- Last Modified:
- 19th February 2021
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: updates to evidence relating to COVID-19 in pregnancy. Full update in ‘Pregnancy’. Added: 19th February 2021.
- Guidance update: information and decision aids added regarding vaccinations. Full update in ‘Pregnancy’. Added: 19th February 2021.
- Guidance update: support person to be allowed to accompany women throughout maternity care. Added: 16th December 2020.
- Guidance update: antenatal appointments, advice for mothers more at risk. Full update in ‘Pregnancy’. Added: 28th October 2020.
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.