COVID-19 During Pregnancy: Risks, Symptoms & How to Stay Safe
22 Mar 2025
Getting COVID-19 while pregnant can feel scary, but the good news is that most pregnant women recover without complications. However, COVID-19 can increase the risk of certain pregnancy complications, so taking extra precautions is important.
Let’s explore the risks, symptoms, safe treatment options, and ways to protect yourself and your baby.
Preterm birth (before 37 weeks)
High blood pressure complications (preeclampsia)
Increased risk of C-section Good news: The majority of pregnant women recover fully, and severe complications are rare—especially if you’re vaccinated.
Cough
Shortness of breath
Fatigue or body aches
Loss of taste or smell
Headache or sore throat
Congestion or runny nose When to call your doctor: If you have difficulty breathing, persistent chest pain, confusion, or a high fever that won’t go down, seek medical attention immediately.
Low birth weight – If baby is born early.
Stillbirth (rare but possible in severe cases). Most babies born to mothers with COVID-19 are healthy and do not contract the virus.
Drink plenty of fluids
Use a humidifier or steam for congestion 🌫
Eat nutrient-rich foods (soups, fruits, whole grains)
Use pregnancy-safe medications for fever & pain (like Tylenol)
Aspirin – Unless prescribed by your doctor. Call your doctor before taking any new medications, even over-the-counter ones.
Wash hands frequently – Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Wear a mask in crowded places – Especially in hospitals or public transport.
Avoid sick people – Stay away from anyone with flu-like symptoms.
Eat well & stay hydrated – A strong immune system can help fight illness. If you’ve been exposed to COVID-19, monitor for symptoms and get tested.
Wear a mask while breastfeeding and wash hands before touching your baby. Breast milk provides antibodies that may help protect your baby!
Persistent chest pain or pressure
Confusion or dizziness
High fever that doesn’t go down
Decreased fetal movement Always trust your instincts—if something feels wrong, don’t hesitate to call your doctor!
Is COVID-19 More Dangerous for Pregnant Women?
Pregnant women have weakened immune systems, making them more vulnerable to infections, including COVID-19. While most cases are mild or moderate, studies suggest that pregnant women with COVID-19 are at higher risk for: Severe illness requiring hospitalizationPreterm birth (before 37 weeks)
High blood pressure complications (preeclampsia)
Increased risk of C-section Good news: The majority of pregnant women recover fully, and severe complications are rare—especially if you’re vaccinated.
Common COVID-19 Symptoms in Pregnancy
COVID-19 symptoms in pregnant women are similar to those in the general population, including: Fever or chillsCough
Shortness of breath
Fatigue or body aches
Loss of taste or smell
Headache or sore throat
Congestion or runny nose When to call your doctor: If you have difficulty breathing, persistent chest pain, confusion, or a high fever that won’t go down, seek medical attention immediately.
COVID-19 & Pregnancy Complications: What You Should Know
COVID-19 during pregnancy may increase the risk of: Preterm labor (before 37 weeks) – Due to inflammation or fever.Low birth weight – If baby is born early.
Stillbirth (rare but possible in severe cases). Most babies born to mothers with COVID-19 are healthy and do not contract the virus.
How to Treat COVID-19 Safely During Pregnancy
If you test positive for COVID-19 while pregnant, here’s what to do:Safe Home Remedies:
Rest as much as possibleDrink plenty of fluids
Use a humidifier or steam for congestion 🌫
Eat nutrient-rich foods (soups, fruits, whole grains)
Use pregnancy-safe medications for fever & pain (like Tylenol)
Medications to Avoid:
Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) – Not recommended in pregnancy.Aspirin – Unless prescribed by your doctor. Call your doctor before taking any new medications, even over-the-counter ones.
How to Protect Yourself & Your Baby from COVID-19
To reduce your risk of getting COVID-19 while pregnant: Get vaccinated & boosted – COVID-19 vaccines are safe and recommended during pregnancy.Wash hands frequently – Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Wear a mask in crowded places – Especially in hospitals or public transport.
Avoid sick people – Stay away from anyone with flu-like symptoms.
Eat well & stay hydrated – A strong immune system can help fight illness. If you’ve been exposed to COVID-19, monitor for symptoms and get tested.
Can COVID-19 Affect Your Baby?
1. Can COVID-19 Be Passed to the Baby in the Womb?
- Transmission from mother to baby is rare but possible.
- Most newborns test negative even when the mother has COVID-19.
2. Can I Breastfeed If I Have COVID-19?
Yes! Breastfeeding is safe and encouraged even if you have COVID-19.Wear a mask while breastfeeding and wash hands before touching your baby. Breast milk provides antibodies that may help protect your baby!
When to Call Your Doctor
Seek medical help immediately if you experience: Severe difficulty breathingPersistent chest pain or pressure
Confusion or dizziness
High fever that doesn’t go down
Decreased fetal movement Always trust your instincts—if something feels wrong, don’t hesitate to call your doctor!
