Maternity (Obstetrics)
COVID-19 Changes to Maternity Services
Due to the current global health situation with COVID-19 and our increasing need to protect our patients and staff, we have implemented some changes to maternity services at both our Bedford Hospital and Luton and Dunstable University Hospital (L&D) sites. This information is being reviewed on a daily basis and therefore could be subject to change which will always be for the safety of all concerned.
Maternity staff from both hospitals have put together a video answering your most common questions in relation to the changes in local maternity services:
We know that during pregnancy, your birth and beyond are crucial times when women and their families need our support the most and we take great pride and commitment to provide safe, supportive and compassionate maternity care.
Antenatal appointments
In order to ensure the health and safety of our patients and staff partners are only allowed to accompany women at their dating scan (11-14wks) appointment and 20 wks scan appointment. Maternity staff are committed to giving you the best possible care during this incredibly difficult time and are sorry for the upset this will cause you and your families.
Postnatal wards visitors
In line with the Trust’s guidance, partners and visitors are not allowed on our postnatal wards (Orchard Ward at Bedford and Ward 32 / Ward 33 at the L&D) until further notice. We know this will make it hard for some women and their families but we have to prioritise the safety of all at this time. Our great team of caring staff will do all they can to help you. Women will not be alone, we are here for you.
Labour
Women can have one birthing partner to help provide that much needed extra support during all times whilst on the Delivery Suite. Birthing partners must not attend if unwell, particularly if they have symptoms such as a temperature, headache, cough, breathing difficulties, or if they are self-isolating. If your birthing partner is unwell, you may nominate someone else to be with you in labour.
Induction of labour
If you require an induction of labour, and you need to be admitted to the ward to start the induction process, your birthing partner will not be able to be with you while you are on the ward. This is to help us keep everyone who uses our services as safe as possible. Once your labour is established or you’re transferred to the delivery suite your birthing partner can join you. The midwives looking after you will advise you when are ready for transfer to labour ward, so that your birthing partner can join you.
Elective Caesarean Section
All elective C-Sections for clinical needs are proceeding as normal on both hospital sites. Elective C-Sections by maternal requests (where there is no clinical need) are being assessed on an individual case by case basis across both hospital sites.
BAME
If you are pregnant and you identify as a Black, Asian or another Minoritised Ethnicity, we want you to know that we are here to support you. Please see this leaflet.
Whooping Vaccination – at the Luton and Dunstable University Hospital
Leaflets
- Maternity Leaflet COVID 19 Changes
- Maternity Leaflet COVID 19 Changes – Bengali
- Maternity Leaflet COVID 19 Changes – Italian
- Maternity Leaflet COVID 19 Changes – Punjabi, India
- Maternity Leaflet COVID 19 Changes – Polish
- Maternity Leaflet COVID 19 Changes – Romanian
- Maternity Leaflet COVID 19 Changes – Urdu, India
- Maternity Leaflet COVID 19 Changes- Urdu, Pakistan
- Maternity Leaflet COVID 19 Changes – Punjabi, Pakistan
- Maternity Services – Bedford Hospital
- Early Self-Referral to a Community Midwife at Bedford Hospital
- You’re pregnant – Welcome to Bedford Hospital Maternity Services
- During Pregnancy – Antenatal
- Labour and Birth
- Help & Support After Pregnancy
- Our Facilities
- Specialist Services
- Maternity information for families in different languages
- Maternity Services – Luton and Dunstable University Hospital
- Maternity videos
- Early Self-Referral to a Community Midwife at the L&D
- Choosing to have your baby at the L&D
- Before the birth
- Choice of place of birth
- Giving birth
- After birth
- Breast feeding and infant formula
- Meet the team or get involved
- Maternity information for families in different languages