Now that we have seen a decrease in the number of COVID-19 cases in the province, we have begun to restore non-urgent health care services at BC Women's.

We began increasing our surgical capacity on May 18, 2020 starting with priority gynecological procedures, as assessed by our health teams. If you are waiting for a surgery, you will be contacted to reschedule your surgery or procedure.

Yes, if you are healthy and your pregnancy is low risk it is recommended that you have at least 8 check-ups with your health-care provider, either in-person or virtually. Blood pressure checks are needed to diagnose pre-eclampsia, a leading cause of maternal morbidity. All lab tests and ultrasound tests that are time sensitive should still be completed.

More information on the recommended check-up schedule before birth (antenatal): BCCDC: Antenatal Visits during COVID-19 Pandemic (PDF)

If you have other medical risks or mental health issues (for example, obstetrical risks, fetal risks, medical co-morbidities or psychosocial issues), work with your health-care provider to create an individualized care plan to determine your schedule of visits. 

More info: BCCDC: Antenatal Visits during COVID-19 Pandemic (PDF)

We are currently limiting patient, family and visitor access to the hospital to facilitate active screening. Access is limited to 93 (main BC Women’s entrance), 11 (off Oak Street), 97 for Labour and Delivery patients ONLY (Urgent Care Centre), and 53 (Teck Acute Care Centre). Entrance 77 (near Heather Street) is also now accessible to patients, families and visitors.

The most important thing you can do to prevent COVID-19 is to clean your hands regularly and avoid touching your face. Clean your hands often with alcohol-based hand sanitizer or soap and water, especially after touching shared surfaces or objects and before eating. Pregnant women need to be careful with the hand sanitizer they use. Read the label before use as some products, including acetylaldehyde, are not appropriate during pregnancy or when breastfeeding. Stay two metres apart from people when you can. 

For advice on whether you should wear a mask, please visit: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/prevention-risks/masks. 

If your partner is sick they should not come to the hospital. Please identify a back-up support person in case your partner is sick. In order to keep our staff and other patients safe we require your support person to be well.

You and your support person will be on isolation. Care will be based on your symptoms at the time. You can expect continuous electronic fetal monitoring during labour to assess your baby’s wellbeing. After birth, we will keep you and baby together if at all possible. We consider skin to skin contact, delayed cord clamping and breast feeding safe at this time. If you need to go to the operating room, we may take more steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19. We will encourage you to practice good hand hygiene when caring for your baby. We will also advise you to wear a mask if you breastfeed. Your baby will be tested for COVID-19. Ask your primary care provider for more information.

Patients and visitors will be met by a screener at the entrance, who will remind them to wash their hands and wear a mask if they have any possible COVID-19 symptoms. There will be extra precautionary measures visible, for instance, health-care workers are often wearing more personal protective equipment. There are more visitor restrictions in place and physical distancing measures are in effect.

No, due to the risks involved, no accompanying children can be allowed in hospital at this time. Please plan well ahead with alternative childcare arrangements, as labour or other complications can occur at any time during a pregnancy, day or night. 

Breastfeeding and skin-to-skin contact is recommended during the COVID-19 pandemic. Human milk has antibodies and immune factors that protect the health of your baby.  Wash your hands before and after providing care,  holding or feeding your baby, and wear a mask if you are sick. 

If temporary separation from your baby is required,  you are encouraged to express your milk. You may reuse your breast pump kit as long as you wash your breast pump, parts, and feeding equipment carefully each time. 

For more info on expressing milk and cleaning your breast pump visit: Expressing breast milk

BCCDC COVID-19 Guidelines for breastfeeding