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 Vaccination in pregnancy

The below is based on the current (as of 19/8/21) recommendations handed down by ATAGI and RANZCOG and the DHHS.

What happens if I get Covid-19 while I am pregnant?

We now know that pregnant women are at higher risk of some complications during pregnancy including:

• 5-times higher need to be admitted to hospital
• 2-3 times higher risk of needing to be admitted to ICU
• 3 times higher risk of needing invasive ventilation (intubation)
• 1.5 times risk of preterm birth (before 37 weeks)
• 3 times higher risk of needing admission to SCN or NICU

If you: are in your third trimester, are older than 35, have a BMI>30, have pre-pregnancy high blood pressure or pre-pregnancy diabetes, you are at higher risk of severe illness.

There is no increased risk of maternal death or neonatal death.

Is the Covid-19 vaccine safe in pregnancy?

Vaccination is currently the best way to reduce these risks. Thus far, all available evidence shows that the Pfizer vaccination is safe in pregnancy. This data is still being collected.

It is recommended that pregnant women have two doses of Pfizer vaccination 3-6 weeks apart before, during or after their pregnancy, whichever is earlier.

What about my other vaccines that I have during pregnancy like whooping cough and flu?

Any Covid-19 vaccination should be separated from other vaccinations (like whooping cough or influenza) by at least 7 days.

Which vaccine should I get if I am pregnant?

Pfizer and Moderna are both suitable for pregnant women. Women who are breastfeeding or trying to get pregnant can take either Pfizer, Moderna or Astra Zeneca, but currently, Pfizer is preferred.

Pregnant women who have already received a first dose of COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca can receive either Pfizer or COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca for their second dose, although Pfizer is preferred, as more data is available about its safety in pregnancy.

Will my newborn be protected if I get the covid-19 vaccine during pregnancy?

There is evidence showing trans-placental passage of protective antibodies from the mother to the baby after vaccination. However, it has not yet been proven whether this elicits an adequate immune response in the neonate.

When should I have the covid-19 vaccine?

Currently we do not know if there is an optimal time to have a COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy. Therefore, it is recommended by RANZCOG, ATAGI and the DHHS to have your COVID-19 vaccine as soon as you are offered one. The Pfizer vaccine can be given at any stage of pregnancy, but this should be discussed with your doctor.