COVID-19 Information

Monash Obstetrics would like to thank you for your continued patience and understanding while we have navigated through the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 has brought about many changes in the way we do things. We thank you for your cooperation in following these measures below.

We ask that you DO NOT COME to your appointment if:

• You are unwell and have fever, cough or respiratory symptoms
• You have been in close contact with a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19
• You are awaiting a test result
• You have been overseas in the last 14 days

If you have been confirmed or suspect you have Coronavirus:

• Do not attend your appointment, we will reschedule it when you are well
• If you are pregnant, please advise staff so they can inform the doctor. The doctor may request a Telehealth appointment to ensure your continued pregnancy management.
• If you have an urgent issue, please advise staff during office hours or after hours call our paging service on 9387 1000
• If you are in labour, please call your labour ward and advise them you are unwell. They will let you know what you to do

When you attend your appointment, we ask that you:

• Call 8545 7200 on arrival and staff will let you know when you may come into the building. This is to limit the number of people in the waiting area
• Use the hand sanitizer provided in the waiting area
• Practice good hygiene etiquette
• Wear a mask to help protect other patients, our doctors and staff
• Practice social distancing by staying 1.5m apart from other patients
• Bring ONE support person ONLY as our waiting area and consulting rooms are not big enough to provide you with adequate social distancing for extra people
• Provide contact details of your support person in the event we need to provide this information to DHHS for contact tracing

COVID-19 In Pregnancy

Pregnant women are NOT at higher risk of the consequences of Covid-19 than non-pregnant women. If you are pregnant AND have other medical conditions, you MAY be at higher risk – please make sure you discuss this with your doctor

Early Pregnancy

No evidence to show an association with miscarriage or stillbirth. If you get infected, do take steps to reduce fever.

During Pregnancy

No evidence of antenatal transmission and only one proven case of vertical transmission at late gestation (both mother and baby recovered completely).

No evidence of fetal abnormalities.

If you have Covid-19, consider delaying planned caesarean or induction of labour until you have recovered (depends on clinical acuity).

Labour and Birth

The use of nitrous oxide 'gas' (Entonox) can still be used with a single use microbiological filter. This may vary between facilities. Epidurals are an excellent alternative option for pain relief.

An epidural may be recommended for your labour. This is to avoid the need for a general anaesthetic should an emergency caesarean be required.

Covid-19 infection alone is not an indication for caesarean section. Mode of delivery should be discussed with your treating doctor.

After Pregnancy

Breastfeeding is still recommended in Australia. Sterilise all bottle feeding equipment and pumps as per standard protocols. If you are sick, wear a mask when breastfeeding if available, wash hands well before and after feeding. If no mask is available, try not to cough or sneeze on baby.

It is unlikely that breastmilk carries Covid-19 (based on experience with other coronaviruses), but transmission can occur from an infected mother being in close proximity to the baby.

Despite this, transmission to the neonate is unlikely to harm them. HOWEVER, the baby can transmit the virus to other vulnerable people (eg. Grandparents).

Reliable Sources

Stay up to date and make sure you get your information from credible sources. The above recommendations are based on the most current guidelines released by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) and Monash Women’s Covid-19 Protocol, the first Victorian hospital protocol sanctioned by Safer Care Victoria. These recommendations are applicable to an Australian context and may not be relevant to your community.