What expectant mothers should know during the COVID-19 pandemic

We’ve heard many questions from our patients about how to take care of themselves and their babies during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our OB-GYNs and midwives are here for you, ready to answer your questions and make sure you’re getting the care you need.

Get in touch with our pregnancy experts

We know you never thought you’d be having a baby during a pandemic. But whenever you have concerns or need care, we’re here to help. Our clinics can answer many of your questions and guide you to the best kind of appointment, whether that’s a video visit, phone visit or in-person visit.

Protect yourself and your baby from COVID-19

If you’re feeling sick, treat yourself with rest and lots of fluids. Consult with your OB-GYN or midwife on the best options for managing symptoms – like fever or muscle aches – during pregnancy. We also suggest getting a COVID-19 test.

If your symptoms are severe or you have increasing shortness of breath, call your primary care clinic, OB-GYN or midwife.

COVID-19 vaccines are recommended

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends all people who are pregnant or breastfeeding get vaccinated against COVID-19. This recommendation is based on an analysis of nearly 2,500 pregnant people who received the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine series before 20 weeks of pregnancy. In particular, the rate of miscarriages among pregnant women who received a COVID-19 vaccine was similar to the expected rate of miscarriage among all women. This suggests there isn’t any evidence for an increased risk of miscarriage due to vaccination.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, as well as the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, also recommend pregnant or nursing mothers get vaccinated against COVID-19. To help you make an informed decision, discuss COVID-19 vaccination with your doctor or midwife.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

We’re here to provide care for you and your baby in the safest way possible. You can get prenatal and postpartum care with a video visit, phone visit or an in-person visit. Our doctors and midwives are working hard to make sure you get the same personalized, expert care with whatever visit type you schedule.

During a video visit, you can chat with your doctor or midwife face to face. Using any device with a camera, you can get care wherever you are.

During in-person appointments, we’re making sure it’s safe to visit our clinics, birth centers and hospitals. We’ve have rigorous safety and cleaning protocols in place to help keep you healthy.

To schedule a visit, you can make an appointment online or call your clinic. We’ll help you find the best kind of visit for you.

No, you don’t need to make any changes to your birth plan right now. Our birth centers and hospitals are open and ready for you when it’s time to have your baby. We will always do our best to honor your wishes.

We’re limiting the number of visitors to our hospitals and birth centers to lower the spread of COVID-19.

See our latest visitor guidelines

You’ll also have the support and expertise of our team of nurses, doctors, midwives, and other labor and delivery specialists to care for you every step of the way.

No, a hospital-based birth center is still the safest place to deliver your baby. Unexpected complications can arise during labor and delivery. At a birth center, doctors and nurses are there to help with any difficulties.

Our hospital-based birth centers are dedicated to caring for mothers and babies. We’re taking rigorous steps to keep all our patients – including and especially our littlest ones – safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the CDC , pregnant women are more likely to become severely ill from COVID-19 than people who aren’t pregnant.

We recommend following CDC recommendations to prevent getting sick, including considering whether or not you’d like to get a COVID-19 vaccine. If you’re concerned about your risk, talk to your OB-GYN or midwife.

Transmission of COVID-19 to your baby during pregnancy isn’t likely. The virus hasn’t been detected in amniotic fluid or breastmilk.

After birth, it is possible for babies to catch COVID-19 from person-to-person spread (also called community spread). If you have concerns or questions about you or your baby’s risk, talk to your OB-GYN or midwife.

Breastfeeding is a safe way to feed your baby – the virus hasn’t been found in breastmilk.

Breastfeeding has many health benefits, including strengthening your baby’s immune system. Experts still recommend breastfeeding during the pandemic. When you breastfeed, take the following precautions:

  • Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds before feeding your baby.
  • If you use a breast pump, make sure to properly clean your breast pump after each use.
  • If you think you’re sick, wear a mask or face covering while directly breastfeeding your baby.

If you have COVID-19, the CDC recommends pumping breastmilk and having a healthy family member or friend feed your baby.

In any pregnancy, there is a slight risk of miscarrying. We don’t yet have studies about miscarriage and COVID-19, but we do know that similar conditions like influenza and upper respiratory infections can increase your risk of miscarrying. If you get sick, our team of expert doctors and midwives are here to help you.

Taking precautions like washing your hands regularly, wearing a mask, social distancing and considering the COVID-19 vaccine can lower your risk of getting COVID-19. If you have any questions, ask your OB-GYN or midwife. We’re here to help you stay healthy during and after your pregnancy.

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