Case series suggest the risk of vertical transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) at birth is unlikely and that there is a low risk of babies being infected at birth even if born to a confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) positive mother. Maternal infection with COVID-19 may increase the risk of premature labour and there appears to be a tendency for more deliveries to be via caesarean section with foetal compromise cited as an indication. Concerns about maternal health may also prompt a decision to deliver. The necessary obstetric precautions against viral exposure may increase the time taken to deliver compromised babies by caesarean section. However, babies do not appear significantly more compromised at birth in the presence of maternal COVID-19. The indications for the attendance of a neonatal team in advance, and the clinical factors which might prompt resuscitation remain unchanged whatever the maternal COVID-19 status.