COVID-19 during pregnancy: what to know and when to call
Pregnant people should seek timely individual advice for fever, cough or breathing difficulty because infection can be associated with more severe outcomes in some cases.
Pregnancy and risk
WHO notes that COVID-19 in pregnancy has been associated with a higher likelihood of severe illness and preterm birth in some studies. Age, overweight, hypertension and diabetes can add to risk.
What to do with symptoms
Contact your maternity team or healthcare service early if you have fever, cough or breathing difficulty, and explain that you are pregnant. Keep routine antenatal care unless your care team advises otherwise.
Medicines and urgent symptoms
Do not self-start antivirals or steroids. Clinicians must assess benefits, risks, pregnancy stage and medicine interactions. Urgent symptoms include breathing difficulty, chest pain, confusion, uncontrolled fever, bleeding, severe abdominal pain or changed fetal movement.
Sources
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This content is general information, not a diagnosis or individual medical advice. Seek urgent help for severe or rapidly worsening symptoms.