Further changes to NHS pregnancy support
NHS Lanarkshire is further restricting neonatal visiting and suspending home births to protect families and staff from coronavirus.
This comes after the health board announced that pregnant women are no longer able to be accompanied by their partner at ultrasound scans.
In line with Scottish government guidance for pregnant women, who are included in the‘high risk’category, all maternity and antenatal appointments are now patient only.
The guidelines do not include during labour when one birthing partner is allowed.
Cheryl Clark, NHS Lanarkshire’s chief midwife, said:“One birthing partner is very much welcome during labour. However, to help tackle the spread of COVID-19 and maintain a safe maternity service for all women and their families, NHS Lanarkshire has taken the difficult decision to further restrict neonatal visiting as well as suspend our homebirth service with immediate effect.
“We understand this is an extremely difficult time for all pregnant women and their families but we need ensure our maternity service is safe. Mums-to-be should discuss any concerns with their community midwife.
“We are asking pregnant women who are scheduled to attend for ultrasound scans, appointments in our maternity day bed unit, antenatal clinics and maternity triage to attend on their own.”
As one of the government’s measures to tackle the rapidly growing COVID-19 pandemic, expectant mums are advised to self-isolate for 12 weeks, to“shield” themselves from the bug.
NHS Lanarkshire revealed it is experiencing an“unprecedented”high volume of calls to its maternity triage department from pregnant women wishing advice on COVID-19.
The News understands there has been some confusion over whether technology such as FaceTime or video can be used to share ultrasound experiences with a birth partner.
While NHS Lanarkshire are not allowing this, hospitals in NHS Greater Glagow and Clyde (NHSGGC) are encouraging women to make use of this medium.
NHS Lanarkshire’s chief midwife added:
“Unfortunately, NHS Lanarkshire does not permit the filming of ultrasounds. As this is a clinical examination, the safety of our patients undergoing ultrasound imaging is paramount.”
An NHSGGC spokeswoman said:“Like many other Health Boards, NHSGGC has regrettably made the decision to limit baby scans to the pregnant woman. There would obviously be exceptions to this where the woman was vulnerable or in tragic circumstances such as pregnancy loss.
“We are encouraging women to use technology to share the experience with their partner or friend.
“Antenatal visits will continue for women and again, we are exploring use of technology for some consultations.”
Vsit the NHS Inform website for updates.