Pregnancy and coronavirus: What the experts say

Pregnancy and coronavirus are not two words we want to hear in the same sentence. But experts agree, pregnant women are no more at risk than anyone else.

Pregnancy and coronavirus: Am I more likely to catch coronavirus if I am pregnant?

The short answer is ‘probably not’, and leading fertility specialist and gynaecologist Dr Raewyn Teirney stresses the importance of remaining calm.

‘These are uncertain times, especially when discussing pregnancy and Coronavirus,’ she says. ‘However, it is more important now than ever that we keep a rational thought process and practice simple but effective hygiene rituals every day.

‘While it is perfectly normal that women who are pregnant, or indeed trying to conceive, may be fearful of their health and that of their unborn child, we do know that pregnant women do not appear to be more susceptible to the virus than any other segment of the general population.’

Confusion around pregnancy and coronavirus comes is valid as, to date, little is known about COVID-19. This in particular relates to its effect on pregnant women and infants, and there currently are no recommendations specific to pregnancy and coronavirus.

However, a statement by IVF Australia reiterates that ‘the number of pregnant women who have contracted COVID-19 and have subsequently delivered is small. The results are reassuring, including no evidence of mother-to-baby transmission during pregnancy. Currently, available evidence does not suggest serious consequences for young children or women in pregnancy. However, as the situation is still emerging, these results require cautious optimism.’

Can I pass coronavirus to my unborn child? 

‘At present, we have seen no evidence that a foetus is likely to be exposed to COVID-19 in pregnancy if the mother contracts the virus,’ says Dr Raewyn. ‘We believe if transmission occurs, it is likely to be as a newborn, not during pregnancy.’

Can coronavirus cause miscarriage or birth defects? 

‘Again, we have no data that indicates COVID-19 increases your risk of miscarriage or early pregnancy loss,’ says Dr Raewyn, adding that ‘so far there is no evidence of intrauterine foetal infection with COVID-19. It is therefore currently considered unlikely that there will be congenital effects of the virus on foetal development.’

Should we stop trying for a baby at this time? 

According to The Fertility Society of Australia, ‘at this point, there is no evidence to recommend contraception or cessation of attempts to conceive, either unassisted or assisted.’

IVF Australia adds: ‘It is safe for our patients to continue fertility treatment.  However, as the news about novel coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to develop, it is very reasonable to consider whether this is the right time to be embarking on fertility treatment.

‘Some professional fertility associations around the world have recommended that no new treatments should be started at this time.  In other countries, fertility treatment has continued. It is entirely dependent on the local situation … Our advice is that unaffected and low risk patients going through assisted reproduction (such as IVF) will not be at any higher risk of complications than anyone else in the population.’

Dr Raewyn advises: ‘For couples currently trying for a baby, it would be wise to self-isolate or perhaps wait until the current situation subsides. As with all members of the community, anyone who is pregnant, and all couples trying to conceive, should follow the Government guidelines about social distancing, washing hands for 20 seconds, sneezing into a tissue and then discarding it.’

Can coronavirus affect my fertility? 

‘While there is currently no proof, we know that viral infections in men may impact on their fertility and affect their sperm production,’ explains Dr Raewyn. ‘For this reason, it may be wise for couples who are trying to conceive to be tested for the virus. If a positive diagnosis results, it may be wise to stop trying and/or not commence fertility treatment.’

Can I still breastfeed if I have coronavirus? 

‘Obviously, we know that breast milk is the best source of nutrition for most infants,’ says Dr Raewyn. ‘However, much is unknown about COVID-19. Whether to start and/or continue breastfeeding should be determined by the mother in coordination with her family and healthcare providers.

‘A mother with confirmed COVID-19 or who is a symptomatic PUI should take all possible precautions to avoid spreading the virus to her infant. This includes washing her hands before touching the infant and wearing a face mask, if possible, while breast feeding. If expressing breast milk with a manual or electric breast pump, the mother should wash her hands before touching any pump or bottle parts and follow recommendations for proper pump cleaning after each use. If possible, consider having someone who is well feed the expressed breast milk to the infant.’

Commonsense safety steps 

Dr Raewyn further suggests some common-sense approaches, based on advice from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists around pregnancy and the Coronavirus. 

Don’t panic

According to reports by the CDC, pregnant women do not appear to be more susceptible to the consequences of infection with COVID-19 than the general population.

‘While current data is currently limited, of course special consideration should be given to pregnant women with illnesses who could be infected with COVID-19 until the evidence base provides clearer information,’ stresses Dr Raewyn. ‘These illnesses include diabetes, lupus and other such immune compromising conditions. Anyone who falls into these categories should be more vigilant than most and be in regular contact with their medical practitioner.’

No doubt, there is confusion and chaos the world over. However, the medical community universally agrees that it is more important than ever to stay calm and practice universal hygiene. This applies to everyone, not just pregnant women.

These hygiene practises include regular hand washing, using hand sanitiser frequently and maintaining social distancing. And of course, if you display any symptoms – a cold, a cough, a fever and so on, self-isolate. If you think you may have come into contact with someone who has the virus and could be infected, contact the Coronavirus Health Line, which operates around the clock, seven days a week.

Couples trying to conceive either naturally or via medical assistance (IVF) should avoid travel 

According to the Fertility Society of Australia individuals seeking to become pregnant naturally or by way of Assisted Reproductive Technology (IVF) should avoid non-essential travel to known areas of infection and avoid contact with individuals who may have become infected or have travelled to or from an area that is known to be of high risk. This advice applies to people of all genders.

Couples trying to conceive should eat a healthy, antioxidant rich diet to improve immunity and reproductive health

‘This applies across the board, coronavirus or not,’ stresses Dr Raewyn. ‘We know that a big part of fertility health and wellness is diet and eating plenty of antioxidant-rich foods certainly helps to improve all functions of the body.

‘People looking to improve immunity as well as reproductive health should eat foods high in antioxidants, like fresh vegetables to support their immune system. It is also imperative that they cease smoking, reduce alcohol and maintain a healthy weight.’