In this section
Thank you for using the maternity services at Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
We would like to update you on a number of changes that we have made to our maternity services in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and most recent government advice.
Important information about COVID-19
We recognise that this is a concerning time for pregnant women and families. We appreciate your concerns about how care will continue to be provided throughout your pregnancy, birth and subsequent care for you and your baby.
Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic and following the government’s and Public Health England’s new measures for pregnant women to reduce social contact, we have taken steps to change the way in which we will be providing some of your care.
This is a constantly changing situation and we would like you to use this website for the most up-to-date information and advice.
We are committed to supporting all birth options: the Manchester Birth Centre at Saint Mary’s at Wythenshawe and our home birth services are fully operational across both our sites. For well women, water birth also remains a birth option at both sites. If you already have a planned induction of labour or an elective Caesarean section this will go ahead as scheduled.
You will continue to receive antenatal and postnatal appointments as planned with your midwife. It is very important that you attend your appointments as planned, to ensure both your wellbeing and the wellbeing of your baby.
You can keep up to date with all the latest coronavirus pregnancy and birth advice here.
This website contains links to leaflets and translated versions of the following leaflets are available:
- Planning your birth
- Looking after yourself and your baby in pregnancy
- Parent information for newborns
- Illness in newborns
The languages that are available are: Arabic, Cantonese, French, Gujarati, Mandarin, Polish, Portuguese, Punjabi and Urdu.
There is a video available in British Sign Language (BSL) regarding coronavirus and pregnancy.
For further information about Covid-19 testing for all admissions to Saint Mary’s Hospital
Midwives are giving extra support to Black, Asian and minority ethnic women during the coronavirus pandemic
NHS England and NHS England North West (North West NHS Maternity Services) have produced some safety information for pregnant women who are of Black, Black British or Asian, Asian British ethnicity who may be more vulnerable to COVID-19. This information is currently available in 12 languages. Please click here to access this information or scan the following QR code:
As a pregnant woman from a Black, Asian or minority ethnic (BAME) background, you may feel worried about coronavirus.
Some studies suggest that BAME pregnant woman are more likely to be admitted to hospital with coronavirus than white women, so our maternity services are taking extra precautions to keep you safe, which includes prioritising your care and access to services.
It is also important that you take extra steps to protect yourself and follow the advice about how to avoid getting coronavirus. If you think you have coronavirus then alert your maternity team and they will advise you about what to do next.
Remember to attend all your antenatal appointments and seek help early from your midwife or maternity team if you have any concerns about your health or your baby’s health. Get help early so you have the best chance of recovery.
You can also find answers to commonly asked questions about coronavirus and pregnancy from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecology
Signs and Symptoms of COVID-19
The signs of coronavirus according to Public Health England are:
- High temperature (fever): This means that you feel hot to touch on your chest or back and your temperature is at 37.8°C or above
- A new continuous cough: Coughing for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours
- Loss or change to your sense of smell or taste
What to do if you think you are unwell with COVID-19
If you think you may be unwell with COVID-19 please do the following:
Arrange a COVID-19 test here or telephone 111 for advice.
Inform us if you have moderate or escalating symptoms on our maternity triage telephone numbers
Oxford Road Campus Maternity Triage: 0161 276 6567
Wythenshawe Maternity Triage: 0161 291 2724
Call 999 if you are severely unwell or experiencing shortness of breath
If you have received a positive COVID-19 swab result or are isolating because of contact tracing, please let us know through the following numbers:
Antenatal Clinic Midwives
Oxford Road Campus: 0161 276 6423
Saint Mary’s at Wythenshawe: 0161 291 2959
Community Midwives
Oxford Road Campus: 0161 276 6246
Saint Mary’s at Wythenshawe: 0161 291 2996
COVID-19 Vaccination: fertility and trying to become pregnant
Women trying to become pregnant do not need to avoid pregnancy after vaccination and there is no evidence to suggest that COVID-19 vaccines will affect fertility. There is also no evidence to advise women to avoid becoming pregnant following receiving the COVID-19 vaccination.
COVID-19 Vaccination and Pregnancy
The vaccination is being offered to some pregnant women including health and social care workers and those with high risk medical conditions.
COVID-19 Vaccination and Breast Feeding
Breastfeeding women will now be offered vaccination if they are otherwise eligible, for example if they are in a clinically extremely vulnerable group or a frontline health or social care worker, including a carer in a residential home.