These Q&As for pregnant women and their families relate to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) infection and pregnancy – guidance for healthcare professionals 

Published by the RCM alongside the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, with input from the Royal College of Anaesthetists, the Obstetric Anaesthetists’ Association, Public Health England and Health Protection Scotland.

These Q&As may also be helpful for use in practice.

Government guidance on shielding

The government has updated its guidance for people who are shielding taking into account that COVID-19 disease levels are substantially lower now than when shielding was first introduced.

NCT support for expectant and new mothers

If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, you may already have been in touch with NCT (National Childbirth Trust), the UK charity for parents, for information or to book a course. NCT has already changed its way of offering antenatal preparation courses so provision is now online via live, interactive courses. They are also continuously updating their website since the coronavirus outbreak, so information is accurate and aligns with the advice from the RCM and the Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists. 

Please note the following:

• For more information on virtual antenatal courses and to sign up for one, visit https://www.nct.org.uk/courses-workshops/nct-virtual-antenatal-course
• Free information about pregnancy at https://www.nct.org.uk/pregnancy and further pages about labour, birth and life with a baby or toddler
• Many local volunteer groups are currently switching their support to a virtual offer https://www.nct.org.uk/local-activities-meet-ups 
• Practical and emotional support with feeding your baby is available via NCT’s infant feeding line 0300 330 0700 - you will be able talk to a trained breastfeeding counsellor about your concerns, whether you're breastfeeding, using formula milk or introducing solids.