mteb/FeedbackQARetrieval huggingface dataset:
Coronavirus infection and pregnancy
General information and advice for all pregnant women during the coronavirus pandemic
Q. What effect will coronavirus have on my baby if I am diagnosed with the infection?
As this is a very new virus, we are just beginning to learn about it. There is
no evidence to suggest an increased risk of miscarriage.
Emerging evidence suggests that transmission from a woman to her baby during
pregnancy or birth (vertical transmission) is probable. It is important to
emphasise that in all reported cases of newborn babies developing coronavirus
very soon after birth, the babies were well.
Given current evidence, it is considered unlikely that if you have the virus
it would cause problems with your baby’s development, and none have been
observed currently.
Across the world, emerging reports suggest some babies have been born
prematurely to women who were very unwell with coronavirus. It is unclear
whether coronavirus caused these premature births, or whether it was
recommended that their babies were born early for the benefit of the women’s
health and to enable them to recover.
In the recent UK study of 427 pregnant women with
coronavirus published on 11 May, the data reported outcomes for babies who
were born to women with coronavirus severe enough that the woman required
hospital admission. Although almost one in five were born prematurely and were
admitted to a neonatal unit, fewer than 20 babies were born very prematurely
(when the women were less than 32 weeks’ pregnant). One in 20 babies born (12
babies in total) had a positive test for coronavirus, but only half of these
babies – 6 babies - had a positive test immediately after birth, suggesting
that transmission of the coronavirus infection from a woman to her baby is
low. The number of babies born at term (37 weeks or later) to women who had
tested positive for coronavirus that required neonatal care was similar to the
number of babies born to women without the virus – about 1 in 10.
Coronavirus infection and pregnancy
General information and advice for all pregnant women during the coronavirus pandemic
Q. What is the advice for pregnant women with older children attending school/nursery/external childcare?
Pregnant women were placed in the vulnerable category by the Chief Medical
Officer on 16 March as a precaution during the coronavirus pandemic. The
government‘s guidance on schools and early years settings
advises that: children and young people who live with
someone who is pregnant (vulnerable) can attend school and early years
settings. See the next question for information about pregnant women who are
classed as extremely vulnerable.
All pregnant women are advised to follow government guidance on staying alert
and safe (social
distancing). Pregnant women
are at no greater risk of contracting coronavirus or becoming seriously unwell
than other healthy adults. However, there are additional concerns for pregnant
women in the third trimester. This is based on the challenges in caring for
women who are heavily pregnant, and the risk of the baby needing to be born
early for the woman’s wellbeing.
A recent report from a UK study showed that so far all pregnant women who
became seriously unwell with coronavirus were in the third trimester. This
emphasises the importance of more stringently practicing social distancing
from 28 weeks of pregnancy.
If you choose to take your children to school/nursery/external childcare, you
should ensure you practice social distancing – stay two meters away from
teachers/carers and other parents and do not go inside the building. If this
is difficult, then consider staggering your child’s drop off and pick up
times. Remember to wash your hands when you return home and ensure that your
children wash their hands when they leave the childcare setting. Alcohol gel
can be used if they cannot wash their hands with soap and water.
If you are concerned about the choice of returning to school or other
childcare settings based on the risk to children attending, helpful
information is available from the
RCPCH.
Coronavirus infection and pregnancy
Information for all pregnant women about childbirth choices and birth partners during the coronavirus pandemic
Q. Who should care for my other children when I go into hospital for labour and birth?
Government guidelines recommend that guidelines on social distancing should be
followed by everybody in the UK wherever possible. It is reasonable to leave
the home when you need to do so for a medical reason (i.e. attending a clinic
appointment or attending the maternity unit to have your baby). It is
important that you are supported by a well birth partner when attending the
maternity unit for the birth of the baby; however, your other children must
not go with you into the maternity unit. If this means that there is nobody
else available at home to care for your other children, then it is necessary
for the children to be cared for by another close family member or friend.
Please discuss this with the chosen person in advance. When choosing another
person to care for your children in this situation, please do not ask somebody
who is vulnerable to the severe effects of coronavirus (e.g. people over the
age of 70, other pregnant women or individuals with significant medical
problems). Also, please make a back-up plan, in the case the person you had
planned to ask is self-isolating because either they, or someone else in their
home, are unwell with coronavirus when you need them.
Coronavirus infection and pregnancy
Advice for all pregnant women on attending antenatal and postnatal care during the coronavirus pandemic
Q. Who should I contact about my antenatal and postnatal care appointments?
If you have been allocated a local health continuity team or a named
community midwife
You should continue to contact your continuity team or community midwife by
telephone to discuss any questions or concerns you might have and to check on
arrangements for all scheduled and future appointments.
If you have not been allocated a local health continuity team or a named
community midwife
You should contact your GP surgery or local maternity unit in order to be
connected to an appropriate continuity team or named community midwife so you
can discuss any questions or concerns you might have and to check on
arrangements for all scheduled and future appointments. If you are unsure when
your next appointment is you should make contact as above to help us care for
you.
Coronavirus infection and pregnancy
Information for all pregnant women about childbirth choices and birth partners during the coronavirus pandemic
Q. Will my childbirth choices be affected by the coronavirus pandemic?
We understand this must be a stressful and anxious time if you are pregnant
and due to give birth in the coming months. Maternity units everywhere are
working around the clock right now to manage additional pressures and
facilitate women’s choices.
Like all areas of NHS care, maternity services will be affected by the
pandemic but units are working to ensure services are provided in a way that
is safe, with the levels of staff that are needed and the ability to provide
emergency care where necessary.
If you have chosen to give birth at home or in a midwife-led unit that is not
co-located with an obstetric unit, it is worth noting that these services rely
on the availability of ambulance services to allow for rapid transfer to
hospital, and the right number of staff to keep you safe. If these are not in
place, it is possible that your Trust or Board may not be able to provide
these services.
Coronavirus infection and pregnancy
General information and advice for all pregnant women during the coronavirus pandemic
Q. What research is being done to monitor the impact of coronavirus on pregnant women and their babies?
The UK is conducting near-real-time surveillance (observation) of women who
are hospitalised and test positive for coronavirus during pregnancy, through
well-established systems already used by all maternity units – this is the UK
Obstetric Surveillance System (UKOSS).
Imperial College London are also running a surveillance programme (PAN-
COVID) to monitor pregnancy and neonatal outcomes for
women with coronavirus.
The COVID-19 Symptom Study app has been
developed by King’s College London and health science company ZOE. Members of
the public, including pregnant women, can use this app to report on their
health during the coronavirus pandemic.
We will update our information if and as soon as there is any change in the
evidence.
Coronavirus infection and pregnancy
General information and advice for all pregnant women during the coronavirus pandemic
Q. Are some pregnant women more at risk of becoming seriously unwell from coronavirus than others?
Data from the UKOSS study of 427 pregnant women in
May 2020 found the majority of women who have become severely ill were in
their third trimester of pregnancy, emphasising the importance of social
distancing from 28 weeks of pregnancy.
The study also found pregnant women from black, Asian and minority ethnic
(BAME) backgrounds are more likely than other women to be admitted to hospital
for coronavirus. Pregnant women over the age of 35, those who are overweight
or obese, and those women who have pre-existing medical problems, such as high
blood pressure and diabetes, also appear to be at higher risk of developing
severe illness.
All pregnant women are advised to follow government guidance on staying alert
and safe (social
distancing). If you develop
coronavirus you are still most likely to have no symptoms or a mild illness
from which you will make a full recovery. It is important that all pregnant
women who develop more severe symptoms or whose recovery is delayed should
seek help, particularly if you are at higher risk of becoming seriously unwell
and being admitted to hospital.
Healthcare professionals are also being advised that women known to be at
higher risk should be told at each contact that they may be at risk of
complications of coronavirus, and advised to seek help early if they become
concerned about their health or that of their baby.
The increased risk to pregnant women from a BAME background will mean that
your maternity team may book you additional appointments, or refer you to a
doctor or specialist clinic should there be any concerns about your health or
your baby’s.  
The Royal College of Midwives has developed new
guidance for midwives and
maternity support workers to ensure that they are aware of the increased risks
for BAME women and can pass on relevant advice and
support to the women in their care.
Coronavirus infection and pregnancy
General information and advice for all pregnant women during the coronavirus pandemic
Q. What can I do to reduce my risk of catching coronavirus?
The most important thing to do is to follow government
guidance. For pregnant
women and the rest of their households, this includes:

Wash your hands regularly
Use a tissue when you or anyone in your family coughs or sneezes, discard it and wash your hands
Avoid contact with someone who is displaying symptoms of coronavirus (these symptoms include high temperature and/or new and continuous cough)
Avoid non-essential use of public transport when possible
Work from home, when possible
Avoid large and small gatherings in public spaces, noting that pubs, restaurants, leisure centres and similar venues are currently shut as infections spread easily in closed spaces where people gather together
Avoid gatherings with friends and family; keep in touch using remote technology such as phone, internet and social media
Use telephone or online services to contact your GP or other essential services
Coronavirus infection and pregnancy
General information and advice for all pregnant women during the coronavirus pandemic
Q. Should I plan a pregnancy during the coronavirus pandemic?
Becoming pregnant during the coronavirus pandemic is a matter of personal
choice.
The Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare (FSRH) recommend that when
considering a pregnancy, women and their partners consider the risks of
coronavirus transmission associated with routine contacts with healthcare
professionals during pregnancy, particularly if pregnancy complications may
necessitate frequent hospital attendance.
For more information, see the FSRH clinical statement: Information to support
management of individuals requesting to discontinue contraception to plan a
pregnancy during the Covid-19 outbreak.
Coronavirus infection and pregnancy
Advice for all pregnant women on attending antenatal and postnatal care during the coronavirus pandemic
Q. How many postnatal appointments will I have?
Your postnatal care will be individualised to meet your needs and those of
your baby. You should have at least three postnatal appointments with your
local continuity team or community midwife. These will take place once you
have been discharged from hospital: on your first full day at home, then on
day 5 and day 10. These appointments may be a mixture of face-to-face care at
home or in a clinic, and telephone consultations, where this is appropriate.
After your postnatal appointment on day 10, your care will be transferred to
your local health visiting team. You will be given information about this.
Coronavirus infection and pregnancy
Occupational health guidance for pregnant women who work in a public-facing role
Q. What is the advice for pregnant healthcare workers after 28 weeks’ gestation, or with an underlying health condition?
If you are in your third trimester (more than 28 weeks’ pregnant), or have an
underlying health condition – such as heart or lung disease – we strongly
recommend you avoid direct patient contact. It is better to work from home
where possible, avoid contact with anyone with symptoms of coronavirus, and
significantly reduce unnecessary social
contact.
Data from the UKOSS study of 427 pregnant women in
May 2020 found the majority of women who have become severely ill were in
their third trimester of pregnancy, emphasising the importance of social
distancing from 28 weeks of pregnancy.
We encourage employers to seek opportunities for pregnant healthcare workers
in their third trimester to work flexibly in a different capacity, to avoid
roles where they are working directly with patients.
Whatever gestation of your pregnancy, you should discuss your individual
circumstances with your local Occupational Health department.
The evidence base for this new virus is growing rapidly and, as and when new
information emerges, the government and professional bodies will update the
guidance.
Maternity Action has published FAQs around rights and benefits during
pregnancy and maternity
leave which you may find
helpful.
Coronavirus infection and pregnancy
Advice for pregnant women with suspected or confirmed coronavirus infection
Q. What happens if I go into labour during my self-isolation period?
If you go into labour during self-isolation, you should call your maternity
unit for advice, and inform them that you have suspected or confirmed
coronavirus infection.
If you have mild symptoms, you will be encouraged to remain at home (self-
isolating) in early labour, as usual practice.
Your maternity team have been advised on ways to ensure that you and your baby
receive safe, quality care, respecting your birth choices as closely as
possible.
When you and your maternity team decide you need to attend the maternity unit,
general recommendations about hospital attendance will apply:

You will be advised to attend hospital via private transport where possible, or call 111/999 for advice, as appropriate
You will be met at the maternity unit entrance and provided with a surgical face mask, which will need to stay on until you are isolated in a suitable room
Coronavirus infection and pregnancy
General information and advice for all pregnant women during the coronavirus pandemic
Q. I am pregnant – what do I need to do?
As a precaution, you should follow government advice about social distancing,
stay away from public places and avoid anyone who has symptoms suggestive of
coronavirus. It is still considered necessary for pregnant women to go out for
essentials, such as food shopping, exercise and to attend antenatal
appointments.
If you are in your third trimester (more than 28 weeks’ pregnant) you should
be particularly attentive to social distancing and minimise any contact with
others.
All pregnant women should follow the Public Health England advice:

Guidance on social distancing for all vulnerable people including pregnant women
Guidance for individuals and households with possible coronavirus infection

On 24 March, additional
‘shielding’ measures
were announced for people defined on medical grounds to be at very high risk
of severe illness from coronavirus, including pregnant women with significant
heart disease (congenital or acquired). If you are pregnant and have
significant heart disease, it is strongly recommended that you follow these
shielding measures to keep yourself safe.
Coronavirus infection and pregnancy
Information for all pregnant women about childbirth choices and birth partners during the coronavirus pandemic
Q. Will I be able to have my birth partner with me on the postnatal ward?
To ensure compliance with social distancing measures and prevent the spread of
coronavirus, visitor restrictions are in place across all hospital wards,
including antenatal and postnatal wards. We understand it may be upsetting not
having your birth partner with you on the postnatal ward after you have given
birth, but these restrictions are in place to reduce the risk of transmission
of coronavirus to you, your baby, the maternity staff and birth partners
themselves. Please be reassured that during this time, midwifery, obstetric
and support staff will do their best to support the needs for all women and
the practical challenges of caring for newborns after birth.
Coronavirus infection and pregnancy
Advice for all pregnant women on attending antenatal and postnatal care during the coronavirus pandemic
Q. How will the coronavirus pandemic affect my routine antenatal and postnatal appointments?
We understand that it could be a stressful and anxious time if you are
pregnant or have recently given birth during the coronavirus pandemic. The NHS
is working to ensure that you, your baby and your family are supported and
cared for during these uncertain times. This means that there may be some
changes to how, when and where you attend essential routine appointments and
how safe care and support are given to you. You will be told about any changes
by your local maternity service.
Antenatal and postnatal care is based on years of evidence to keep you and
your baby safe in pregnancy and birth, and beyond. Antenatal and postnatal
care should therefore be regarded as essential and you should be encouraged to
attend, despite being advised to engage with social distancing measures.
Your local maternity team may reduce routine appointments, provide more home
visits or deliver some care and support over the phone or by video to reduce
the number of times you need to travel and attend hospital/clinics. You will
be informed of any changes to your care in advance.
Guidance Actions for early years and childcare providers during the coronavirus outbreak
Early Years Foundation Stage
Does someone with a paediatric first aid certificate still need to be on site?
The requirements in the EYFS on paediatric first aid certification have been
modified and statutory guidance on
EYFS has been published setting out what this means.
The existing requirement remains in place where children aged 0 to 24 months
are on site. Paragraph 3.25 and Annex A of the EYFS set out the requirements,
including that ‘at least one person who has a current paediatric first aid
(PFA) certificate must be on the premises and available at all times when
children are present, and must accompany children on outings.’ The existing
requirements also remain unchanged for childminders, as they are already
required to have full PFA certification.
The requirement is modified where children aged 2 to 5 are on site (with no
children aged below 24 months) to a best endeavours duty to have someone with
a full PFA certificate on site. If all steps set out in the guidance have been
exhausted and settings cannot meet the PFA requirement, they must carry out a
written risk assessment and ensure that someone with a current First Aid at
Work or emergency PFA certificate is on site at all times. New entrants (level
2 and 3) will not need to have completed a full PFA course within their first
3 months in order to be counted in staff to child ratios.
[EYFS]: early years foundation stage
  [PFA]: paediatric first aid
Guidance Actions for early years and childcare providers during the coronavirus outbreak
Prioritising children
What should happen to vulnerable children if their provider is closed?
Where the setting which vulnerable children usually attend is closed, the
setting should notify the local authority (and social worker, where relevant)
that these vulnerable children need alternative provision. Settings should
work with the families of vulnerable children and local authorities (and
social workers, where relevant) to support this.
Where a setting has closed, and a child moves to a different early years
setting, the closed provider should do whatever it reasonably can to provide
the receiving setting with any relevant welfare and child protection
information. The receiving setting should be aware of the reason the child is
vulnerable and any arrangements in place to support them. As a minimum, the
receiving setting should, as appropriate, have access to a vulnerable child’s
EHC plan, child in need plan, child protection plan or, for looked-after
children, their personal education plan, and know who the child’s social
worker is (and, for looked-after children, who the responsible virtual school
head is).
The transfer of necessary information should ideally happen before a child
arrives at the new setting and, where that is not possible, as soon as
reasonably practicable. Any exchanges of information will ideally happen
between the designated safeguarding leads (or deputies), and/or between
special educational needs co-ordinators/named individual with oversight of
special educational needs provision for children with EHC plans.
Whilst providers must continue to have appropriate regard to data protection
and General Data Protection Regulation GDPR, they do not prevent the sharing
of information for the purposes of keeping children safe. For more information
please read the Department for Education’s guidance: Information sharing
advice for practitioners providing safeguarding services to children, young
people, parents and carers
guidance.
*[EHC]: education, health and care
Guidance Actions for early years and childcare providers during the coronavirus outbreak
Early Years Foundation Stage
Will schools assess children against the EYFS profile this academic year?
The Secretary of State for Education has announced that there will be no exams
or assessments in schools this summer. This includes no assessment of children
in reception year against the early learning goals that form the EYFS profile.
This also means no moderation by local authorities.
*[EYFS]: early years foundation stage