Covid-19 Coronavirus

COVID-19 and Pregnancy

Updated on 2 July 2020

Like all maternity units across Europe, the Isle of Man Women, Children’s and Family Care Group have considered the implications of COVID-19 and how this may affect the women and babies that they care for.    

Whilst the Women, Children’s and Family Care Group aim to maintain a full service, this may not be possible at all times our priority is to ensure the safety of mothers and babies.    

As a result, interim measures have been introduced and pregnant women will be contacted in writing to advise them of these changes. 

These measures aim to reduce:  

  • the number of visits to Nobles hospital during COVID-19 
  • face to face contact with healthcare professionals 
  • the time you will need to spend in waiting areas with other patients 
  • the length of time you stay in hospital following delivery.   

Also see: COVID-19 Pregnancy frequently asked questions    

Initial consultation  
(by phone) 

This initial call is to gather information about you, your current pregnancy, to discuss any previous pregnancies and to consider any other prior health conditions or concerns.    

Scheduled Appointment  
(in person)   

During this appointment the Maternity team will check your: 

  • height 
  • weight 
  • blood pressure 

A urine sample and blood test will also be undertaken. 

Obstetric Team  
(by phone) 

During your scheduled appointment you will be advised if it is necessary for you to speak to one of the Obstetric Team.  As suitable time and date to receive a separate call by phone will be arranged with you at that time. 

Antenatal appointments and 
Follow up antenatal appointments 
 

These appointments may take place at the hospital, your GP surgery or at another suitable venue.  

  • There will be an initial telephone consultation with a midwife the day before your appointment (hospital or Community). 
  • During your appointment the midwife will check your blood pressure, check your urine sample and measure the size of the uterus. 
  • Update: Currently under review as at the 2 July 2020. 

If you are referred for a  
Growth scan 

Patients will continue to attend an antenatal consultation at the hospital and at the same time will also discuss the results of the scan. 

  • Prior to your scan appointment to attend the hospital you will receive a phone call from the Community Midwife. 
  • On arrival your blood pressure will be checked and a urine specimen will be taken immediately prior to your scan 
  • If your scan seems normal you can go home immediately. 
  • If there are any concerns about the scan, a team member will speak to you before you leave the hospital to map out support and an ongoing care plan. 
  • Update: Currently under review as at the 2 July 2020.

Who can attend an ultrasound? 
  • Only one person will be allowed to attend with a mother at the time of ultrasound scan. 
  • Update: Currently under review as at the 2 July 2020.

Follow up phone calls 

Throughout your pregnancy calls will continue to address and questions or concerns that you might have. 

Unwell or Illness during pregnancy 
 

Unwell for your 20 week scan - postponed for a period of 14 days after the end of any acute illness.  

Please telephone for advice before attending your scheduled appointment.   

  • If unwell at for the dating scan or the 20 week scan.   
  • Plans are in place to provide an alternative date for this to be undertaken. 
  • Unwell at the time of your dating scan and wish to have screening for chromosomal problems.   A new date would be booked based on a blood test to be undertaken between 16-20 weeks gestation. 

Women in Labour or delivery by Caesarean Section  
  • From 2 July 2020 one birth partner can be present during the birth. They will also be able to return to the postnatal ward with the mum and baby for a short period of time after.

Visitors to Jane Crookall Maternity Ward 
  • From 2 July 2020 one person will be permitted to visit the Jane Crookall Maternity Wing between 6pm and 8pm each day. This person must be the same person each day.

Birth - Returning home after delivery  

 
  • A six hour discharge process is currently being considered for those mothers who meet a set criteria and we continue to encourage early postnatal discharge where appropriate.
  • This would mean that after delivery, mothers could return home, rather than remaining in hospital. 
  • Please bring a car seat into hospital with you on admission to the ward in labour/for delivery so that this can be ready to use when it is time to go home. 

Discharge and follow up appointments 
  • Community midwives are currently planning to re-introduce some home visits after the birth but the majority of care will continue to take place at the postnatal clinics.

Postnatal Clinic Appointments 
  • Following discharge from the Maternity Unit you will be contacted to attend an appointment for you and your baby to attend a postnatal clinic.  
  • These will be held North, South and centrally in Douglas.  

 

If you have any queries about the changes proposed, could you in the first instance address them to your Midwife who will hopefully be able to answer your questions. 

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