Do Pregnant Women Have a Higher Chance of Getting Coronavirus (COVID-19)?
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. Current evidence suggests that the chance of a newborn catching COVID-19 from their biological parents is low, especially if parents take steps (such as wearing masks and washing hands) to prevent transmission before and during the care of the newborn. Although the risk is low, if you are pregnant or have just become pregnant, you are more likely to become seriously ill from contracting COVID-19 than someone who is not pregnant. The majority of people who develop COVID-19 during pregnancy have babies who are not infected with COVID-19 at birth.
If I Get Coronavirus (COVID-19) While I’m Pregnant, Can I Pass it to My Baby?
Although there have been reported cases of coronavirus transmission from mothers to their babies during pregnancy, the rate of transmission is very low and is usually associated with delivery within two weeks of infection. Transmission of coronavirus infections from mothers to their newborns through droplets after delivery is a cause for concern, with several cases of babies becoming infected in the first few days of life being reported.
What should I do after the baby is born if I was infected by COVID-19?
If you are quarantined due to COVID-19 and sharing a room with a newborn, take the following steps to reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to your newborn:
Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before holding or caring for your newborn.
If soap and water are not available, use a sanitizer containing at least 60 percent alcohol.
Wear a well-fitted mask when you are within 6 feet of your newborn.
Try to keep your newborn more than 6 feet away from you.
Discuss with your healthcare provider ways to protect your newborn, such as using physical barriers in the hospital (e.g. placing the newborn in an incubator).
