Pregnancy Care During COVID
Clear, trusted covid pregnancy care guidance: vaccines, testing, treatments, birth plans, and breastfeeding tips to keep you and your baby safe.
Written by Dr. Siri Nallapu
Reviewed by Dr. Dhankecha Mayank Dineshbhai MBBS
Last updated on 1st Dec, 2025
Introduction
Pregnancy is a joyful time, but it can also bring extra questions during a respiratory virus season. If you are expecting, you may wonder how COVID-19 could affect you and your baby, and what steps truly keep you safe. This guide brings together reliable, up-to-date advice on covid pregnancy care so you can make confident decisions about prevention, testing, treatment, prenatal visits, birth planning, and breastfeeding.
Why Does COVID-19 Matter In Pregnancy?
- Pregnant people have a higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 than non-pregnant people of the same age. This can mean a greater chance of needing hospital care.
- COVID-19 in pregnancy has been linked with higher risks, such as preterm birth. Getting vaccinated reduces the risk of severe illness and pregnancy complications.
- Good prevention, timely testing, and early treatment if eligible can greatly lower the chance of serious outcomes.
Your Covid Pregnancy Care Plan
A Simple, Layered Plan Helps Protect You And Your Baby:
- Stay up to date on COVID-19 vaccination and boosters recommended for pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Use everyday precautions: good ventilation, masking in crowded indoor spaces, hand hygiene, and testing when sick or after high-risk exposure.
- Have a care plan if you develop symptoms: how to test, when to call your obstetric provider, and how to obtain treatment quickly if you qualify.
- Keep prenatal and postpartum appointments (in person or via telehealth as advised).
- Support your mental health and build a social support network.
- Plan for delivery and hospital policies ahead of time.
Vaccination During Pregnancy And Breastfeeding
- Safety and benefits: Major health authorities recommend COVID-19 vaccination for people who are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, may become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Vaccination at any trimester is safe and helps protect against severe disease, hospitalization, and pregnancy complications.
- Staying up to date: Follow the current-season vaccine guidance from the CDC for people 6 months and older, including those who are pregnant. If you recently had COVID-19, your clinician may advise waiting a short time before your next dose, but staying protected during pregnancy is a priority.
- Side effects: Most side effects are mild and temporary (soreness, fatigue, low-grade fever).
- Acetaminophen is generally preferred for fever in pregnancy. If you have questions about timing or reactions, ask your obstetric provider.
- Breastfeeding: Vaccination is recommended during breastfeeding. Antibodies triggered by vaccination can pass into breast milk and may offer some protection to your baby.
Masks, Ventilation, And Daily Precautions
- Choose a high-quality, well-fitting mask (such as N95/KN95) for crowded indoor spaces, healthcare visits, and during travel. Masks are safe in pregnancy
- Improve airflow: Open windows, use HEPA air purifiers, and meet outdoors when possible.
- Hand hygiene: Wash hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol), especially after public activities and before touching your face or eating.
- Smart gathering choices: Prefer small, well-ventilated get-togethers. Consider testing before close contact with people at high risk or newborns.
Consult a Top General Physician
Testing: When And How?
- Test if you have symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat, congestion, fatigue, loss of taste/smell), after close contact with someone who has COVID-19, or before visiting people at high risk.
- Use rapid antigen tests for quick results. If your first antigen test is negative but you have symptoms, test again after 48 hours. A lab-based PCR can confirm infection if needed.
- If you test positive, notify your obstetric provider promptly so you can discuss monitoring and treatment options.
If You Get Sick: Step-By-Step
1) Start Home Care
- Rest, hydrate, and use a humidifier if helpful.
- For fever or aches, acetaminophen is generally preferred in pregnancy. Avoid starting new medicines or herbal supplements without checking with your clinician. Do not take oral decongestants or NSAIDs unless your clinician says they are safe for you.
2) Follow Current Return-To-Activities Guidance
- The CDC recommends staying home and away from others when you are sick. You can resume normal activities when your symptoms are improving, and you have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medication.
- For the next 5 days, add extra precautions such as masking, improving ventilation, keeping distance, and hand hygiene to reduce the risk of spreading the virus to others.
3) Ask About Treatment Right Away
- Time matters: Antiviral treatment works best when started early (ideally within 5 days of symptom onset).
- Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir/ritonavir) is commonly recommended for eligible pregnant patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 who are at risk for severe illness. Many professional organizations consider it appropriate in pregnancy when the benefits outweigh the risks. It can interact with certain medicines, so your clinician will review your medications.
- If Paxlovid is not right for you, your clinician may consider other options (for example, remdesivir under specific circumstances).
- Monoclonal antibodies have changed over time due to variants; your clinician will advise what’s currently effective.
4) Monitor Your Health
- Check your temperature and how you feel several times daily.
- If you have a home pulse oximeter, contact your clinician promptly if your oxygen level is below 95% at rest or if you feel short of breath.
- Pay attention to your baby’s movements. If you notice decreased movement, call your obstetric provider.
Emergency Warning Signs: Call 911 Or Go To Emergency Care Now
- Trouble breathing, chest pain, or blue/gray lips or face
- New confusion, difficulty staying awake, or severe weakness
- Persistent high fever not improving with acetaminophen
- Severe dehydration (very little urine, dizziness)
- Signs of preeclampsia (severe headache, vision changes, right upper belly pain, sudden swelling), or any bleeding
- Significantly decreased fetal movement
Prenatal Visits, Ultrasounds, And Birth Planning
- Keep appointments: Your healthcare team will decide which visits should be in person and which can be virtual. Routine screening, ultrasounds, and vaccines (like Tdap and flu) remain important.
- Clinic and hospital safety: Expect screening for symptoms, masks in certain areas, and limits on visitors depending on local policies.
- Delivery plans: Most birth plans do not need to change because of COVID-19. If you have COVID-19 at delivery, your team will use protective measures but will still support safe labor, delivery, and skin-to-skin contact when possible.
- Support person: Policies may vary by hospital. Confirm in advance so your chosen support person is ready to attend.
- Pain relief: Epidurals and other pain methods remain available.
Nutrition, Exercise, Sleep, And Mental Health
- Nutrition basics: Focus on balanced meals with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Stay well hydrated.
- Prenatal vitamins: Take as directed by your clinician.
- Safe activity: Aim for regular, moderate exercise (like walking, prenatal yoga) unless your clinician advises otherwise.
- Sleep and stress: Prioritize 7–9 hours of sleep, relaxation techniques, and breaks from screens.
- Mental health: Anxiety and mood changes are common. Ask for help early, talk to your clinician about counseling, support groups, or medication options that are safe in pregnancy.
Work, School, And Travel
- Work and school: Ask about accommodations such as improved ventilation, flexible hours, remote options, or masking as needed.
- Travel: Delay nonessential travel during surges or if you are sick. If you must travel, wear a high-quality mask in airports and on planes, keep hand sanitizer handy, and avoid crowded indoor dining. Confirm healthcare access at your destination and carry your prenatal records.
Breastfeeding, Newborn Care, And Family Protection
- Breastfeeding if you have COVID-19: You can continue breastfeeding. Wash hands before touching your baby or pump parts, and consider wearing a mask while feeding or expressing milk. If you feel too ill, pumped milk can be fed by a healthy caregiver.
- Newborn safety: Limit close contact with people who are sick. Keep visits small, short, and preferably in well-ventilated spaces. Ask visitors to delay coming if they have any symptoms.
- Vaccines for caregivers: Encourage eligible family members and caregivers to stay up to date on COVID-19, flu, and Tdap vaccines to create a protective “cocoon” around your baby.
Building Your Support Network
- Identify a backup caregiver for other children or pets in case you get sick.
- Save key phone numbers: obstetric office, labor and delivery unit, local urgent care, and pharmacy.
- Prepare a small “sick-day” kit: rapid tests, acetaminophen, thermometer, pulse oximeter (if available), fluids, and masks.
Putting It All Together
A strong covid pregnancy care plan is about layers: vaccination, smart daily choices, quick testing and treatment if you get sick, and steady prenatal and mental health support. With these steps, and a good partnership with your healthcare team, you can protect yourself and your growing baby while keeping your pregnancy on track.
Consult a Top General Physician
Consult a Top General Physician
Dr. Rajib Ghose
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25 Years • MBBS
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Dr. Sougata Kumar
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Dr. Tapabrata Ray
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4 Years • MBBS,DGM,CPMeC,ACMDC
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Dr. Soumen Paul
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
24 Years • MBBS
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(25+ Patients)
Dr. Abhishek Ranjan
General Practitioner
4 Years • MBBS
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Consult a Top General Physician
Dr. Rajib Ghose
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
25 Years • MBBS
East Midnapore
VIVEKANANDA SEBA SADAN, East Midnapore
Dr. Sougata Kumar
General Practitioner
8 Years • MBBS
East Midnapore
VIVEKANANDA SEBA SADAN, East Midnapore
Dr. Tapabrata Ray
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
4 Years • MBBS,DGM,CPMeC,ACMDC
Kolkata
MCR SUPER SPECIALITY POLY CLINIC & PATHOLOGY, Kolkata
Dr. Soumen Paul
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
24 Years • MBBS
Kolkata
MCR SUPER SPECIALITY POLY CLINIC & PATHOLOGY, Kolkata
(25+ Patients)
Dr. Abhishek Ranjan
General Practitioner
4 Years • MBBS
Kolkata
VDC Clinic, Kolkata
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe in pregnancy?
Yes. Major health organizations recommend vaccination during any trimester. It lowers the risk of severe illness and pregnancy complications. If you have timing questions, talk with your obstetric provider.
What should I do first if I test positive while pregnant?
Notify your obstetric provider right away, rest and hydrate, follow CDC guidance to stay home while sick, and add precautions as you recover, and ask promptly about treatment; some antivirals need to start within 5 days of symptoms.
Can I take Paxlovid during pregnancy?
Many experts and national guidelines consider Paxlovid appropriate for eligible pregnant patients at risk for severe illness, with attention to drug interactions. Your clinician will confirm if it’s right for you and review alternatives if needed.
Can I breastfeed if I have COVID-19?
Yes. Breastfeeding can continue with hand hygiene and masking during close contact. If you feel too unwell, pump milk so a healthy caregiver can feed your baby.
What is the best approach to COVID-19 pregnancy care if my first rapid test is negative but I feel sick?
Repeat an antigen test after 48 hours (or get a PCR) and act cautiously while you wait, rest, isolate yourself from others, and contact your clinician if symptoms worsen or you’re at high risk.