Partners will be able to attend pregnancy scans following new guidance from the Welsh Government

Partners will be able to attend pregnancy scans in Wales, following new guidance issued by the Welsh Government.

Up until now, birthing partners have not been allowed to visit maternity wards unless a woman is in "active labour" and at birth, because of restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic.

But, the Welsh Government has published new advice saying women can now be accompanied by another person during ultrasound appointments.

It says the lack of opportunities for partners to attend these appointments have caused "distress for families" during the pandemic.

The revised guidance will be effective from 20 July and includes:

• 12-week pregnancy dating scan

• early pregnancy clinic

• anomaly scan (20-week scan)

• attendance at Fetal Medicine Department

"Evidence not only supports the presence of birth partners in labour and birth in improving outcomes for women and infants but also highlights that infant bonding and attachment with parents, increases in the periods around birth. Also, we are aware that lack of opportunities for partners to attend appointments such as ultrasound scans have caused distress for families at this time."

There is currently no new guidance on whether partners can stay with women throughout labour.

The government guidance states letters and health board websites should provide advice and contact details for visitors to request approval to accompany patients.

It said, "There may be occasions in individual health boards that visiting, for specific reasons, may be limited further than outlined in this guidance. This will most likely be to reduce the number of people in any one area to comply with social distancing rules. In this scenario, clear explanations will be given to women and their partner/nominated other."

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