Covid-19

HSE COVID19 Vaccination for Pregnant Women 

The National Maternity Hospital strongly recommends Covid-19 vaccination in pregnancy. The National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) recommends that pregnant women receive an mRNA vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) and talk to their maternity care provider (GP, Midwife or Obstetrician) before accessing the vaccine. Please speak with your clinician at your next antenatal appointment at The NMH or with The NMH Community Midwives if you would like to do so and they will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

However, if you are happy with the information available from HSE and/or NIAC, you may proceed to book your vaccination appointment directly through HSECOVAX via vaccine.hse.ie/

The Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) Guidelines on COVID19 Vaccination in Pregnancy

The Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) has issued guidelines and information to inform and support you about vaccination in pregnancy.

Please visit the following links for further information:

 

https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/guidelines-research-services/guidelines/coronavirus-pregnancy/

https://www.rcpi.ie/news/releases/information-for-women-who-are-pregnant-or-breastfeeding-about-the-covid-19-vaccine-update/

https://rcpi-live-cdn.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/COVID-19-Vaccine-decision-aid_19Oct2021.pdf

 

What are the risks to me as a pregnant woman from COVID-19 infection? (With thanks to NIAC, full COVID19 vaccine guidelines available by clicking the link above.)

Pregnant women are at a similar risk to non-pregnant women of contracting COVID-19. Most pregnant women who are infected with COVID-19 will only experience mild to moderate symptoms and the risk of passing COVID-19 onto their baby is low. However, pregnant women with symptomatic COVID-19 may be more likely to be admitted to hospital, to need care in an ICU, and to die when compared with non-pregnant women. There may be an increased rate of preterm birth and stillbirth among pregnant patients with COVID-19, whether or not they have symptoms. The published literature relates mainly to UK and US experience. We have seen a higher rate of hospitalisation, ICU admission and high dependency care in Ireland and a small number of cases of stillbirth due to placentitis, but thankfully no maternal death from COVID-19 to date.

Information on COVID-19 and Pregnancy for Women

This has been translated into the following languages, please click on link to view.

What to do if you’re expecting and you develop symptoms or get a diagnosis of COVID-19?

If you’re an expectant mother with symptoms or a diagnosis of COVID-19, it’s important to get in touch with us to let us know about your condition (01 637 3100). We can advise you and give you all the information you need about how this affects you.

Measures to Control the Spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection

Updated changes to how patients and visitors access the hospital due to COVID19 Guidelines:

  • Maternity Outpatient appointments: Please attend your appointment wearing your own face covering. You are welcome to bring a nominated support partner with you.  
  • Ultrasound Scanning appointments: Please attend your appointment wearing your own face covering. You are welcome to bring a nominated support partner with you.  
  • Antenatal Classes: Please click HERE for full details. Information is also on our social media channels - Twitter and Instagram.
  • Gynaecology: You are welcome to bring a nominated support partner with you.   Please arrive no more than five minutes before your allocated time and wear your own face covering. 
  • Phlebotomy Services are by appointment only. To make an appointment, please contact 01 637 3502/3504.
  • Physiotherapy Outpatient Appointments: Please attend these appointments wearing your own face covering.

COVID-19 - The NMH 4-point plan for any patient concerned they may have COVID-19:

When you go into labour: the isolation ward is specially designed to be a safe environment during labour and afterwards to keep you and your baby safe and well.
We’re here to help.
Please call us on (01) 637 3100

If your baby becomes unwell after discharge home:

If you have a diagnosis or symptoms of COVID-19, or your baby has been in contact with someone with COVID-19, it’s particularly important to observe your baby for signs of infection for at least 14 days after their last contact with the infection. As a first step, it is a good idea to familiarise yourself with the use of a thermometer and how to take your baby's temperature. It may be difficult in a baby to distinguish between signs of COVID-19 or any other type of infection. Please contact your doctor for further advice if your baby is unwell with any of the following symptoms:

  • abnormal temperature [<36.0°C or >38.0°C]
  • poor feeding
  • difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
  • lethargy or sleepiness
  • tummy upset - recurrent diarrhoea and/or vomiting

If you baby has a snuffly nose and/or cough but your child is otherwise well and DOES NOT have abnormal temperature or breathing difficulties, you can continue to observe them at home.

If your baby is unwell and needs to be seen by a doctor, call your GP to arrange a review or bring them to a children's hospital. If for any reason you need to bring your baby to a hospital or GP practice after discharge PLEASE PHONE AHEAD.

Thank you for helping us ensure the safety of our patients and staff.

I'm pregnant, should I get the COVID-19 vaccine?

I'm pregnant, should I get the COVID-19 vaccine? Infographic

I'm pregnant, should I get the COVID-19 vaccine? Decision aid

Get the facts about the COVID-19 vaccine

Q&A for pregnant or breastfeeding women about COVID-19 vaccination

Updated Visiting Restrictions to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

We are absolutely delighted to anounce that restrictions have been lifted in our NICU and all mums and dads can now visit whenever they chose. Unfortunately, Grandparents cannot visit at present. We will continue to review our policy on a weekly basis.

Our neonatal service is a recognised centre of excellence and takes referrals for acutely ill and pre-term babies from across the country.  We care for approximately 1,300 babies each year.

We are acutely aware that our visitor restrictions were strict throughout COVID-19. As a tertiary level neonatal intensive care unit, we receive babies from all over Ireland and many are extremely preterm. Due to the speciality involved in taking care of our most vulnerable little baby bundles, we needed to protect our staff, so that they could continue to be here and give our babies the best possible care. We did our best to maximise technology available to us to facilitate video coverage of your baby and will continue to do so post COVID.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our parents and families for your understanding, respect, support and kindness throughout the past very difficult months, we really appreciate it. 

How to Register a Birth during Covid19

How to Register a Birth

During the coronavirus pandemic you can apply to register a birth or purchase a certificate of birth by e-mail or by post. There is no need for you to attend the civil registration service offices in person.

For more information, visit the HSE website here

Women’s Health After Motherhood - Course

Learn how to take care of your physical and mental health after giving birth and feel supported during the postpartum period.

This course will help you explore postpartum health problems and learn when to seek help as a new mother.

After giving birth, women can struggle to access reliable resources and trustworthy information regarding their own health. There can be confusion surrounding what is and what isn’t normal after giving birth and many mothers unnecessarily suffer in silence.

On this course, you will gain advice and strategies on how to prioritise postpartum care and help women support one another during the postpartum period. You will address common physical and mental health challenges after birth, learning how to help yourself and when to seek professional healthcare.

(in association with Trinity College Dublin)

https://www.tcd.ie/mammi/wham.html