What if I am Expecting and Diagnosed with COVID-19?

We screen all patients for COVID-19 prior to entry to the OB department. The screening will include questions about your health. It is extremely important to answer these questions truthfully, even if your symptoms seem minor.  If you have a scheduled delivery, such as a cesarean section or induction, we will begin pre-screening via phone one-to-two days prior to admission.

For Patients Who are Not Suspected or Confirmed to have COVID-19

Maternity patients will be admitted to their chosen maternity unit at Munson Healthcare Cadillac Hospital, Munson Healthcare Charlevoix Hospital, Munson Medical Center, or Otsego Memorial Hospital.  

Please Note: Munson Healthcare Grayling Hospital patients are now delivering at Otsego Memorial Hospital. For questions or additional information, contact your OB provider.

For Maternity Patients Suspected or Confirmed to have COVID-19

In order to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19, Munson Medical Center now has a special isolation unit dedicated to labor, delivery, and recovery for maternity patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19. This special unit is on a separate floor from the existing maternity unit and includes a specially trained nursing team.

Expectant Maternity Patients with COVID-19 Transferred to Munson Medical Center

Suspected or confirmed COVID-19 maternity patients admitted to Cadillac Hospital, Charlevoix Hospital, Grayling Hospital, and Otsego Memorial Hospital will be transferred to Munson Medical Center’s special isolation unit for labor and delivery if it is safe to do so. Our OB nurses have been trained to help stabilize and safely transfer COVID-19 maternity patients requiring delivery or extended care during their illness. If our specially trained staff determines that you have reached a point in the labor process where you cannot be transferred to Munson Medical Center, they will be prepared to support and care for you through your labor and delivery.

Temporary Separation from Baby Following Delivery Recommended

To reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 to your baby, we strongly recommend that you temporarily separate from your baby following delivery. To ensure that your baby receives the same level of attention, he or she will be placed in an individual room with one-on-one care as opposed to staying in the nursery. Your support person is highly encouraged to stay with the baby. When the baby is ready to be discharged, he/she will be able to go home with you or your chosen support person.

If you choose to not separate from your baby, your care team will work with you to ensure the safest way to care for your baby. This includes:

• Distancing yourself at least six feet from the baby, with a curtain in between when possible. However, we still encourage you to touch, hold, and breastfeed your baby as this helps him/her thrive.
• Wash your hands before and after touching, holding, or breastfeeding him/her (wearing a mask when possible), and cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.