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:
It's not clear if coronavirus is worse for pregnant women. They can 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.
Newborn babies can catch the virus after birth. This is why doctors might recommend temporarily separating a mother and her infant if the mother is sick at the time of delivery.
The symptoms of coronavirus are like those of other respiratory viruses, like colds and the flu. So chances are, unless you get tested, you won't know if you have coronavirus. Call your health care provider right away if you have any symptoms, such as a cough, fever, or trouble breathing.
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 coronavirus 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 keep practicing social distancing 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: 07-04-2020
