What if you get COVID-19 while pregnant? Let's talk about this!

If you're expecting a baby these days, you're probably a little worried about the COVID-19 pandemic, right? You might be worried about what would happen to you and your baby if you suddenly got COVID. But don't worry. Medical science is much more advanced now, and we know a lot more about COVID than we used to. So, whether you test positive for COVID at home or if you think you have COVID symptoms, it's important to tell your doctor right away.

What happens if you get COVID during pregnancy?

Simply put, if you get COVID-19 (the SARS-CoV-2 virus) while you're pregnant, you're more likely to have a slightly worse illness than someone who isn't pregnant. But don't worry, this doesn't mean it's the same for everyone.

Now, doctors know a lot more about the virus than they did when the COVID-19 pandemic began. They're learning new things all the time. So, if you think you have COVID symptoms, or if you get a positive at-home COVID test, see your pregnancy care provider right away. He or she can help you manage your symptoms and decide if you need emergency care.

What are the risks of contracting COVID during pregnancy?

If you get COVID-19 while you're pregnant, there's a risk of some complications. This is because your immune system , heart, and lungs change during pregnancy. These changes make you more likely to get seriously ill from respiratory viruses like COVID-19.

Think about it, your immune system works to protect both you and your unborn baby from diseases. As a result, some parts of your immune system become a little weaker, because part of it also protects your baby. This can make you more susceptible to certain infections. Also, changes in your respiratory system, for example, the diaphragm being pushed up, can cause breathing difficulties.

If you get COVID while you're pregnant, you'll likely have mild symptoms . However, studies have shown that if you develop moderate or severe COVID-19, you may be at increased risk of the following complications:

• Blood clotting disorders : This means that blood can clot spontaneously inside the veins.
• Fetal growth restriction : While in the womb, a baby may grow slower than the normal growth rate for his or her age.
• Gestational diabetes : Diabetes that occurs only during pregnancy.
• Postpartum hemorrhage : Excessive bleeding after childbirth.
• Low birth weight: A baby weighing less than 2.5 kilograms (5 pounds, 8 ounces) at birth.
• Preeclampsia : A dangerous condition that occurs with high blood pressure during pregnancy.
• Preterm birth : Birth before 37 weeks.
• Stillbirth : Researchers are still figuring out the exact risk of this.

The risk of these complications is highest in the third trimester (starting at week 29). This may be because the lungs are at their most stressed during this time. However, remember, the overall risk of serious complications from COVID during pregnancy is still very low.

What are other factors that can cause severe illness due to Covid during pregnancy?

While you are pregnant, your risk of becoming seriously ill from COVID may be increased if you have the following conditions:

• If you have other chronic medical conditions such as diabetes , high blood pressure , or heart disease .
• If your body weight is above normal (`Overweight` or `Obesity`) .
• If you have limited access to medical facilities or no facilities at all.

Can the Covid virus pass through the placenta to the baby?

A study published in 2024 found that very small protein fragments of the Covid-19 virus can cross the placenta . These findings suggest that the spread of the virus from a pregnant mother to her fetus (called 'vertical transmission ') may be more common than researchers previously thought.

Additionally, this study found that your immune system's response to a COVID-19 infection can affect the fetus. Specifically, it can trigger inflammatory responses in the developing fetus, even though there is no evidence that the fetus has COVID-19.

Studies from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) show that a very small number of babies are born with COVID-19. Doctors still can't say for sure whether the baby was infected with the virus before, during, or after birth.

Are Covid symptoms different during pregnancy?

No, the symptoms are the same. Many symptoms start out as flu-like . But they can be more severe.

These may be mild symptoms of COVID-19 during pregnancy:

• Fever
• Chills
• Cough and nasal congestion
• Headache and body aches
• Tiredness
• New loss of taste or smell

If you have any of the following severe symptoms , you should seek emergency medical attention immediately :

• Trouble breathing
• Pain or pressure in your chest
• Confusion, loss of consciousness
• Inability to wake up or stay awake

How does Covid-19 develop?

COVID-19 is caused by a virus called `SARS-CoV-2` (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2) . Coronaviruses are a group of viruses that can cause respiratory illnesses in humans. You can catch it from someone who is already infected with the virus. This can happen in the following ways:

• You inhale respiratory droplets that come out when someone with the virus coughs or sneezes.
• If you have close contact with an infected person (such as shaking hands or shaking hands) and then touch your face.

How to diagnose Covid during pregnancy?

COVID-19 is diagnosed during pregnancy in the same way as it is in a non-pregnant person. Your doctor may suspect COVID-19 based on your symptoms and possible exposure to the virus. However, a laboratory test, which involves taking a nasal swab, can confirm COVID-19.

What should you do if you test positive for COVID during pregnancy?

If you test positive for COVID-19 on your at-home test , the first thing you should do is contact your doctor. Tell them about your symptoms. Your doctor may decide that you have COVID based on your symptoms and the results of your at-home test. In some cases, they may also order lab tests to confirm the diagnosis.

How is COVID-19 treated during pregnancy?

Your doctor may prescribe medication to treat COVID-19 during pregnancy. Currently, the main treatment recommended for COVID-19 for pregnant women is the combination of the drugs normotensive and ritonavir (Paxlovid®) . This is an antiviral medicine. It comes in several pills. Your doctor will tell you exactly how to take it.

If your symptoms are mild, your doctor may recommend the following:

• Resting well.
• Drinking extra fluids (like water, fruit juice).
• Take acetaminophen (but not ibuprofen) to relieve pain.
• Using a humidifier to reduce mucus.
• Dextromethorphan to reduce coughTaking a medicine containing (after consulting a doctor).

Ask your doctor if it's a good idea to use a pulse oximeter ( a device that measures oxygen levels in the blood) and/or a blood pressure monitor (a device that measures blood pressure) at home. He or she will tell you what the warning signs are and what to do if they occur.

If your symptoms are severe, your doctor may recommend hospitalization. This will give you more care. Although the risk of hospitalization is lower, you are still at higher risk than someone who is not pregnant. Your doctor is taking this step to protect you and your baby.

Should you be afraid of Covid during pregnancy?

It's normal to feel scared if you get COVID during pregnancy. While you may feel more different than usual during pregnancy, along with feeling sick, you may also wonder if COVID will affect the delivery.

Yes, there are some risks. But remember this: Most pregnant women who get COVID-19 have only mild symptoms and recover completely.

The most important thing is to talk to your doctor regularly and follow his or her advice. He or she can assess your symptoms and tell you if you need immediate medical attention.

Remember, taking care of your health is the most important thing. Get plenty of rest, drink plenty of water, and if you live with other people, try to isolate yourself from them until you feel better.

Can the baby have birth defects if he contracts Covid during pregnancy?

Research is still ongoing into how COVID-19 affects the fetus. However, most studies show that birth defects or congenital disorders caused by COVID-19 are very rare.

When should I see my doctor?

If your COVID-19 symptoms don't improve after a few days, talk to your doctor. Most cases of COVID-19 are mild and will go away with rest. Ask your doctor what symptoms to watch for and what to do if you're not feeling well.

When should I go to the ER (Emergency Room)?

If you have any of the following symptoms, go to the nearest emergency room (ER):

• Severe fever (greater than 103 Fahrenheit or 39 Celsius)
• Diarrhea and vomiting
• Severe difficulty breathing (`Trouble breathing`)
• Chest pains
• Disorientation or confusion
• Blue, gray, or white discoloration of the lips (cyanosis)
• Confusion, lethargy or having trouble staying awake

What questions should I ask my doctor?

It's normal to feel scared when you find out you have COVID-19 during pregnancy. You may have many questions. Here are some questions you can ask your doctor:

• "Doctor/Madam, since I have COVID, is there a risk that my unborn baby will also get it? "
• " What are the symptoms that can be considered severe? "
• " How do you tell the difference between normal shortness of breath during pregnancy and severe shortness of breath caused by COVID? "
• " What are the symptoms that make me think I need to go to the ER? "
• " What are the possible complications of contracting Covid during pregnancy? "
• "Do I need to be quarantined from the rest of my family? "
• "Will having COVID affect my birth plan? "

What can I do to prevent getting COVID during pregnancy?

The things you can do to prevent contracting COVID-19 during pregnancy are the same as what you would normally do.

• Getting the COVID-19 vaccine is the best way to protect yourself from the virus. It is safe and effective to get vaccinated during pregnancy. It is also a good idea to get the flu vaccine (and any other vaccines your doctor recommends).

Other things you can do:

• Always wash your hands well.
• Avoid people who are sick.
• Stay away from others in crowded, indoor places, or avoid events with large crowds.
• Wear a mask in indoor public places and crowded outdoor areas.
• Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth until your hands are clean.
• Regularly disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs, electronic devices, and counters.

It's also important to keep your prenatal appointments. Your doctor can check on your health and your baby's development. He or she can guide you in managing any health risks that may arise during pregnancy.

A high fever during pregnancy (especially within the first 12 weeks) increases the risk of pregnancy complications. Therefore, it is very important to protect yourself from all illnesses during pregnancy, not just COVID-19.

Finally, I have to say...

You do everything you can to stay healthy and safe during your pregnancy. That's when you suddenly get a positive COVID-19 test. Getting COVID-19 while pregnant can be a stressful and confusing experience. But knowing this can help put your mind at ease: Studies show that many pregnant women who get COVID have only mild symptoms and recover completely.

However, it is best to be cautious. If you test positive for COVID-19, contact your doctor immediately. He or she will provide you with the necessary guidance.

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