COVID-19 Pregnancy and Delivery FAQs
Please know, we regularly treat patients with infectious diseases and have comprehensive protocols and resources to ensure we are able to do so with the highest regard to health and safety. The information compiled below is regularly updated based on new guidelines and safety measures. Read our general FAQs about COVID-19 or learn more about our new visitor policy.
Pregnancy Health and Safety
Q: How can I access tours and classes during the COVID-19 pandemic?
We recognize the importance of classes, tours, and education to our patients, especially during this time. We are offering live classes via Zoom including Childbirth Express, Baby Care, Infant Safety, and Breastfeeding Basics. Please note that for the safety of our patients we are not offering in-person tours at this time, but virtual tours of our birth centers are available.
Planning Your Delivery
Q: Is it safe to deliver a baby the hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic?
A: Our hospitals are the safest place to have your baby. We have all the medical services to support you and your baby's needs, including highly trained staff and infectious disease experts.
We have implemented the highest level of precautions to ensure every mom and baby can have a safe and high-quality delivery.
Both of our campuses have health screeners stationed at all entrances who ensure everyone who enters receives a mask. All healthcare providers undergo health screening each day. Our Mountain View campus has a separate Women’s Hospital and parking garage. Our Los Gatos campus has a separate, secure wing dedicated to mother-baby health.
Q: Who can be with me during labor and delivery?
A: We understand this is a special time for you and your family. For the safety of our patients and staff, we must limit visitors to two (2) support persons allowed per day, in addition to your partner and doula. Please note that only one person, typically your partner, will be allowed to stay overnight. Click here to see our most current visitor's guidelines.
- Please ensure your birth partner/support person is a healthy adult.
- All visitors must be 16+ years old.
- Your birth partner/support person's will wear a hospital-provided mask at all times in the hospital, regardless of vaccination status.
To ensure the safety of patients, visitors, and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic, all Doulas will follow the guidelines below that reflect many of the same requirements of our staff and visitors.
Doulas will:
- Only be allowed to accompany patient during Labor and Delivery. Your doula is considered part of your care team, so they will not take the place of your designated support person.
- Be screened at hospital entry for risk factors and symptoms of COVID-19.
- Not be able to attend labor and delivery of patients who are COVID-19 positive.
- Wear appropriate PPE per hospital guidelines.
Q: Will I need to be COVID-19 tested prior to my C-section delivery or natural birth delivery?
A: If you are scheduled for a C-section delivery, you will be contacted by an El Camino Health scheduler to schedule a COVID-19 test three days prior to your procedure. This also applies if you have already been vaccinated.
If you are not scheduled for a C-section delivery, you will not be required to take a COVID-19 test ahead of admission.
Q: Will I be able to have lactation support?
A: Our experienced nurses and lactation consultants continue to be available to support your breastfeeding needs.
Q: Are there changes to how labor is managed due to COVID-19?
A: Pain medications and epidurals continue to be readily available. Also, walking during labor is limited to one patient/partner at a time in the hall. Both you and your partner/support person will need to wear a mask. Your delivery team will wear gowns, gloves, masks and eye protection to protect all present.
What if I am COVID-19 Positive?
Our Mother-Baby services are ready to support you and your baby. We have specially prepared isolation rooms and services to provide excellent care to moms with respiratory symptoms. Make sure you notify your obstetrics provider as soon as you test positive for COVID-19 to ensure you get the right monitoring and care.
Q: Will I be able to stay in the same room as my baby if I have COVID-19?
A: It is uncommon for newborn babies born to COVID-19 positive mothers to become infected. The risk of a newborn becoming infected is low if a mother takes preventative steps including wearing a mask and washing their hands regularly. Because of this, and a very low risk of severe illness in newborns, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends mother and baby room-in together.
Our provider and staff team will work with the mother and support person to determine how to provide a safe environment for newborn care within the mother's room.
Q: Will my baby be tested for COVID-19 if I have a positive COVID-19 test?
A: The AAP recommends that babies born to COVID-19 positive mothers are tested 24 hours after birth, followed by another test at 48 hours after birth (if you are still admitted in the hospital). Your pediatrician will guide your baby's care.
