Here’s how to safely adapt your pregnancy plans but still enjoy yourself during the pandemic.
If you’re pregnant during the coronavirus crisis, chances are you’ve got a lot of questions. Which appointments are considered essential? Can you still see your midwife? And how are you going to get help and advice if you need them?
The situation across the UK is ever changing, and in turn the rules on what you can and can't do are too. During pregnancy, it's recommended to get a Covid-19 vaccination – read more about it here. It's also still really important to maintain social distancing rules, especially in your third trimester. Here’s our guide to doing everything you want...from a distance.
Antenatal check-ups
Before the coronavirus…Regular check-ups with your midwife at your local doctor’s surgery.
Now…Check ups are still really important, and you should make sure you don't miss them.
The only reason not to attend is, of course, if you have any covid-19 symptoms, in which case you should of course stay at home to isolate. Symptoms of coronavirus are:
- A high temperature
- A new, continuous cough
- A loss or change to your sense of smell or taste
If you have any or all of them, contact your midwife to rearrange your appointment.
There is also a possibility that appointments could transfer to the phone or video call, just like the rest of our lives during the pandemic, if tests or examinations aren’t needed.
You should also remember:
- If you do have an appointment coming up, contact your maternity unit for advice and check there are no changes to it.
- Your maternity unit will be in touch if you have a pregnancy that requires more appointments than most to make a plan.
- Your maternity team might take a bit longer than usual to get back to you at the moment. Try and be patient.
- You may need to attend appointments on your own if hospitals are restricting visitors.
Baby showers
Before the coronavirus… Baby shower with 18 friends, a quiz to make you snort with laughter and a table bursting with tea and cake.
Now… You may prefer not to socialise with lots of people at the moment – or, depending on restrictions, might not be able to. But you've still got Zoom/Google Hangouts so don’t miss out. Fun and social contact is needed more than ever at the moment so your friends will love to come along (virtually).
Still set the date and send out invites exactly as you would have done if it was happening at your house. Then sit in front of your screen and appreciate the fact you can dress in fancy clothes and bright lipstick from the waist up to make it feel special but also, wear pyjamas on the bottom. Ah, comfort. Win win.
Pregnancy news
Before the coronavirus… Telling friends that you’re pregnant in person.
Now… Time to get creative. Make a video announcing your news on YouTube. Set up a group Zoom for a surprise announcement in front of all of your friends together. Or go old school and send postcards in the post. You’ll cheer up a lot of people.
Antenatal classes
Before the coronavirus… NCT courses where you’d bond with other mums-to-be and their bumps.
Now… It’s just the same! You don’t have to miss out on our much-loved classes because we’re running live, interactive courses via Zoom. Hurrah! Join up and meet soon-to-be parents who live close to you.
Baby shopping
Before the coronavirus… You’d been planning a pretty special day browsing the Moses basket options in your local department store, taking a few prams for a spin and weeping when you picked up a tiny, tiny babygro for the first time. But now you may feel you'd prefer not to wander around crowded spaces for an afternoon.
Now… You’re super lucky, because we live in a time of online shopping and you can have all of the lovely new baby shopping experiences, from your sofa. So don’t worry about missing out. And the best bit? Not having to find clothes that still fit you in your third trimester to make the trip into town.
Of course, you won’t be able to do things like road-testing the prams but you have plenty of time now to do your online research and read 187 very detailed reviews. Try Which? for a detailed guide.
Pregnancy fitness
Before coronavirus… You were keeping fit through your pregnancy with regular yoga or pilates classes, swimming and walking.
Now… Don’t let Covid-19 stop you having a healthy pregnancy. As it’s still ok – and encouraged – for us all to get regular exercise to keep fit and healthy in pregnancy, head to a quiet spot close by for a walk if you'd rather avoid too many contacts at a class.
For more ideas about keeping busy at home during your pregnancy, read our article here. Stay safe and positive, everybody.
Further information
Our support line offers practical and emotional support with feeding your baby and general enquiries for parents, members and volunteers: 0300 330 0700.
Interactive, engaging and social, our antenatal course is a great way for you to meet other local parents, and get essential unbiased information and knowledge about pregnancy, birth and early days with your baby.
Read the NHS stay at home advice.
The NHS website has up-to-date information on coronavirus and how to reduce the possible spread of infection.
The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, Royal College of Midwives and Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health have produced information on coronavirus for pregnant women and their families.
The RCM has produced this helpful FAQ with advice and information on different aspects of pregnancy and birth for women and their families.
The Department of Health and Social Care website is being updated daily with guidance and what the government is doing about the virus.
Click on the following links for guidance on self-isolation and social distancing in Arabic, Bengali, Cantonese, French, Gujarati, Mandarin, Polish, Portuguese, Punjabi, Urdu and Welsh.
For more information about coronavirus in various languages see here.
