If you are Black, Asian or another ethnic minority and pregnant we want you to know, we’re here to support you.
Pregnant people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds have 4 x the chance of needing a hospital stay because of COVID-19 symptoms. Research is ongoing to explain why this is. It’s natural to feel anxious in these uncertain times, especially if you are pregnant, but we’re here to help.

Your midwife will ask you at every antenatal check if you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. This is to try and keep you and your baby safe. If you have any Covid-19 symptoms only please call 111 and they will be able to advise you. If you have Covid-19 symptoms and another pregnancy related issue please call Labour Line 0300 3690388. Lines are open 24/7.
Equity and equality five year action plan
Equity for parents, carers and babies from minority communities and those living in the most deprived areas
What we want
Our vision is a maternity care service that is truly accessible to everyone in Dorset. From the moment you start planning to have a baby, throughout your pregnancy, and after your baby arrives, we want to make sure you get care that is safe, fair and personalised to you.
Working together
We’ll work with local NHS services, the councils, health visitors, Maternity Voices Partnerships and communities, and local people to make sure your needs and the needs of your family are at the heart of everything we do.
How we’re going to do it
Over the next five years we will focus on key actions to improve maternity services and make sure the care you get is fair and meets your needs. We will track our progress while we put these actions in place. Some of the areas we will focus on include:
COVID-19 symptoms to look out for:
If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms and a pregnancy-related issue, call Labour Line:Â 0300 369 0388.
If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms only, call NHS 111.
Patient Advice Liaison Service
If you have any concerns that your ethnicity is affecting the type of care you receive, call the Patient Advice Liaison Service (PALS).
Labour Line
Call: 0300 369 0388 right away if you experience any of the following: