A question and answer session by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists gives detailed information from health experts to expectant mothers.
Generally, pregnant women do not appear to be more likely to be severely unwell than other healthy adults if they develop new coronavirus. It is expected the large majority of pregnant women will experience only mild or moderate cold/flu-like symptoms.
More severe symptoms such as pneumonia appear to be more common in older people, those with weakened immune systems or long-term conditions. As yet, there is no evidence that pregnant women who get this infection are more at risk of serious complications than any other healthy individuals.
If you think you may have symptoms of COVID-19 you should use the GHS helpline service for information. If you develop more severe symptoms or your recovery is delayed this may be a sign that you are developing a more significant chest infection that requires enhanced care. Our advice remains that if you feel your symptoms are worsening or if you are not getting better you should contact your maternity care team or use the GHS helpline service for further information and advice.
Effects on your baby
As this is a very new virus we are just beginning to learn about it. There is no evidence to suggest an increased risk of miscarriage.
There is also no evidence that the virus can pass to your baby while you are pregnant or during birth (this is called vertical transmission). Two cases of possible vertical transmission have been reported. In both cases, it remains unclear whether the transmission was prior to or soon after birth. Another recent report from China of four women with coronavirus infection when they gave birth found no evidence of the infection in their newborn babies. Expert opinion is that the baby is unlikely to be exposed during pregnancy. It is also therefore considered unlikely that if you have the virus it would cause problems with the baby’s development, and none have been observed currently.
Some babies born to women with symptoms of coronavirus in China have been born prematurely. It is unclear whether coronavirus caused early labor, or whether it was recommended that the baby was born early in order to preserve the mother’s health.
As a precaution, you should follow government advice about social distancing; stay away from public places and avoid anyone who has symptoms suggestive of coronavirus.
If you are in your third trimester (more than 28 weeks pregnant) you should be particularly attentive to social distancing and minimizing contact with others.
