If you’re pregnant, you might understandably be concerned about getting COVID-19 and what it could mean for you and your baby.
First, it’s important to understand that the chances of pregnancy complications from a COVID infection are low. Still, if you are pregnant and sick with COVID, you might become ill enough to need hospitalization and/or need to be in an intensive care unit.
Fortunately, babies being born with COVID is rare, and most have mild symptoms and make a full recovery.
A 2021 review of 111 studies published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology included over 42,000 pregnant women who had COVID-19 while pregnant. It’s been the largest study on COVID and pregnancy and gives valuable insight into how the virus affects pregnant women and their babies.
How COVID-19 can affect pregnancy and birth
Pregnancy is a time when your immune system isn’t at its strongest, explains Dr. Kecia Gaither, who is double board-certified in OB/GYN and maternal-fetal medicine. “Pregnancy outcomes in mothers infected with COVID-19 are predicated based not only on that issue but additionally have to take into account other existing comorbidities, like uncontrolled diabetes.”
This means being pregnant in general can make illness more likely, and that includes respiratory conditions like COVID. If you have certain health conditions, you have an increased chance of more severe illness from COVID and pregnancy complications.
According to the 2021 study, pregnant women with COVID have increased chances of:
- Delivery by cesarean section
- Preeclampsia
- Premature birth
- Babies born with low birth weight
Postpartum endometritis is another complication that can occur with COVID infection, according to Gaither. This is when the inner lining of the uterus, known as the endometrium, becomes inflamed and can cause vaginal bleeding, fever, and pelvic pain. It usually needs to be treated with antibiotics.
Infection of the placenta can also occur. An infected placenta can affect the blood supply to the baby. Adds Gaither, “There have been accounts of infants being born with COVID-19, likely resulting from transplacental infection.” Fortunately, babies being born with COVID is rare, and most have mild symptoms and make a full recovery.
COVID-19 vaccination has thus far been proven to be safe for pregnant women.
Pregnancy itself also carries a higher risk of blood clots, but if you have a COVID infection, this might increase the odds.
How to stay safe
You can’t always prevent getting a COVID infection, but there are steps you can take to protect yourself or reduce your chances of complications.
“COVID-19 vaccination has thus far been proven to be safe for pregnant women,” explains Gaither, even transferring some of that protection from mother to baby. “As pregnancy reflects an immunocompromised state, I recommend all pregnant women receive the vaccination.”
If you can’t, or choose not to, receive a COVID vaccination, make sure you’re continuously being conscious of physical distancing and wear a mask when you’re indoors in public places. You can check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website for your own community’s specific risk and whether masks are recommended.
It’s still advised you wear a mask at your prenatal visits or any healthcare clinic visit. If you are caring for someone or living in the same house as someone with a COVID infection, you should wear a mask. Regardless of your vaccination status, you should continue washing your hands.
When it comes to your nutrition, Gaither recommends eating foods that are known to boost your immune system, such as turmeric and garlic.
Vitamin D is a nutrient that also acts as an immune booster. Known as the “sunshine vitamin,” it plays a role in forming and strengthening new bone, reducing your chances of heart disease, and has mental health benefits. According to Gaither, it also decreases your chances of preterm labor.
If you’re pregnant, have your vitamin D levels checked by your healthcare provider. They may recommend you take a vitamin D supplement if your levels are low. “This is particularly important for women of color,” says Gaither. “Vitamin D is made in the skin in conjunction with sunlight, [and] production is inhibited by melanin. Women of color are likely to have levels which are subpar.”
It’s still advised you wear a mask at your prenatal visits or any healthcare clinic visit.
Make sure you’re getting enough sleep (aim for at least 7 hours) and take steps to reduce your stress. Yoga, meditation, mindfulness, and deep breathing exercises are good practices.
Getting out for 30 minutes of walking five days a week is recommended by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Exercise can help decrease your chances of complications in pregnancy such as preeclampsia and can strengthen your heart. Make sure you talk with your healthcare provider about what exercises are recommended for you during your pregnancy.
Have a discussion with your pregnancy care team about your chances of getting a COVID-19 infection and how you can protect yourself and your baby. Remember, not everyone who has COVID will have complications, but it’s a good idea to do what you can to avoid illness.