FAQ: COVID-19 and Pregnant Patients

Where can I get up-to-date information on COVID-19 in pregnancy?

Reliable sources on this subject include the following:

• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
  • COVID-19 and pregnancy
  • Tool kit for pregnant people and new parents
• Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM)
• UCSF Women's Health Resource Center (offers webinars on COVID-19 and pregnancy care)

Is it OK to get pregnant during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Yes. National health agencies have not recommended delaying spontaneous conception (trying to get pregnant on your own).

I am pregnant. Do I need to take special precautions?

In general, pregnant people experience immune system and physiological changes that make them more susceptible to viral respiratory infections. Pregnant patients are at risk for more severe illness from a COVID-19 infection.

Patients who are pregnant or trying to conceive should follow the same precautions as people who are not pregnant:

• Get vaccinated for COVID-19, and get booster shots when eligible. (Find information on appointments and eligibility on our COVID-19 vaccines page.)
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds each time.
• If soap and water aren't available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Don't go to work if you're sick.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and throw the tissue in the trash. Then wash your hands with soap and water.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Depending on COVID-19 transmission patterns in your area, wearing a mask can help protect you. If you wear a mask, choose one that is well-fitting and multilayered. Don't use a mask with a valve; these masks allow droplet release, so they don't protect people near you.

I've heard of people delivering in hospitals without a support person present. Could this happen to me?

Throughout the pandemic, UCSF has offered safe ways for our patients to access in-person support during the birthing process. Please visit the UCSF Health visitation page for up-to-date information about our visitor policies.

Do pregnant people who get a COVID-19 infection have an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes?

Since the onset of the pandemic, we have amassed a growing body of data on adverse pregnancy outcomes and COVID-19. Early pregnancy loss due to COVID-19 infection has not been observed (unlike with other related coronaviruses, such as SARS and MERS). There's also no evidence that COVID-19 causes birth defects, and there's no data suggesting that the virus routinely crosses the placenta and harms the newborn.

There is evidence, however, that pregnant patients with COVID-19 are more likely to progress to severe illness. They're more likely to be hospitalized, intubated and admitted to the intensive care unit than patients who aren't pregnant. We also know that COVID-19 infection during pregnancy can increase the risk of preterm birth and stillbirth.

Can a pregnant person pass the virus to the baby during pregnancy or delivery?

There have been reported cases of COVID-19 transmission between parent and fetus during pregnancy, but this is very rare. More commonly, a person with an active COVID-19 infection during delivery can pass the virus to the infant during close contact after birth. The COVID-19 virus has not been detected in breast milk.

You can get additional information on breastfeeding and COVID-19 from the CDC.

Should I get a COVID-19 vaccine or booster if I'm pregnant or trying to get pregnant?

All leading public and professional health organizations strongly recommend vaccination if you are pregnant or planning to be pregnant. Pregnancy increases the risk of severe complications from COVID-19, and the protection conferred by the vaccine helps to keep parent and baby healthy. Multiple studies from different countries have shown that the COVID-19 vaccine has no effect on fertility, miscarriage or other pregnancy outcomes. The COVID-19 vaccine may cause mild menstrual irregularities for one or two cycles after vaccination.

Up-to-date guidance on the COVID-19 vaccine and pregnancy is available from the CDC.

I am pregnant and work in health care. Is it safe to continue working?

According to the CDC, pregnant health care personnel should follow risk assessment and infection control guidelines if exposed to patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19. Adherence to recommended infection prevention and control practices is an important part of protecting all workers in health care settings, regardless of pregnancy status. If there's reason to be concerned about your work situation, talk with your direct supervisor and obstetric care provider to come up with a plan that's safe for you.