Maternity FAQs

Why are pregnant women in a vulnerable group?

Based on the evidence we have so far, pregnant women are still no more likely to contract coronavirus than other people. However, what we do know is that pregnancy in a small number of women can alter how your body handles severe viral infections which is why pregnant women are classified as a vulnerable group. This is something that midwives and obstetricians have known for many years and are used to dealing with. As yet, there is no evidence that pregnant women who get coronavirus are more at risk of serious complications than any other healthy individuals.

How does coronavirus affect pregnant women?

It is expected that the large majority of pregnant women will experience only mild or moderate cold/flu like symptoms.

How will my maternity care at Heartlands or Good Hope hospitals change?

Ensuring that your pregnancy care is safe and in line with national guidance remains our number one priority. We have had to change the way we deliver some care because:

• Pregnant women have been identified as a group at risk from coronavirus. In view of this we want to reduce the chance of you being exposed to the virus when receiving care from us
• There have been changes to staff available to work and extra demand for services in the hospital

Can I bring my boyfriend/husband/partner to my scan or antenatal appointment?

We are restricting the number of visitors into the hospital so you will need to attend on your own. Your partner can drive you to and from your appointment.

How many birth partners can I have?

You can have one birth partner with you for the labour and birth this includes Caesarean section. For bereaved parents on the Eden Suite you are also permitted to have one birth partner.

Are visitors allowed after the birth?

Your birthing partner can stay for the remainder of the visiting hours in the delivery suite, and will then be allowed to join you on the postnatal ward for a short time.

Am I still supposed to attend my antenatal/scan appointment?

Unless you have been contacted by telephone or letter to let you know otherwise, please attend your appointment as usual.

Are elective C-sections still going ahead?

Yes, elective C-sections are still going ahead.

Can my partner come into theatre with me for my elective C-section?

Your partner will be able to attend your C-section procedure, and join you on the postnatal ward for a short time after birth. We're very sorry but these measures are necessary to keep our patients and staff safe.

Will all vaccinations still be going along as normal?

Yes vaccinations will be administered as normal.

How soon can I be discharged from hospital following the birth of my baby?

If you have had an uncomplicated elective C-section you should be able to go home within 24 hours if all is well. If you have a normal birth, you should be able to go home within four to six hours and if you have an assisted birth you will be able to go home within twelve hours, as long as there are no complications.

I am worried about coming into hospital in case I contract the virus

Please feel assured that hospital birth is safe. All of our maternity units are following national guidance regarding transmission of the virus and all staff have been provided with the required personal protective equipment to keep both you and them safe.

Can my partner visit me on the ward?

Your birth partner may visit you on the postnatal ward between 11:00 and 20:00. No other visiting is currently permitted on the postnatal and antenatal wards.

I want to breast feed my baby. Should I still do this?

All the latest evidence suggests that breast feeding your baby is safe and the virus has not been detected as yet in breast milk.

My 28-week scan was cancelled. Will I be able to have it soon?

Due to the pandemic, we had to postpone or cancel some scans, but we are now in a position to carry out 28-week scans.

I am due to have my baby on the midwifery-led unit. Can I still do that?

Yes, we have now reopened our Willow Suite.

Will I be tested for COVID-19?

We are now testing all women who need to stay overnight on our units.

I would like to have my baby at home. Can I still do that?

Yes we have recently reinstated the homebirth service at our Trust, so please speak to your maternity team about whether this is an option that is suitable for you.

I am due to give birth at Solihull Birth Centre. Can I still do that?

Yes, we are now able to welcome those having low-risk and midwife-led births at Solihull Birth Centre. Please speak to your community midwife to arrange.