Coronavirus: MUHC clarifying changes to birthing rules

The McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) is reminding expectant families that their birthing policy has changed amid the coronavirus crisis in Quebec.

That means while spouses, birth coaches and other family members may have been allowed to attend a birth before the pandemic began, restrictions are now in place to curb the spread of the virus, limiting who will be allowed to accompany or visit the mother.

“In an effort to ensure the safety of our patients during the COVID-19 pandemic, we’re clarifying our visiting policy for the MUHC’s Birthing Centre, Obstetrics Clinic and Post Partum Unit,” the hospital wrote on their social media platforms.

During and after the delivery, only a second parent or dedicated person are allowed to accompany the mother, provided that there is no risk of COVID-19 infection.

2:14 Coronavirus outbreak: Petition launched to let spouses in delivery rooms at Jewish General Hospital

The second parent or dedicated person can stay with the mother during her time in hospital, but must respect various policies, including confinement to the room.

For those having a cesarean, only the mother — no one else — is allowed in the operating room.

As for follow-up appointments with pregnant women, no visitors are permitted. That includes spouses, children and other family members.

The hospital is also asking that patients without an accepted transfer from another health institution do not present themselves to the MUHC’s Birthing Centre.

The MUHC says the changes came into effect in mid-March.

“Various modifications to the usual arrangements of visits have been advised by several professional societies and bodies to appropriately balance the needs for obstetrical care whilst reducing the needs for patients to travel and attend hospital appointments and perhaps increase their risk of exposure to SARS-CoV-2,” the hospital said in a statement.

The MUHC says the care plan is adapted to each patient’s needs, based on an evaluation by the responsible obstetrician.

“At this time this may incorporate replacing regular antenatal visits with telephone consultations, blood pressure checks at home or at a pharmacy and blood tests being done closer to home or in a simplified fashion with all of these measures aimed at maintaining the quality of necessary care whilst reducing exposures that can be avoided,” the statement continued.