IT CAN BE one of the happiest – and also most stressful – experiences for parents-to-be but the coronavirus means that the partners of pregnant women will now be stopped from attending the first scan.

The first glimpse of the baby via the ultrasound is a precious moment but, for the time being, it’s one that can’t be shared as NHS Fife have been forced to take precautions.

They explained: “Further changes have also been implemented as part of ongoing Covid-19 resilience, which mean only pregnant women may attend their booking/first scan.

“Unfortunately, to help limit the spread of the virus, partners will not be able to attend.”

NHS Fife will also now be phoning women who are coming into hospital to attend any maternity appointments – either on the morning of the appointment or the night before – in order to “triage” for symptoms of the coronavirus disease.

They added: "It is important that these calls are answered."

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