Pregnant & Worried About COVID-19?

Here’s What You Need to Know

Pregnant women may be at higher risk for more serious illness from COVID-19, the coronavirus disease spreading here and across the world.

Women are more vulnerable to illness or infection, in general, during pregnancy. But research has found that pregnant women infected with COVID-19 are more likely to be hospitalized and require mechanical ventilation then pregnant women who don’t have the virus.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also warns that pregnant women with the virus could be at higher risk for other problems, such as preterm labor. So with COVID-19, it’s important to take precautions. 

One important, protective step is to get the COVID-19 vaccine. The CDC and other health organizations now recommend the vaccine for all pregnant or breastfeeding people, as well as those planning to get pregnant. Learn more about the vaccine here.

How to Protect Yourself

► Watch for symptoms:  Fever, cough and shortness of breath.

• If you have these symptoms, call your obstetrician or midwife. 
   
• Don’t skip prenatal appointments. These are important to your and your baby’s well-being. Your obstetrician or midwife will take steps during appointments to keep you and other patients safe.
   
• If you’re sick, call first—before heading to a doctor's office or hospital. Most people with COVID-19 safely recover at home. Hospital care is needed only for severe symptoms and emergencies. More on what to do if you're sick. 

► Help prevent the virus from spreading.

• Cover your coughs with a tissue, or cough into your inner elbow.
   
• Avoid people who are sick.
   
• Clean your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. More on protecting yourself and others.

Childbirth and Your Baby

Our hospital has special procedures in place to care for sick pregnant women and their newborns during and after childbirth. Learn more about these.

Research on how COVID-19 affects pregnancy and breastfeeding has so far found that:

• Most babies born to mothers with COVID-19 have not tested positive for the virus at birth. 

• The virus does not seem to spread to infants through breast milk. 

Talk to your obstetrician or midwife about any concerns you have. Take good care of yourself and your developing baby. We’re here for you!

Source:  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website on 4/7/20 and emergency informational call for clinicians on 3/12/20.

This message is not intended to provide individual medical advice about you. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about your health. Never disregard, avoid or delay contacting a doctor or other qualified professional because of something you have read in our emails, webpages or other electronic communications.