Covid-19 Updates

If you’re planning to get pregnant or expecting a baby, you’re probably wondering how you and your unborn baby could be impacted in the current Coronavirus / COVID-19 pandemic. We’ve put together some helpful information to answer questions you may have and guide you through this time.

1. Are pregnant women at increased risk of becoming infected with COVID-19?

While pregnant women are considered a vulnerable or at-risk group, they do not appear to be more severely unwell if they do develop COVID-19 infection than the general population. Instead we expect that the majority of pregnant women will experience only mild to moderate cold/flu like symptoms.

However given the recency of the virus detailed information regarding the impact of COVID-19 infection on pregnant women and their babies is still limited. For this reason pregnancy advice is also based on what we know from influenza infection and our learnings from the SARS epidemic. A number of changes occur to a woman’s body during pregnancy including reduced lung function, increased cardiac output, increased oxygen consumption, and changes to the immune system increasing the risk of severe complications from influenza.

2. Is there an increased risk of miscarriage with COVID-19?

No, there is no evidence at this stage to suggest an increased risk of miscarriage with COVID-19.

3. Can I transmit the virus to my baby while I am pregnant?

There have been a handful of very recent case reports suggesting that the virus may pass from the mother to the baby (vertical transmission). However, this is very early, preliminary data and has not been confirmed.

So far there is no evidence that developing COVID-19 during pregnancy will result in harm to your baby. We do know that some babies born to women with symptoms of COVID-19 in China have been born prematurely, however it is unclear whether coronavirus was the causative factor, or the doctors made the decision for the baby to be born early because the woman was unwell.

4. Can I still go for my routine antenatal check ups and tests, and receive antenatal vaccinations? 

Routine antenatal investigations, ultrasounds and check-ups continue as before, allowing for the modifications suggested below.

5. What is our practice is doing to minimise the risk of COVID-19?

We are asking that all patients with cold and flu symptoms inform our admin staff on booking or checking in; this allows us to direct unwell patients to a separate waiting area to keep well and unwell patients apart.

You may notice that doctors are wearing masks and gloves for consults and are wiping down surfaces and equipment between patients.

Both practices are offering appointments on Saturday mornings if this suits better and we are also offering phone and/or video telehealth consults where appropriate for things like results.

At other times though we will still need to see you i.e. for blood pressure check, measure and to listen to the baby’s heartbeat. Your doctor will advise you but if you have any concerns at all about coming in please give us a call and we can discuss.

6. Can I still give birth in a hospital if I am diagnosed with COVID-19 infection?

Yes, the safest place to birth your baby is in a hospital, where you have access to highly trained staff and emergency facilities, if they are required.

7. Can I still breastfeed if I am diagnosed with COVID-19 infection?

Yes. At the moment there is no evidence that the virus is carried in breastmilk and, therefore, the well-recognised benefits of breastfeeding outweigh any potential risks of
transmission of COVID-19 through breastmilk.

8. How can I prevent getting COVID-19 infection?

  • Hand washing regularly and frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Alcohol based hand rub is an acceptable alternative
  • Avoidance of anyone who is unwell, particularly coughing or sneezing
  • Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth
  • Social-distancing and reducing general community exposure and use of public transport
  • Avoid all non-essential travel
  • Work from home if possible
  • Early reporting and investigation of symptoms
  • Prompt access to appropriate treatment and supportive measures if infection is significant
  • If your partner has COVID-19, or is symptomatic, they should not accompany you to appointments

Unfortunately, no vaccination is currently available for COVID-19.

9. What should I do if I become unwell?

If you develop cold/flu symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, fatigue, difficulty breathing) please call us or your care provider to arrange an urgent medical review and consideration of COVID-19 testing. This may be initially done via telehealth followed by a face-to-face consultation if required.

10. What to do if you feel anxious about COVID-19

It’s completely understandable to feel concerned about how the coronavirus could affect your own health as well as that of your baby, your wider family and other loved ones.

  • Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia (PANDA) has suggested the following that may help to reduce stress and anxiety:
  • Practice self care such as eating well, taking time out for yourself, engaging in hobbies that bring you joy
  • Practice mindfulness
  • Engage in physical activity
  • Ask for help – this might be from family, friends, a health professional such as a GP or psychologist or any of the services listed below
  • PANDA’s National Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Helpline – 1300 726 306 Monday – Friday, 9am – 7.30pm AEST/AEDT
  • Lifeline Telephone and online chat support – 13 11 14
  • Beyond Blue Telephone and online chat support – 1300 22 4636
  • Suicide Call Back Service Telephone and online counselling – 1300 659 467
  • Pregnancy, Birth and Baby Helpline Speak to a maternal child health nurse – 1800 882 436
  • Gidget’s National Telehealth Program for Families Experiencing Perinatal Depression and Anxiety – 1300 851 758

11. Where can I access reliable information?

Obstetrics updates and advice: 

The Royal Australian College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists provides the most up to date Australian guidelines on COVID-19 and pregnancy – https://ranzcog.edu.au/

www.rcog.org.uk/coronavirus-pregnancy – UK website

General COVID-19 updates and advice:

www.health.gov.au/health-topics/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov
www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus
www.health.govt.nz/our-work/diseases-and-conditions/covid-19-novel-coronavirus
www.rcog.org.uk/coronavirus-pregnancy

References

The Royal Australian College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. (2020, March 29). A Message for Pregnant Women and Their Families. Retrieved from https://ranzcog.edu.au/statements-guidelines/covid-19-statement/information-for-pregnant-women

Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia. Managing Emotional Wellbeing for Expecting and New Parents Affected By Natural Disasters, Global Crises or Concerns for the Future. Retrieved from https://www.panda.org.au/info-support/managing-emotional-wellbeing-in-expecting-and-new-parents-affected-by-natural-disasters-global-crises-or-concerns-for-the-future

If you’re expecting or have recently welcomed a new baby into your family, you’re probably wondering if it’s business as usual when it comes to your new baby checks and immunisations. We’ve put together some helpful information to guide you through this time in light of the current Coronavirus / COVID-19 pandemic.

1. Do I need to still bring my baby in for the 7-10 day check?

Possibly!  We will consider this on a case by case basis.  Please call when you arrive home from hospital so we can discuss and work out what is best for your situation.

The role of the 7-10 day newborn check is to assess your baby’s health through examination and a weigh and measure.  This is an opportunity to discuss any concerns you may have, discuss feeding, nappies, how you are recovering and your plans for immunisation.

We know that pre-COVID, the baby’s weight and feeding is often monitored by the home visiting midwife.  However it is likely that these visits will now be done via telehealth, and with the community health drop-in clinics closed we may need to weigh your baby here to ensure they are back to their birth weight.

We will also take into account how soon after birth you were discharged from hospital as this will influence when your baby needs their next examination.

2. What about the 6 week check and immunisations?

This appointment is recommended to continue to ensure that your baby is meeting milestones and gaining weight and involves discussing how things are going and examining them.  It is important that we continue to provide immunisations to ensure that your baby and the community are protected from vaccine preventable diseases.

During these times of COVID-19 please be advised that we have plans in place to ensure the ongoing delivery of these appointments such as the option of a phone consult prior for history-taking purposes to reduce the time spent in the practice.

We are also seeking your support in asking that:

  • Only one adult accompanies a child to the immunisation appointment. Please avoid bringing extended family/carers to the appointment.
  • Arrive at the allotted appointment time to reduce the number of people in the space at the same time.
  • Practice social distancing and good hand hygiene at the appointment.

3.  What about the 6 week check for mum? Should this still go ahead?

Yes.  This is an important consult to allow us to check on your recovery, identify any feeding concerns or mood changes and discuss contraception. The majority of this check can be done via telehealth rather than a face to face appointment – if this is your preference please let our reception staff know

4. Ongoing checks and immunisations

Again, the 4, 6, 12 and 18 month checks and immunisation appointments are recommended to continue.

If you have any further concerns or questions, you can book a bulk-billed Telehealth appointment with your usual doctor by clicking on the links below or phoning our Reception team.

5. What about COVID-19 in neonates and kids?

The good news is that neonates without comorbidities do not appear to be at an increased risk.

There are a small, but increasing number of case reports in children.  So far data from China and Italy confirms that COVID-19 is much less severe in children than adults with critical illness very rare. It may be more serious in younger infants, but this picture is less clear due to the high number of other respiratory viral infections suffered by this age group which can be more serious (cases not due to COVID-19).

It is not yet known why there are so few children with confirmed COVID-19.

6. COVID-19 – what symptoms should I look for in my child?

The symptoms of coronavirus are similar to that of other respiratory illness and include fever, runny nose, sore throat and cough.  It can also present with gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting.  The symptoms usually lasted between one to two weeks.

It is thought that many children may have no symptoms at all (asymptomatic).

Importantly, children who are symptomatic or only mildly affected may play a role in transmission of COVID-19. It is yet unknown whether asymptomatic children can pass the infection on to others. It appears children may continue to excrete the virus through their faeces (poo) for several weeks after the symptoms of infection have passed, but the role of this excretion in viral transmission is not clear (it may just be viral particles rather than active virus). Regardless, hand hygiene remains of paramount importance in reducing spread.

If your baby or child has any of the above symptoms and you are concerned please call to organise an appointment.

> if your baby is under 3 months and has a fever (temp >38°C) – needs to be seen ASAP <<

7. How can I protect my family? 

  • Ensure a good hand washing routine for everyone in your household.
  • Use a tissue or the crook of your arm when you sneeze or cough (dispose of tissue carefully)
  • Avoid close contact with others who are unwell
  • Avoid greeting people by shaking hands or hugging and kissing
  • Practice social distancing
  • If your child is on medication ensure you have at least two weeks supply in case of quarantine or supply chain disruption

While it will not influence response to COVID-19 infection, it also recommended that children 6 months and over undergo influenza vaccination.

In order to provide continued high-quality service for our patients please ring ahead of your appointment if you, your child or close contacts have cold and flu symptoms, a recent travel history or contact with COVID-19. 

8.  Where can I access reliable information during COVID-19?

Don’t Forget The Bubbles – https://dontforgetthebubbles.com/
www.health.gov.au/
www.health.gov.au/health-topics/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov
www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus