If you are pregnant, you may be worried about becoming infected with Covid-19 and what that could mean for your health and your baby. There are many unknowns with Covid-19 since it is a new virus. However, the following are some common questions and what the experts are currently saying about Covid-19 and pregnancy.
Does pregnancy increase my risk?
At the present time, there does not appear to be an increased risk for pregnant women of developing Covid-19 compared to the general population.
If infected, will my illness be more severe?
According to current data, there does not appear to be a higher risk of developing severe disease from Covid-19 due to pregnancy alone. However, certain health factors such as heart conditions, asthma or lung disease, immune disorders including HIV infection, obesity, diabetes, kidney or liver disease and other respiratory illnesses (such as influenza) do increase risk in the general population.
How can I protect myself?
Pregnant women should follow the same recommended precautions as the general population, including frequent handwashing, social distancing, and avoiding facial touching. It is best to stay home whenever possible. Avoid anyone who is sick or has been exposed to the virus even if they are not showing symptoms. Contact your doctor to learn how to proceed with your check-ups. Some doctors are seeing patients through telehealth visits or increasing the length of time between visits.
What if I have symptoms?
Contact your general doctor as well as your obstetrician at the first signs of Covid-19 symptoms. These symptoms include: fever, cough, shortness of breath, chills, muscle/head pain, sore throat, loss of taste/smell. Your healthcare team can advise you on your next steps. Remember to take only acetaminophen as a fever reducer.
Will Covid-19 affect the health of my unborn baby?
The risk of a woman passing Covid-19 to her unborn baby appears to be very low. Currently, there is no evidence of miscarriages or birth defects caused by the disease.
Can Covid-19 be passed to my newborn?
It is unknown if a pregnant woman can pass the infection to her baby before birth. There are a few cases of newborns testing positive for the disease when they were several days old. However, mothers who test positive are still being encouraged to breastfeed and hold their babies, although they should wear a mask and wash their hands frequently.
Jewel Women’s Center cares about you and your health. Our staff is here to help you with resources, referrals and information. If you are pregnant (or believe you might be pregnant) and need help, please contact us for a free and confidential consultation.