COVID-19 Information
Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a virus that experts believe spreads person-to-person through close contact. It can also spread through surfaces, especially if a person touches something with the virus on it then touches their mouth, nose or eyes before washing their hands.
Have questions about pregnancy, labor and delivery during COVID-19? Our experts have the answers.
Read our COVID-19 frequently asked questions for expecting mothers.
Who can visit The Mother Baby Center?
Due to the coronavirus outbreak in the United States we have to enforce restricted COVID-19 visiting standards. The visiting guidelines have been updated to protect all patients, visitors and staff. Below are the visiting standards based on your situation.
Visiting mom and baby at The Mother Baby Center:
Allina Health visiting standards:
- COVID-19 negative labor and delivery patients: May have two support people and both support people must be over 18 years old (or by compassionate exception). One person may be present during the entire hospital stay. The second person will be asked to leave the hospital two hours after the birth of the baby. (Please note a doula would be considered a support person.)
- COVID-19 positive patients, patients who have a test pending, patients with no test on file, or patients who decline a test: One person may be present during the entire hospital stay.
- View additional support person guidelines.
More information about COVID-19 from Allina Health: Allinahealth.org/coronavirus
Visiting baby in the neonatal units:
Children’s Minnesota visiting standards:
- Two consistent legal guardians may be at the bedside during a patient’s stay.
- No other visitors will be permitted, including siblings.
- Compassionate exceptions may be possible.
More information about COVID-19 from Children’s Minnesota: ChildrensMN.org/COVID19
COVID-19 and pregnancy
While it appears adults with underlying medical conditions, including asthma and diabetes, appear to be at higher risk for severe coronavirus disease, as an expecting parent you may be wondering how does this virus affect pregnant women and their unborn babies.
WHAT EXPECTING MOMS NEED TO KNOW
Get the answers to commonly asked questions that expectant parents have about COVID-19.
At this time, Allina Health and The Mother Baby Center have temporarily suspended water births.
A note for Allina Health obstetric (OB) patients
In an effort to limit your exposure to COVID-19 while continuing essential prenatal care, we are minimizing the need for in-person visits. We are making changes in our appointment scheduling for all low-risk, well pregnant women:
- An initial OB visit with an OB provider.
- 20 week visit.
- 28 week visit.
- 36 week visit.
- Weekly visits from 37 weeks until delivery.
If you are an Allina Health OB patient, click here for more information.
If you are a non-Allina Health OB patient
Call your OB team if you have any concerns or questions about your pregnancy or labor, or if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.
COVID-19 Testing
The Mother Baby Center will test all patients for COVID-19 who are 39 weeks or greater in their pregnancy.
In our commitment to keep our patients and staff safe, all patients who are 39 weeks or greater in their pregnancy will undergo COVID-19 testing prior to giving birth at The Mother Baby Center. Patients will be asked to quarantine themselves following their test.
COVID-19 testing will be by appointment only and is available for The Mother Baby Center patients and must be scheduled at select Allina Health clinics. For non-Allina Health OBGYN patients, we will accept tests from outside facilities.
Please contact your OB team with any concerns or questions.
Coronavirus resources
Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) hotline – 651-201-3920
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Pregnancy and COVID-19
