Please note that information provided on pregnancy and coronavirus in the blog below was sourced from the NHS website on 3rd February 2021.

Lockdown can feel like an uncertain time for everyone, with mixed emotions on loneliness and health. At Early Life Ultrasound Centre we are here for all expectant parents, making your pregnancy journey as safe and enjoyable as possible during the Covid-19 pandemic. For advice on coping with pregnancy during lockdown, continue reading below.

Staying Safe in Lockdown

When pregnant during lockdown, it is important to understand how to stay safe. It is essential for you to report any coronavirus symptoms you are experiencing to your midwife or maternity team. This should be in addition to any other pregnancy concerns you have.

What should I do to keep safe?

We advise you to continue regularly washing your hands, stay at home as much as possible, abide by social distancing rules and stay clear from anyone experiencing coronavirus symptoms.

Should I still attend my appointments?

Unless you are advised otherwise by a medical professional, you should still attend your pregnancy scans. When arriving for your pregnancy scan, you may be asked to wear a mask or gown. Also, some appointments may be cancelled, rescheduled or some midwife appointments can be done online or via phone or video call.

Can I visit friends and family?

Pregnancy can be an exciting time that you wish to share with all of your family and friends. However, due to the current situation you should follow government advice when it comes to social distancing. Make the most of video calls and social distanced walks (where allowed) so that you can continue to share your pregnancy journey with those who mean the most.

What should I do if I have coronavirus symptoms?

If you begin experiencing any coronavirus symptoms while pregnant you should self-isolate at home and so should anyone you live with. If you have been in contact with anyone in your support bubble 48 hours before you began showing symptoms of coronavirus or since they started, they must self-isolate too.

To be sure, book a coronavirus test as soon as possible, in addition to those self-isolating with you. Speak to your midwife or maternity team to discuss your pregnancy appointment options.

Being a Pregnant Employee During Lockdown

If you are coping with pregnancy during lockdown while working, it is best to have a conversation with your employer on how you can continue working while staying as safe as possible in the workplace.

After informing your employer of your pregnancy in writing, they should carry out a risk assessment to follow the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations. More information about this can be found on the NHS website here.

Once a workplace risk assessment has been completed by your employer and occupational health team, any potential risks should be removed. Once this is done and is reported to be safe, you can continue to work. If your employer is unable to remove any potential risks, pregnant women should be offered alternative work or work arrangements or be suspended with normal pay.

However, if you are 28 weeks pregnant or over or you have underlying health conditions which leave you at a greater risk of severe illness from Covid-19 you should take a more precautionary approach to the pandemic. Despite your chances of contracting Covid-19 being the same as someone who isn’t pregnant but is in a similar position health wise, you are more likely to become severely ill and experience pre-term birth if you do contract it.

While working, you should ensure that your employer is adhering to any active national guidance on social distancing and advice for clinically extremely vulnerable pregnant women.

Private Scans at Early Life Ultrasound Centre

At Early Life Ultrasound Centre we offer private pregnancy scans with a team who are dedicated to providing a safe and welcoming environment for expectant parents. If your NHS pregnancy scan is cancelled, ask our team about booking a baby scan with us. For further information on your scan options, browse the website or call 01242 300810 today.