If you are well (you or anyone you live with doesn't have a cough or a high temperature) you should still go to your routine antenatal appointments. Alternatively depending upon the type of appointment, your midwife may contact you and offer to hold your appointment over the telephone.

We are offering online antenatal classes, please register here.

The ultrasound team are committed to delivering a safe quality diagnostic ultrasound service but do understand the frustrations this causes.

Unfortunately we are unable to support filming of any aspect of the ultrasound examination due to safety risks that cannot be sufficiently mitigated against. We are very grateful to the support of all the women attending for ultrasound and continue to provide free images at the 12 week scan.

The 20 week scan vouchers can be purchased at the machine in the reception area, they are £8 for 4 photos or £15 for 8 photos.

You can bring 1 birthing partner with you when you come to the labour ward or the birth centre, or when you are having a planned caesarean section. They will need to go home when you are transferred to the postnatal ward which is usually a few hours after birth.

You can book a one 4-hour visiting slot each day for your birth partner. This applies if you are admitted to the antenatal ward (Maple Ward) or the postnatal ward (Rowan Ward). The visiting times are 9.00am - 1.00pm or 3.00pm - 7.00pm. You will book the slot with the midwives on the ward each morning. If you're in a two-bedded room, you'll need to talk with the other family about which slot you'll have. There can only be one visitor in the room at a time. We ask visitors to take a lateral flow test before vising each day.

If you are otherwise well and there are no concerns about your pregnancy (for example any bleeding or pain) you should remain at home to self-isolate for 7 days, take paracetamol as directed on the packet and drink lots of fluids. If you feel your symptoms are worsening or haven't improved within 7 days you should contact NHS 111 or the Women & Children's Hospital for further advice.

If you have symptoms and also have a pregnancy concern (for example bleeding or pain) you should contact the Women & Children's Hospital immediately 01482 604490

If you have an urgent pregnancy concern (for example you think you may be in labour or severe pain/bleeding) you must contact the labour ward immediately whether or not you have symptoms.

If you are asked to attend the hospital when you have symptoms you must attend in your own private transport (not a taxi or on public transport), if this isn't possible please tell the person on the phone who has asked you to attend.

If someone you live with has symptoms you should self-isolate for 14 days. If your self-isolation means you will miss a maternity appointment or scan please get in touch with your midwife or the scan department to re-arrange your appointment.

Pregnant women are not more likely to be infected.
Most women will have no symptoms or only mild cold / flu symptoms however some women may have more severe symptoms, this is why the hospital has put in place measures to protect women and babies. The evidence says that babies are unlikely to be exposed whilst in the womb.

• Reducing visiting on the hospitals wards

• Asking women not to attend routine appointments if they (or anyone they live with) has a cough or high temperature

• Hospital and community staff are washing their hands more frequently and using hand sanitiser

• If suitable, holding appointments over the phone

• The installation of ‘pods’ to allow social distancing in hospital waiting areas

• Staff and visitors wearing face masks in the hospital

• If you have changed your phone number make sure you have told your midwife.
• Make sure your mobile phone is charged in case your midwife needs to contact you.
• Make sure you wash your hands more often than usual.
• Avoid touching your face, mouth and nose.
• Maintain at least 2 metres apart from other people if you have to go out.
• Wear a face mask or covering at your appointments and scans. You won’t need to wear a face mask or face covering while you are in labour, but your birth partner will need to.