COVID-19 questions - Prenatal and Postnatal Care

For regular prenatal visits, your doctor or midwife will still need to see you throughout your pregnancy but the way you connect with your care provider may be a little different during the pandemic. Your doctor or midwife may schedule some appointments over the phone or internet but several in-person visits are still necessary.

To keep everyone safe, the clinic staff may call you before in-person appointments to ask you whether you have any symptoms or are sick. Efforts will be made to keep you safe during your appointments through physical distancing measures, timing of appointments and wearing personal protective equipment (masks or gowns) while providing your care.  

Please call the clinic and share information about your symptoms (including any new fever, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, new rash, vomiting or diarrhea) and recent travel history.  

Yes, we are screening all patients and support people who come to hospital by asking a series of questions. This screening may happen at the front door to the building and when you arrive to the unit. If you are having any flu-like symptoms (even mild ones) such as fever, new cough or difficulty breathing, please call the hospital before arriving.

There are no limits on the number of visitors; the units may limit the number of visitors in the room at any time. Visitors should not visit if feeling unwell and will be screened at the entry and must wear a medical mask provided by the hospital.

Restrictions have been lifted, however, a support person should not attend if they are sick.

There are no longer any restrictions to staying in the room, but they should be masked when they are in common areas/hallways. They can bring items up to the room, no need to collect them at the hospital entrance.

Clean your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer and avoid touching your face. We also ask that you and your support person use a medical mask when accessing pubic spaces in the building. Visit our website for handwashing tips and additional resources.

Complete the BC COVID-19 Symptom Self-Assessment Tool.

British Columbians can reach a service representative in 110 languages seven days a week by calling 1-888-COVID19 (1-888-268-4319).

You can also contact your primary care provider, local public health unit office or call 8-1-1 (HealthLink BC). 

Canadian and international data show that pregnant persons are at increased risk of severe illness and hospitalization due to COVID-19 than non-pregnant women. In addition, severe infection with COVID-19 carries risks to maternal, fetal and neonatal health.

COVID-19 vaccination is recommended during pregnancy in any trimester and while breastfeeding/chestfeeding.

For more information, review the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists statement on COVID-19 Vaccination in Pregnancy or visit the BC Centre for Disease Control’s pregnancy website.

Check the BC Centre for Disease Control for updated information.

It is safe to come to hospital during the pandemic. If you think you need to come to hospital for pregnancy-related reasons, call your primary care provider for advice on whether you need to come in to be assessed at that time or come directly to the labour and delivery unit.  

Based on your situation, there may be times when you can be directed to other supports before coming in. To speak with a nurse, call Fraser Health Virtual Care from 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. If at any time you are worried this might be an emergency (e.g. active preterm labour, severe abdominal pain, difficulty breathing or chest pain), call 9-1-1.

If you are concerned that you have symptoms of COVID-19, it is recommended that you still complete the BC COVID-19 Symptom Self-Assessment Tool or contact your primary care provider, local public health unit office or call 8-1-1 (HealthLink BC).

As a member of your care team, your doula is welcome to come support you in labour as long as the doula is well and does not have symptoms of COVID-19. Your doula will be asked to wear the same protective equipment (like a surgical mask, eye protection, gown and gloves) as your nurse, midwife or doctor.  

When you arrive at the hospital, we will ask you and your support person to clean your hands and put on a mask. You and your support person will be cared for in a private room on isolation. This means that your care team will wear personal protective equipment (like surgical masks, eye protection, gloves, and a gown) over their uniforms. 

It is recommended that we closely monitor your baby’s well-being using the electronic fetal monitor while you are in labour. Your doctor or midwife will discuss available pain options to meet your goals. When your baby arrives, we will help you clean your hands and ensure you are wearing your mask before we place the baby skin-to-skin.

Unless you or your baby needs extra medical attention, we expect to keep you with your baby at all times. Safe skin-to-skin and breastfeeding/chestfeeding are currently recommended because your baby will get antibodies that you make to fight COVID-19 from you in your breastmilk. 

If a mother has been tested for COVID-19 and the result is positive, the baby will be tested for COVID-19 as well.

You and your baby will likely go home before you know your baby’s test result. Your nurse will talk to you about what to watch for in your baby at home including:

• Fever or low temperature (<36.5 or > 37.5)
• Signs baby is having difficulty breathing or breathing too fast (more than 60 breaths in 1 minute)
• Grunting
• Cough
• Poor feeding
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea (poop is watery or bad smelling).

Call your doctor or midwife or call 8-1-1 if your baby develops any of these symptoms.

If your baby’s skin colour changes to blue or grey, this is an emergency – call 911.  

Most of the time, your support person will be able to stay with you during your C-section.

If you have COVID-19 symptoms or have been tested for COVID-19, your care providers might decide that there are additional safety risks that may keep your support person from coming with you to the operating room. Every effort is made to bring the family back together as soon as possible after the birth.