About Fertility
What to Do if You Test Positive for COVID-19 While Pregnant
Pregnancy is a time for joy and excitement, but, understandably, the ongoing pandemic might make you feel nervous about your health and wellness. In this blog we will cover what to do if you test positive for COVID-19 while pregnant.
Despite the widespread rollout of vaccines and booster shots, community transmission remains high. Taking preventative measures, such as wearing a mask in public and avoiding crowded indoor spaces, can help reduce your chances of contracting COVID-19. However, there is still a risk of catching the virus.
The CDC has reported that, compared to non-pregnant people, pregnant people experience much more severe illness from COVID-19, which can lead to hospitalization. In August 2021, COVID-19 mortality rates among pregnant women were at their highest due to un-vaccination. Pregnancy loss has also been observed among women with other coronaviruses in the past. A study in Scotland found that the risk of losing a baby was four times higher for those who were unvaccinated and delivered their babies within four weeks of the onset of a COVID infection. There was no added risk for those who were vaccinated.
Should you catch COVID-19 while pregnant, there are steps you can take to protect the health of you and your child. First, we recommend that you contact your OBGYN or healthcare provider to see what guidance they may have for you. Most likely, the recommended treatments will include getting plenty of fluids and resting, as well as using over-the-counter medications to reduce fever, relieve pain, or lessen coughing.
Additionally, to prevent any further spread or to protect yourself against the virus, you should:
- Stay home unless you are getting medical care. Should you need to leave the house, avoid public transportation.
- Prior to your appointment, call your health care team so they can take the proper precautions. However, you should seek medical care right away if you feel worse or think it’s an emergency.
- Separate yourself from other people in your home as much as possible.
- Wear a face mask around other people and when you go to get medical care.
COVID-19 Vaccinations and Pregnancy
Vaccines are the best defense you can use to protect yourself, your family, and others against the spread of COVID-19. Research shows that the COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy does not increase the risk of miscarriage nor does it impact male or female fertility or fertility treatment outcomes. Additionally, vaccinated pregnant people are less likely to catch COVID-19 than those who are not vaccinated.
If you have not been vaccinated yet, we recommend you make an appointment to do so as soon as possible (even if you were COVID-19 positive in the past).
Additionally, both the CDC and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommend that those who are pregnant get their booster shot as soon as they are eligible to ensure they are properly protected. This guidance also applies to those who may be breastfeeding, as this will allow you to pass antibodies to your child and help keep them safe from the virus.
Contact Us
Fertility Centers of New England remains committed to providing care that centers on you and your individual needs. If you have any additional questions on COVID-19 and pregnant women or vaccines and fertility, please contact us to schedule an initial consultation.
