There is no evidence that you should not have an epidural or spinal analgesia if you have coronavirus. If coronavirus is suspected or confirmed we advise you to have an epidural sited sooner rather than later because:
- Siting an epidural will take longer due to the way staff need to work in rooms when coronavirus is suspected or confirmed.
- The advice is to avoid general anaesthetic unless absolutely necessary. This means that if you needed an emergency caesarean section it may be delayed until a spinal is inserted.
Please note that any emergency birth by caesarean section in women suspected to have or confirmed to have coronavirus will encounter delay regardless of anaesthesia, this because of the additional precautions required in the presence of coronavirus.
- If your baby requires resuscitation at birth we will endeavour to provide the care they require in the birthing room, but they may have to be moved out of the birthing room to a resuscitation area.
- It has recently been discovered that women with coronavirus are more susceptible to blood clots during the postnatal period. In order to reduce the risk of you developing a blood clot after birth the maternity team will recommend a course of anti-coagulant treatment based on your individual circumstance.
The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health advise that families self-isolate for 14 days after the birth of the baby if you have symptoms of coronavirus