COVID-19 is a virus, that causes a mild illness in most people. However, it can sometimes be serious, and you can become unwell quickly.
Please read the information below if you have tested positive for COVID-19 and you are pregnant or have recently had a baby.
Contacting the Maternity Assessment Unit
If you test positive for COVID-19 or if you have any questions or concerns, please inform the Maternity Assessment Unit (MAU) on 0191 2825748.
The MAU is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Please also contact the MAU if you have any concerns about you, your baby or your pregnancy. This is standard advice, irrespective of whether you have COVID-19 or not.
What to do if you feel unwell or experience certain symptoms
As long as your breathing is normal, you do not need to contact your Maternity Care Provider/GP/NHS 111 if you have a temperature or other symptoms, such as cough, muscle aches, tiredness and change in taste or smell.
Paracetamol and regular fluids can help with these symptoms, and most people will get better by themselves within two to three weeks. Please see the NHS website for information on self- isolation or how to access care.
You should ring 999 if:
- You are unable to complete short sentences at rest due to breathlessness.
- Your breathing suddenly worsens within an hour.
OR if these more general signs of serious illness develop:
- you are coughing up blood
- you have blue lips or a blue face
- you feel cold and sweaty with pale or blotchy skin
- you have a rash that does not fade when you roll a glass over it
- you collapse or faint
- you become agitated, confused or very drowsy
- you have stopped peeing or are peeing much less than usual
Ring the Maternity Assessment Unit on 0191 2825748 as possible if:
- You slowly start feeling more unwell or more breathless for two or more hours.
- You are having difficulty breathing when getting up to go to the toilet or similar.
- You sense that something is wrong (general weakness, extreme tiredness, loss of appetite, reduced urine output, unable to care for yourself – simple tasks like washing and dressing or making food).
COVID-19 Vaccination
Vaccination is the best way to protect you and your baby against the risks associated with COVID-19 during pregnancy. You can be vaccinated from 28 days after a positive COVID-19 diagnosis. For further Information on vaccinations during pregnancy can be found here.
Further information on how and where to get your COVID-19 vaccine is available here.
