We've learned a lot about coronavirus (COVID-19). 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.
Pregnant women who do get infected with coronavirus are more likely to have a severe illness than women who aren't pregnant. So it's important to protect yourself by following all recommended pregnancy precautions.
To protect yourself from coronavirus and other infections if you're pregnant:
It seems that pregnant women with coronavirus are more likely to deliver their babies early. or even stillborn. Doctors are carefully studying pregnancies to see if other problems could be linked to COVID-19.
There's not enough research yet to know if coronavirus can spread to babies during pregnancy or birth. It seems that the virus is not likely to spread to the baby from amniotic fluid or breast milk, but some babies born to mothers with COVID-19 have tested positive for the virus. Doctors recommend testing healthy babies born to mothers with COVID-19, if tests are available. This will help with plans to care for the baby in the hospital and when the baby is home.
Newborns can catch the virus from an infected parent. But doctors do not recommend separating an infected mother from her newborn unless she is too sick to care for the baby. If the mother feels well enough, she can care for and feed her baby while wearing a mask and washing her hands well and often. When not providing care, it's best for the mother to keep a reasonable distance from her baby, when possible, until the recommended isolation period is over.
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:
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 take every precaution to make sure moms and babies are safe from germs. Most health care facilities have kept patients with COVID-19 or symptoms of the virus in isolation and away from others.
Some hospitals have limited the number of people allowed in the delivery room. At the very least, partners and family members who visit the mom and baby should wear masks and wash hands well when tending to the baby.
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 more information.
Reviewed by: Elana Pearl Ben-Joseph, MD
Date Reviewed: Aug 23, 2022
