Are you pregnant and identify as a Black Asian or other minoritised ethnicity?

Do you have concerns about your pregnancy or your maternity care on account of your ethnicity?

Research produced during the COVID-19 outbreak has shown that pregnant women from Black, Asian and minoritised backgrounds (which we often refer to in the NHS as BAME backgrounds) have an increased chance of having severe symptoms of COVID-19 that require hospitalisation (4X the chance). Research is ongoing to explain the reasons for why this is the case so we can provide appropriate care.

In these uncertain times, we want to support you with any anxieties you might be experiencing about coming to or staying in hospital. We would like you to know that we are here to help and support you.

• If you are in established labour, a birth partner who is free of COVID-19 symptoms can be with you to support you.
• We have translation services available for both face to face and over the telephone if you need. Please ask your midwife to make arrangements for this.
• If you are staying on the ward postnatally your partner will be able to visit and we have midwives, student midwives and support staff who are all here to help you. You are not alone

If you have any concerns that your ethnicity might be affecting the type of care you’re receiving please contact the Maternity unit on 01983 822099 ext. 3210 or 4329.

Your midwife will ask you at every antenatal check if you are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19. This is to try and keep you and your baby safe. If you solely have COVID-19 symptoms and need advice, please call 111 and they will be able to advise you.

If you have COVID-19 symptoms and another pregnancy related issue, please call maternity triage on 01983 822099 ext. 4338 or 4329. There is someone available to take your call 24 hours a day.