Pregnant women don’t have to shield and can leave the house – but must keep distance
PREGNANT women don't have to shield amid the coronavirus outbreak - but must stick to social distancing rules, the Prime Minister says.
In a new 50-page document detailing changes to lockdown, Boris Johnson reveals that mums-to-be do not have to practice shielding - meaning they are allowed to leave the house.
⚠️ Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates
The document reads: "It remains the case that some people are more clinically vulnerable to Covid-19 than others.
"These include those aged over 70, those with specific chronic pre-existing conditions and pregnant women.
"These clinically vulnerable people should continue to take particular care to minimise contact with others outside their households, but do not need to be shielded."
Despite this, women who are pregnant with significant heart disease, congenital or acquired - must practice shielding.
The Government defines shielding as "staying at home at all times and avoid any face-to-face contact" and "not leaving the house or attending gatherings at all, with very limited exceptions".
There is no evidence that pregnant women who get this infection are more at risk of serious complications than any other healthy individuals
The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
Generally, pregnant women do not appear to be more likely to be seriously unwell than other healthy adults if they develop coronavirus.
The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) say: "It is expected the large majority of pregnant women will experience only mild or moderate cold/flu like symptoms.
"Cough, fever, shortness of breath, headache and loss of sense of smell are other relevant symptoms.
"More severe symptoms such as pneumonia, seem to be more common in older people, those with weakened immune systems or long-term conditions.
"As yet, there is no evidence that pregnant women who get this infection are more at risk of serious complications than any other healthy individuals."
There is also no evidence to suggest an increased risk of miscarriage if you do contract coronavirus.
Emerging evidence suggests that transmission from a woman to her baby during pregnancy or birth is probable.
There has been a report of two cases in which this seems likely, but reassuringly the babies were both discharged from hospital and are well.
In all previously reported cases worldwide, infection was found at least 30 hours after birth.
It is important to emphasise that in all reported cases of newborn babies developing coronavirus very soon after birth, the baby was well.
Given current evidence, it is considered unlikely that if you have the virus it would cause problems with a baby’s development, and none have been observed currently.
As a precaution, RCOG say if you are pregnant, 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.
RCOG say that if you are in your third trimester (more than 28 weeks pregnant) you should be particularly attentive to social distancing and minimising any contact with others.
RCOG say: "If you have concerns about the wellbeing of yourself or your unborn baby during your self-isolation period, contact your midwife, or out-of-hours, your maternity team.
"They will provide further advice, including whether you need to attend hospital.
More on coronavirus
"If attendance at the maternity unit or hospital is advised, pregnant women are requested to travel by private transport, or arrange hospital transport, and alert the maternity triage reception once on the premises, prior to entering the hospital."
Pregnant women may wish to consider online fitness routines to keep active, such as pregnancy yoga or Pilates.
Pregnant women are advised not to attend maternity triage units or A&E unless in need of urgent pregnancy or medical care.