With rising case numbers, it is inevitable that more of our patients will be diagnosed with COVID-19.
Here’s what to do if you’re pregnant and develop symptoms of COVID-19.
1. Isolate and, if possible, do a rapid antigen test immediately. If the result is positive or you have reasonable concerns that you have COVID-19, have a PCR test.
2. If either the PCR or rapid antigen test results show that you do have COVID, please notify us by phoning during business hours (9348 1110) or after hours (9387 1000) if medically urgent. We will then arrange your care depending on your situation. Routine appointments/scans etc will be delayed until after your isolation period.
3. If you require obstetric assessment during your isolation period (for example, if you notice reduced fetal movements), please contact us as soon as possible so that we can arrange to review you.
4. If you require delivery during your isolation period, it is a requirement of the Department of Health that you are transferred to a streaming hospital (a hospital for adult patients with COVID-19) such as The Women’s, Monash Medical Centre and the Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s Hospital. You will be allocated a hospital based on your residential location and bed availability. The doctors there will care for you.
5. If you become unwell with COVID-19, for example with difficulty breathing, please present to a general hospital such as the Royal Melbourne Hospital, which is working collaboratively with The Women’s to care for unwell pregnant women with COVID.
6. We will email you a copy of your antenatal record in case you need to present to hospital for assessment or treatment.
Booster vaccine during pregnancy
It is recommended that all pregnant women who are due for a COVID vaccine during pregnancy, have their vaccination, regardless of their gestation. Booster vaccines are now available 4 months after your second dose.
The vaccine is safe at all stages of pregnancy, and with rising numbers of patients infected with COVID, it is extremely important.