The Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology provides guidance on what health care workers should do if they are pregnant. Existing legislation protecting pregnant must be followed. In addition, the following recommendations have been offered:
Protection of all pregnant healthcare workers:
In light of limited evidence, all pregnant workers should be offered the choice of whether to work in direct patient-facing roles.
Choices for pregnant healthcare workers prior to 28 weeks’ gestation:
Risk assessments should be carried out, and if a pregnant worker chooses to work in patient facing roles, they should be supported to do so by minimising risk of transmission through established methods. As for all healthcare workers, use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and risk assessments according to current guidance will provide pregnant workers with protection from infection.
Healthcare workers after 28 weeks’ gestation or with underlying health conditions
For pregnant women from 28 weeks’ gestation, or with underlying health conditions such as heart or lung disease at any gestation, a more precautionary approach is advised. Women in this category should be recommended to stay at home.
New mothers wanting to return to the workforce
Any mother thinking of returning early from maternity leave should be allowed provided she is fit and healthy to work, subject to any employment law restrictions, and following the same infection control and strict hygiene measures.
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