Labor and Delivery

In general, pregnancy is associated with immunological changes that may make a pregnant woman more susceptible to viral respiratory illnesses. However, at this time, it does not appear that pregnancy increases you risk of acquiring COVID-19. You might also be worried about facing more serious complications should you contract the virus. Based on limited data so far, we have not seen this to be the case.

But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take precautions. The best way to protect yourself, pregnant or not, from getting the virus is to avoid exposure by following the proper handwashing, social distancing and infection safety protocols outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). More information on proper safety guidance can be found here.

Keep in mind that this situation remains fluid and guidelines can change from day to day. You should always consult your doctor and the CDC for the latest updates.

The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that the safest place for a woman to give birth is a hospital, hospital-based birth centers or accredited freestanding birth center.

Rest assured that your health and your baby’s health are our ultimate priority, today and every day. Our teams are working diligently to maintain the highest level of safety for you, your baby and our care teams. In order to ensure the safety of everyone in the facility, we have made modifications to some of our policies, including:

Visitor policy

Only one visitor per patient is permitted into the facility for a 24-hour period.

• Delivery: One visitor will be allowed in the delivery room. A doula may be present in the delivery room but will count as your one visitor.
• Post-Partum: One visitor will be permitted and must be over the age of 16.
• NICU: One parent will be permitted to visit the NICU at a time.

COVID-19 testing

Every labor and delivery patient will be tested for COVID-19 upon entry into the facility.

If you are scheduled for a c-section, your COVID-19 test will take place no less than 48-hours prior to your scheduled delivery. Our nursing team will contact you with more information regarding this process.

If your baby arrives naturally or unscheduled, you will receive your test on arrival so we can determine the best course of action moving forward for you and your baby.

Risk assessment screening

COVID-19 screening measures are now in place for all visitors and patients. Access points are limited to the Andrews Women’s Hospital entrance located at 8th Avenue and Magnolia Avenue.

Upon entry, all visitors will be asked a series of screening questions and be required to have a temperature of less than 99.6°F to gain access into the facility.

Protective equipment

Surgical masks are required for both the patient and visitor for the entirety of their stay. If you do not have a protective mask, one will be provided to you upon entry into the facility. Additional protective equipment is being used by the care team to protect both patients and staff.

Infection control

Our facilities have employed recommended infection control practices for hospitalized pregnant women who are positive for COVID-19 or suspected of having the virus. Obstetric care providers and personnel have been appropriately trained in how and where to implement these infection control interventions.

The decisions made regarding restrictions are not taken lightly and have been put in place to help ensure the safety of all patients, care team members and newborns. We recognize this is not the ideal labor and delivery experience that you and your family envisioned, but please remember these guidelines are in place for your family’s safety.

A nurse navigator will call to arrange for necessary laboratory and screening requirements. For your safety and that of our staff and physicians, COVID-19 testing will be performed 48-hours before your admission. After completion of your test, you will need to self-quarantine until your delivery.

To contact your Nurse Navigator, call 817.698.8440.

For the lab appointment, please bring:

• A personal mask to wear into the hospital
• Identification or driver’s license and insurance card(s)

We hope limiting your exposure outside of your home during this process provides you peace of mind and assurances that your safety is a top priority at Andrews Women’s Hospital at Baylor Scott & White – Fort Worth

This is understandably a scary and stressful period for many. Social isolation, financial concerns and other questions may be weighing on your mind, not to mention the normal stresses of pregnancy and delivery-related anxiety.

But there’s good news! There are steps you can take today to help you stay healthy and prepare for your newborn baby's arrival.

Take precautions

The CDC recommends that pregnant women take the same preventative measures as the general public to avoid infection, including:

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
• Avoid close contact with other people
• Clean and disinfected frequently touched surfaces daily, including doorknobs, light switches, handles, toilets, faucets, etc.

Stay in touch with your OB/GYN

You may also be worried about your upcoming prenatal appointments and classes. Be sure and check with your physician about what to expect from your visit and where to go.

If you have a high-risk pregnancy, whether you're having multiples or because of another health condition, it's especially important to talk to your doctor about how your appointments may be modified during this time. You should always feel confident and comfortable with your care plan. We will continue to make sure you receive necessary prenatal care, ultrasounds and other surveillance with the appropriate precautions as needed.

If you are COVID-19 positive or exhibit any symptoms, please reach out to your OBGYN as soon as possible to determine the best plan of care for you and your baby.

Take care of yourself

Remember to take care of your body by sticking to healthy habits that are good for you and your baby, including:

• Eat healthy, nutritious meals
• Exercise daily, being mindful to stay at home or at least 6 feet away from other people while out in public
• Get plenty of sleep. The recommended amount for adults is 7-9 hours.
• Stay connected with family and friends by phone or online. They'll want to know how you are and connecting with loved ones can help relieve any anxiety you're feeling.
• Talk with your doctor regarding your fears and worries related to childbirth
• Avoid overconsuming news reports and social media focused on COVID-19. Be sure to rely on trustworthy sources of information, including the CDC and ACOG, as well as the Society for Maternal Fetal Medicine.

Stay home and nest

Not sure what to do with all your time at home? Now is the perfect time to stay home and nest! As you look forward to the birth of your child, use this time to prepare—physically and mentally—for the big day.

• Make sure your house is prepped and ready for your little one to come home. To limit trips to the store, make sure you are well-stocked with everything you'll need after delivery.
• If you're still checking items off the list, shop online. Take precautions when opening packages: dispose of outer packing outside your home, disinfect wrapping and wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds after opening.
• Cook and freeze a week or two's worth of meals.