Last Modified:
2nd October 2020

COVID-19 Advice Hub

As a leading mother and baby charity, whose mission is to give every mum and baby the safest and most positive experience from pregnancy to birth, and the weeks following. We provide training to thousands of the NHS frontline staff, provide essential equipment, and carry out research to inform Government policy.

We’re here for you, as we know that whether this is your first time or your fifth that things seems quite uncertain at the moment. Pregnancy, birth, and the weeks following are also a really exciting time for you and your family, and we’re here to help you navigate your way through.

We’ve gathered our knowledge from the experts

We’ve collected recommendations from the leading experts and organisations to provide you with what you need to know in one place. Sources links can be found at the bottom of this page.

This work has kindly been supported by Leigh Day and Hudgell Solicitors

Here's what's recently changed

As we are still learning about this virus, things will change rapidly. We’ll keep you updated here.

Guidance update. Added: 2nd October 2020.
Guidance update: Advice for those shielding updated. More in ‘During Pregnancy‘. Added: 3rd July 2020.
Guidance update: First postnatal appointment will now be in person. More in ‘After You Have Given Birth’. Added: 18th June 2020.
Guidance update: All appointments advice now includes guidance on face coverings. More in ‘During Pregnancy‘. Added: 12th June 2020.
Infographics update: ‘After You Have Given Birth’ infographic updated. (added: 5th June 2020) Download infographics.
Guidance update: Guidance around seeing friends and family in ‘After You Have Given Birth‘ (added: 5th June 2020)
Guidance update: Socially distanced guidance changed below. (added: 5th June 2020)
Guidance update: More guidance added on birth partners. Full update in ‘Birth‘. (added: 4th June 2020)
Guidance update: Sections added on induction and caesarean. Full update in ‘Birth‘. (added: 4th June 2020)
Guidance update: Practical guidance for women with children in their household who may be returning to school. Full update in ‘During Pregnancy‘. (added: 22nd May 2020)

Pregnancy

Birth

After you've given birth

There are things you can do to help reduce the risk of you and anyone you live with getting ill with coronavirus.

Wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds.
Use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available.
Wash your hands as soon as you get back home.
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 touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean.

What should you be doing if you're pregnant to protect yourself?

Advice from the government page:

Attend your antenatal and postnatal appointments if you do not have symptoms of coronavirus. If you do have symptoms, rearrange your appointment with your maternity team.
You should be especially careful to be social distanced (at least 3 steps/2 metres away).
Wash or sanitise your hands regularly.
Pregnant women are still classed as “vulnerable” and should continue to take particular care to minimise contact with others outside your household.
If someone coronavirus symptoms, however mild, please do not meet with them.
If someone has been asked to isolate, please do not meet with them.

Where We Got Our Knowledge

The NHS
Royal College Guidance, consisting of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, Royal College of Midwives and Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, with input from the Royal College of Anaesthetists, the Obstetric Anaesthetists’ Association, Public Health England and Health Protection Scotland.
Royal College of Anaesthetists guidance.
Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists and Royal College of Midwives antenatal and postnatal guidance.
Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health.
Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust Information for Patients Leaflet
UNICEF Baby Friendly Initiative.
The Society of Radiographers Guidance on Scanning during COVID-19
NHS England: Parent information for newborn babies
NHS England: Illness in newborn babies

Support For You

Maintaining Your Safety & Wellbeing
Every Mind Matters – NHS Guidance & Advice.
Maternal Mental Health Alliance. – Reassurance during the COVID-19 outbreak.
IAPT Services (England) – Accessing mental health support.
Move with Mumma
Domestic abuse advice
Domestic abuse helpline and support (24/7): 0808 2000 247
Women’s Aid – COVID-19 Support and Advice.
NCT: 0300 330 0700

If you are worried and feel that you need extra support from your maternity team, please let them know. They will be able to give you support.

Get in touch

Thank you for visiting our site, we would love to hear from you! The best way to get in touch with us is by using this contact form, we will get back to you as soon as possible.