Ο Παγκόσμιος Οργανισμός Υγείας συνιστά την πρόκληση στις 41 εβδομάδες, αλλά οι πρακτικές που εφαρμόζονται σε διάφορες χώρες συχνά διαφέρουν.

Στη μελέτη οι ερευνητές συνέκριναν την πρόκληση τοκετού στις 41 εβδομάδες με μια προσέγγιση αναμονής και πρόκλησης στις 42 εβδομάδες αν δεν είχε ξεκινήσει έως τότε ο τοκετός. Σε 14 νοσοκομεία στη Σουηδία, μεταξύ 2016 και 2018, ένα σύνολο 2.760 γυναικών με χαμηλού κινδύνου, ανεπίπλεκτες κυήσεις που δεν υπήρχε αυτόματη έναρξη τοκετού μέχρι τις 40 εβδομάδες κατανεμήθηκαν τυχαία σε μία από τις δύο ομάδες. Στην ομάδα της πρόκλησης στις 41 εβδομάδες περιλήφθηκαν 1.381 γυναίκες και στην ομάδα της αναμονής έως τις 42 εβδομάδες 1.379 γυναίκες.

Ο σχεδιασμός της μελέτης ήταν να συμπεριλάβει συνολικά 10.000 γυναίκες, αλλά η μελέτη τερματίστηκε πρόωρα για ηθικούς λόγους, επειδή διαπιστώθηκε σημαντικά υψηλότερο υψηλότερο ποσοστό περιγεννητικής θνησιμότητας στην ομάδα αναμονής έως τις 42 εβδομάδες. Αξίζει να σημειωθεί ότι η μελέτη πραγματοποιήθηκε σε μια χώρα, όπου η τακτική της αναμονής έως τις 42 εβδομάδες αποτελεί πρακτικής ρουτίνας.

Οι ερευνητές εξέτασαν τις αρνητικές εκβάσεις για το μωρό, συμπεριλαμβανομένων του ενδομήτριου θανάτου, της νεογνικής θνησιμότητας, της εγκεφαλικής αιμορραγίας, της περιγεννητικής ασφυξίας, των αναπνευστικών προβλημάτων, των σπασμών και της ανάγκης για μηχανική υποστήριξη.
Εξετάστηκαν επίσης οι επιπλοκές από την πλευρά της μητέρας, όπως η ο τοκετός με καισαρική τομή ή ο επεμβατικός τοκετός, ο παρατεταμένος τοκετός, χρήση επισκληρίδιου αναισθησίας και η αιμορραγία μετά τον τοκετό.

Υπήρξαν πέντε ενδομήτριοι και ένας πρώιμος νεογνικός θάνατος μεταξύ των γυναικών που περίμεναν μέχρι την 42η εβδομάδα, σε σύγκριση με κανένα στην ομάδα που οδηγήθηκε σε πρόκληση στις 41 εβδομάδες.

Όσον αφορά τις επιπλοκές του τοκετού δεν υπήρξε στατιστικά σημαντική διαφορά μεταξύ των δύο ομάδων. Η συχνότητα των καισαρικών τομών επίσης δεν παρουσίαζε διαφορά ανάμεσα στις δυο ομάδες.

Ενημέρωση

COVID-19

guidance

Contents

Background and scope of guidance

We are advising those who are at increased risk of severe illness from coronavirus (COVID-19) to be particularly stringent in following social distancing measures.

What is social distancing?

Handwashing and respiratory hygiene

What should you do if you develop symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19)

How can I get assistance with foods and medicines if I am reducing my social contacts?

What should you do if you have hospital and GP appointments during this period?

What is the advice for visitors including those who are providing care for you?

What is the advice if I live with a vulnerable person?

How do you look after your mental wellbeing?

Further information on looking after your mental health during this time is available.

What steps can you take to stay connected with family and friends during this time?

Advice for informal carers

Summary of advice

Contents

Background and scope of guidance

We are advising those who are at increased risk of severe illness from coronavirus (COVID-19) to be particularly stringent in following social distancing measures.

What is social distancing?

Handwashing and respiratory hygiene

What should you do if you develop symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19)

How can I get assistance with foods and medicines if I am reducing my social contacts?

What should you do if you have hospital and GP appointments during this period?

What is the advice for visitors including those who are providing care for you?

What is the advice if I live with a vulnerable person?

How do you look after your mental wellbeing?

Further information on looking after your mental health during this time is available.

What steps can you take to stay connected with family and friends during this time?

Advice for informal carers

Summary of advice

Η πρόκληση τοκετού στις 41 εβδομάδες είναι πιο ασφαλής από την αναμονή