There are many things we don't yet know about coronavirus (COVID-19), but we're learning more each day. Here are some answers to questions about coronavirus and pregnancy.
Experts don't know if pregnant women are more likely to get coronavirus than other people. But because of the changes women go through during pregnancy, they may be more likely to get some infections. So it's important to protect yourself.
To protect themselves from coronavirus and other infections, pregnant women should:
Researchers are still learning about how the virus affects pregnant women. Pregnant women may have a higher risk of worse disease than those who are not pregnant. They can also have more problems with other respiratory viruses, like the flu. For this reason, it's especially important to follow all recommended precautions while pregnant.
It's still too early to tell how coronavirus may affect pregnancy or an unborn baby. Some pregnant women with coronavirus have had problems, like premature birth, but it's not clear if the virus caused them.
There's not enough research yet to know if coronavirus can spread to babies during pregnancy or birth. The virus has not been found in amniotic fluid or breast milk, but some babies born to mothers with coronavirus have tested positive for the virus. Doctors recommend testing healthy babies born to mothers with coronavirus, if tests are available. This will help with plans to care for the baby in the hospital and when the baby is home.
Newborn babies can catch the virus after birth. This is why doctors might recommend temporarily separating a mother and her infant if the mother has a positive COVID-19 test at the time of delivery.
The symptoms of COVID-19 can be like those of other viruses, like colds and the flu. So chances are, unless you get tested, you won't know if you have COVID-19. Call your health care provider right away if you have any symptoms, such as a cough, fever, or trouble breathing.
Other symptoms may include:
Most people who get sick can be cared for at home with fluids and rest. But if you need to see a health care provider, call the office or hospital before going in. For emergencies, call 911.
Yes. Hospitals and birth centers are taking every precaution to make sure moms and babies are safe from germs. Most health care facilities keep patients with COVID-19 or symptoms of the virus away from others and in isolation wards.
Some hospitals are limiting the number of people allowed in the delivery room. When your baby is born, visitors may not be allowed in the hospital. If they are, they may be checked for coronavirus symptoms before going in the building.
Because newborns' immune systems are still developing, they have a harder time fighting illnesses. So it's important to stay away from other people when your baby comes home from the hospital.
To protect your baby:
Check the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) websites for up-to-date, reliable information about coronavirus.
Reviewed by: Mary L. Gavin, MD
Date Reviewed: 23-07-2020
