With coronavirus restrictions and maternity rules changes, if can be difficult to know what applies to you.
In the latest Covid update, the Northern Ireland Executive said a chosen birth partner will be facilitated to accompany the pregnant woman to any pregnancy related appointments or ultrasound scans, for induction of labour, duration of labour and birth and for up to three hours after the birth.
They added that where a woman is receiving inpatient care, one daily visit from one of two nominated individuals (from up to two households) can be permitted.
But with current coronavirus rates, Trusts in Northern Ireland can outline their own rules for maternity services, with each varying slightly.
Here is what each of the five Trusts has said about their rules and procedures, which may be changed at any time.
South Eastern Trust
A chosen birth partner will be facilitated to accompany a pregnant woman to any pregnancy related appointments and ultrasound scans.
This will also include induction, labour and up to three hours after birth.
Some controls may be in place at times to avoid congestion within maternity outpatients and ensure a covid safe environment.
Northern Trust
Coming into effect from July 29:
Outpatients
You can be accompanied by your partner or nominated other to your;
- 12 week dating scan
- 20 week anomaly scan
- Attendances to Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit
- Attendances to Fetal Maternal Assessment Unit
Your partner will be asked to wait in the car until your appointment. You will be asked to come alone to routine antenatal appointments and you can virtually include your partner via the telephone.
Labour and Birth:
A chosen birth partner will be facilitated to accompany the pregnant woman for the duration of labour and birth (including caesarean section) and, for up to three hours after the birth.
Please note the Trust is not able to facilitate the presence of a partner during the induction of labour, birth partners will only be admitted when labour is established.
Inpatient Maternity Services:
Face to Face visiting on the antenatal and postnatal wards will only be permitted for 1 hour per week until further notice.
This guidance is subject to change and will be reviewed on an ongoing basis.
- If your birth partner/ nominated other tests positive for COVID-19, another person can be nominated
- If your birth partner/ nominated other becomes unwell or has symptoms of COVID- 19, another person can be nominated
- Visits to wards should be for a maximum duration of 1 hour. Any exception to this must be agreed with the midwife in charge
- The time of this visit should be agreed with the midwife in charge.
- Alternatives, for example, outdoor visiting, virtual visits, should continue to be made available
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Western T rust
You and your birthing partner will be asked screening questions on entering the maternity building.
You must wear your own face covering at all times while in the maternity building. If for medical reasons you cannot wear a face mask then a visor must be worn.
You must sanitise your hands on entering the maternity building and again on admission to the individual ward and department.
They are offering a COVID-19 swab test to everyone admitted to the maternity service.
Scan and antenatal appointments
One partner may accompany a woman attending antenatal appointments.
They must adhere to 2-metre social distancing in outpatient settings – in particular, the waiting areas.
While you are welcome to bring your partner to all appointments, please be aware that your partner will be asked to wait outside the building until called into your appointment.
They ask you to consider attending antenatal appointments on your own if you can.
Arrive no earlier than 15 minutes prior to your allocated appointment time.
If your antenatal appointment is on same day as your GTT or Anti D your partner may only accompany you to your antenatal appointment and will be phoned to come in to join you.
They cannot welcome children or other family members at this time to antenatal clinics.
Labour and Birth
A nominated birth partner may accompany a woman for the initial induction process, the duration of the visit will be decided by the midwife in charge.
Women in early labour may be supported by one birth partner.
One nominated birth partner may accompany a woman in labour to delivery suite/MLU and at the birth.
Visiting in antenatal and postnatal wards
One daily visit from one of your two nominated persons can attend – (from up to two different households) will be permitted in inpatient wards. The duration and timing of the visits will be decided by the midwife in charge.
Southern Trust
Visiting is restricted to one named birth partner for the following appointments:
12 week booking scan – one birth partner can attend
20 week anomaly scan or other high risk scans – one birth partner can attend
In the Delivery room – one birth partner can attend when you are transferred to Delivery Suite or Midwifery Led Unit; they can stay for the birth and until you and your baby is ready for transfer to the maternity ward.
Post-natal ward – They will facilitate 1 x 1 hour post natal visit for a named birth partner per stay. Visits will be staggered to minimise numbers of partners on the ward at any time (From 3pm on July 23, 2021)
A Maternity Helpline has been set up to assist with any of your queries in regards to the management of the ongoing Covid-19 restrictions within Maternity Services.
The number to call is 028 37563702 Monday, Wednesday & Friday 9am-5pm Or alternatively email: [email protected]
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Belfast Trust
You and your birthing partner will be asked screening questions on entering the maternity building.
You must wear your own face covering at all times while in the maternity building.
You must sanitise your hands on entering the maternity building and again on admission to the individual ward or department.
They are offering a COVID-19 swab test to everyone admitted to the maternity service.
Scans and antenatal appointments
One partner may accompany a woman attending the following:
- Early Pregnancy Unit
- Booking scan
- 20 week anomaly scan
- Fetal medicine scan
- Antenatal appointments
You must adhere to two metre social distancing in outpatient settings, in particular waiting areas.
Although you are welcome to bring your partner to all appointments, please be aware that you may be asked to wait outside the building until seating becomes available. They ask you to consider attending antenatal appointments on your own if you can.
Arrive no earlier than 10 minutes prior to your allocated appointment time.
If your antenatal appointment is on the same day as your GTT, your partner may only accompany you to your antenatal appointment and will be contacted by phone to come in and join you.
When attending the Admissions Unit, partners will be asked to wait outside the building until moving into the assessment room.
They cannot welcome children at this time.
Labour and birth
A nominated birth partner may accompany a woman for induction of labour – the duration of the visit will be decided by the midwife in charge.
One nominated birth partner may accompany a woman in labour and at the birth (including caesarean birth).
Neonatal Unit
Two parents or designated carers may provide care for their baby in the Special Care Baby Unit or the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (PPE will be provided).
Visiting in antenatal and postnatal wards
One daily visit from one of two nominated birth partners (from up to two households) will be permitted in our inpatient wards. The duration and timing of the visits will be decided by the midwife in charge.
For more general information about maternity services in Northern Ireland during the pandemic, visit the dedicated website HERE.
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