Your health, your family and our staff are our priorities during this COVID-19 pandemic period.
We have put in place a number of measures to keep our community safe while continuing to provide you with quality care at this time.
If you are sick with COVID symptoms or have been to a COVID exposure site, please call us before you come into the hospital or appointment.
If you have any concerns during your pregnancy, including concerns for your baby’s movements, bleeding or any other urgent concerns, please call us immediately for advice.
Find our Maternity Service contact numbers.
Updated guidance
Read the frequently asked questions about COVID-19 for pregnant women and new parents.
Routine Screening
There are COVID-19 screening measures in place for everyone entering our hospitals.
Visitors will be asked:
- Have you tested positive to COVID-19 within the last 10 days?
- Have you tested positive to another acute respiratory infection in the last seven (7) days?
- Do you have symptoms of COVID-19 or other acute respiratory infection?
- Are you a high risk contact of someone who has COVID-19 in the previous 14 days?
- Have you arrived from overseas in the past 7 days?
If you answer yes to any of these questions, you will not be permitted to enter the facility.
COVID-19 testing is available at our fever clinics. Find out opening times and locations.
Visiting restrictions in place
Who can come with me when I have my baby?
We ask all pregnant women to name one person to actively participate in her care (PIC). This includes during labour, birth and the time after birth, with your baby, while you remain in the birthing room.
Women can also choose to have one other person in addition to their PIC. The nominated person must:
- Be COVID negative on screening
- Have evidence of being up to date with COVID vaccination
- Be present for labour and birth only (they need to go home after the baby is born and can return during visiting hours)
- Agree to follow health staff instructions including physical distancing, hand washing and limiting their movements outside of the birthing unit/space.
What if my PIC has COVID? Download our Guide for Participants in Care to find out more.
General Visiting and screening for maternity units are in line with general hospital visiting restrictions.
Women may receive:
- two visitors at a time, twice each day for one hour between the hours of 1pm and 6pm.
- This could be four different people and does not include the nominated PIC.
For exceptional circumstances we encourage families to discuss their individual needs with staff. We know these restrictions can be challenging, and we appreciate your understanding during this time.
Changes to Pregnancy Care appointments
We ask that pregnant women who are scheduled to attend a face to face visit limit their support to one person for the appointment. The nominated person is required to wear a face mask on entry to the facility and for the full duration of the pregnancy care visit.
We will continue to contact women individually to plan their pregnancy care. Care will include telehealth consultations over the phone or video as well as face to face visits.
Our midwives are available 24 hours a day for ongoing support. Please don’t hesitate to contact your midwife or doctor for more information.
Stillbirth Prevention
Social distancing measures have meant that there have been changes to the way pregnancy care is being provided.
We understand that pregnant women are anxious about COVID-19 and this worry may lead them to avoid seeking care. Please call us immediately if you are concerned, it’s safe to visit your doctor, midwife or clinic for pregnancy care.
The following information provides important information about Covid-19 in pregnancy and stillbirth prevention. Click on the image or link below to download a copy of the flyer.
Download PDF: Stillbirth Prevention
Childbirth Education/Preparation for Parenthood
During the pandemic period we have cancelled all face-to-face childbirth education classes until further notice. Online classes are available.
This measure is in keeping with social distancing guidelines which are in place to protect us all.
Labour and Birth
You have the right to a safe and positive birth experience.
Your support person will be asked the same screening questions and will only be allowed entry to the hospital if they have no symptoms of illness or suspected infection.
If you have suspected or confirmed COVID-19 infection:
- you will be asked to wear a mask over your face and nose during labour
- you will still be able to move in labour and birth in the position of your choice
- you will have access to a range of pain relief options
- water immersion and water birth will no longer be an option.
- You will be recommended to have continuous fetal heart rate monitoring in labour
After birth – Midwifery visits in your Home
If you and your baby are well, going home as soon as possible after the birth is best and will be encouraged. To support you, we will offer you Midwifery in home visiting and telephone or telehealth (video) visits.
Staff will call you each day to check on you and your baby and ask if you need support or a visit.
Feeding your baby
Skin-to-skin contact at birth and breastfeeding is encouraged. It is important to pay careful attention to hand washing (hand hygiene) as well as taking care not to cough or sneeze over your baby.
If you are suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19 infection, we will encourage you to wear a mask when feeding or expressing breast milk for your baby. Where possible, have someone else help with the care of the baby.
Videos: information for mothers and families
COVID-19 in pregnancy
COVID-19 Keep in contact with your doctor
COVID-19 Attendance at appointments
COVID-19 and giving birth
COVID-19 Not separating babies
Have you got questions?
For more information, please call your Maternity care provider or the Birth Suite of the hospital you are booked with.