Birthrights has today released a statement calling for NHS England and the Royal Colleges to protect the rights of women giving birth during coronavirus.
We applaud the dedication of maternity professionals across the UK. Despite the challenges faced by maternity services we must remain united in the belief that every woman needs safe, respectful and compassionate care during pregnancy and birth.
What about women in Scotland?
https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/guidelines-research-services/guidelines/coronavirus-pregnancy/ This guidance applies to Scotland too, as does the Human Rights Act 1998
What about Wales?
The guidance also applies in Wales, as does the Human Rights Act 1998.
Yes what about women in Scotland? My local hospital has banned partners being present at surgical deliveries and on post natal ward.
The RCOG/RCM guidance (https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/guidelines-research-services/guidelines/coronavirus-pregnancy/) also applies in Scotland. This states that “Women should be permitted and encouraged to have a birth partner present with them in their labour and during birth. Having a trusted birth partner present throughout labour is known to make a significant difference to the safety and well-being of women in childbirth. A single, asymptomatic
birth partner should be permitted to stay with the woman, at a minimum, through pregnancy and birth, unless the birth occurs under general anaesthetic. Additional restrictions, such as limiting the number of birth partners to one, restricting any visitors to antenatal or postnatal wards, and preventing swapping
and postnatal visitors, should follow hospital policy.”
Hi I have recently tested positive for covid. I am 39 weeks and 5 days pregnant, due in 2 days. My partner has also tested positive so I have been told he cannot accompany me to the birth. I am fine with this as my mother was going to be my birthing partner anyway. I rang my midwife today to tell them I had tested positive and to see what the next steps are. They have told me I have to wait to I go into labour and ring them when I do and I have to come alone I am not aloud anyone In with me, as a first time mother I am absolutely petrified and really can’t do it without my mum. Is there anyway I can ask to be started off early while I have no symptoms and my mum is testing negative? If they leave me to go the 8 days over my symptoms could start to develop then and I’m worried I won’t be able to deliver my child safely
So sorry to hear this Cherie. You should ALWAYS be allowed someone you know with you in labour even if you test positive. If not too late please contact our advice line advice@birthrights.org.uk which is always monitored during working hours.