'Obstetrics doesn't stop': It's business as usual for Bendigo Health's women's ward and birthing suite team.
What’s the COVID-19 risk in pregnant women?
“Pregnant women have been identified as more 'at risk' because during pregnancy some people have a supressed immune system so they are more susceptible to contracting the virus.
“At this stage there’s no evidence to suggest pregnant women become more unwell if they are infected with Coronavirus.
“Pregnant women experience similar range of symptoms to non-pregnant women which is mild to moderate cold and flu like symptoms.”
What will happen if I have COVID-19 and I’m due to give birth at Bendigo Health?
“We want to keep things very similar to someone who would be birthing without COVID-19, that includes vaginal births, having pain relief options available, promoting early contact with the newborn baby and breastfeeding.
“There’s lots of things were can do to try and minimise the spread both to staff and the newborn baby, including the use of Personal Protective Equipment by staff and ensuring we keep the support person to one.
“When the baby is born, we could also provide advice to COVID-19 symptomatic women about how they can minimise the risk of transmission to their baby, which includes wearing a mask, strict hand hygiene measurers and careful washing of any sterilising equipment used for expressing and breastfeeding.
What’s the risk to my baby?
“The risk for newborns is currently very low. There’s no evidence of harm in utero or any increased risk of miscarriage or abnormalities in babies born to women with COVID-19. Recent evidence from a case in the UK showed transmission of the virus in utero but the baby and Mum recovered fully.”
“There’s no evidence to suggest neonates suffer worse with COVID-19, they recover in the same way and adult does and they don’t seem to be more susceptible to the effects of Coronavirus.”
How can I reduce the risk?
“Social distancing is extremely important, including after birth. It's diffiuclt but avoid visitors at your home if possible.
“We strongly recommend getting the flu shot as we know a combination of influenza and COVID-19 would results in poor outcomes for mothers and babies.”
Am I allowed a support person?
“Yes, one person can be present with the women during birth. That support person must stay in hospital with the woman for the duration of her stay. We don’t want people coming and going with potential exposure to COVID-19 in the community.”
More information on COVID-19 and pregnancy can be found on the
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) website.