The new coronavirus, COVID-19 [1], is quickly making its way all over the world, leaving people everywhere wondering how to avoid getting infected [2] — and what happens if they do. Pregnant people, especially, are at risk of COVID-19 because their bodies are considered immunocompromised while carrying a child [3]. But before you panic, we talked to two doctors to find out just how pregnant people can be affected by the virus and what it means for their babies. Dr. Kecia Gaither [4], MD, MPH, FACOG, director of perinatal services and maternal fetal medicine at NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln, and Dr. Taraneh Shirazian, MD, founder of Mommy Matters [5], both weighed in on this latest virus to sweep the world and how pregnant people can protect themselves from contracting it.
Does the new coronavirus affect pregnant people differently?
According to Dr. Gaither, "From what is known from this small amount of information, it is believed that pregnant people, along with other immunocompromised individuals, such as older individuals, or those with chronic disease, may be more susceptible to the risk of disease acquisition associated morbidity and mortality in relation to the general population." Basically what this means is that pregnant women are as at risk for coronavirus as any one else whose immune system is currently compromised and should take precautions as such.
If I catch coronavirus, will it make it harder to get pregnant?
At this time, both Dr. Shirazian and Dr. Gaither note that there's not enough information to make a definitive call on this. The COVID-19 virus, though similar to SARS and MERS, is still unique enough and new enough that it hasn't been studied properly yet to have much information on it. You should speak with your doctor if you have concerns.
How should I protect against coronavirus if I'm pregnant?
Pregnant people should take the same precautions against COVID-19 that everyone else should be taking. Make sure you're thoroughly washing your hands often and with soap [7]. Also avoid anyone who is sick. Dr. Shirazian also told POPSUGAR that pregnant people should "come into the hospital early on if symptoms arise [8] so that both the parent and fetus can be monitored appropriately."
If I'm pregnant and catch coronavirus, will I give it to my unborn child?
Dr. Shirazian cited a very small study of nine pregnant women in Wuhan, China, who were all infected with COVID-19 and delivered babies in January this year. "Their outcomes were the same as those who were not pregnant, and no COVID-19 was found to have passed to their fetuses [9]," she told POPSUGAR. "But this was a very small sample of pregnant women. Reports from other coronaviruses such as SARS and MERS suggest that pregnant women could have a severe clinical course. Reporting on cases of COVID-19 need to include information on pregnancy status, as well as maternal and fetal outcomes."
Dr. Gaither added, "From the few cases reports out of China, the virus may have adverse effects on the newborns causing issues such as preterm labour, fetal distress, respiratory distress, low platelets, abnormal liver function tests, and thrombocytopenia," which is further proof that there haven't been enough cases of pregnant women with COVID-19 yet to confidently say one way or the other how the virus could affect a fetus. You should talk through any concerns with your doctor.
Can I pass coronavirus to my baby from breastfeeding?
Because COVID-19 is so new, there is also not any concrete information on whether or not the virus can be transmitted through breast milk. Dr. Gaither pointed out that transmission "appears to occur via person to person (aerosolized droplets) infected surfaces, or objects," but does not have an answer for if breast milk can be infected.