We’re here to help you navigate pregnancy during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you have more questions, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 855-895-5825.
There’s not yet enough data for a coronavirus vaccine to be approved for pregnant women or kids 15 and under. The Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine is approved for use in individuals 16 years and older.
Scientists are continuing to test vaccine safety for these groups and others. As is the case for other vaccines, FDA approval for these groups usually takes longer because research takes more time to complete.
Clinical trials haven’t yet included pregnant or lactating individuals, so vaccine safety is unknown for these groups. The FDA, CDC and manufacturer are continuing to monitor safety in a few study participants who became pregnant shortly after receiving the vaccine.
What we do know is that COVID-19 can put both you and your baby at serious risk during pregnancy. Even if you don’t get seriously ill, the long-term effects of the virus on a fetus are still unknown. If all of the following apply to you, ask your doctor whether getting vaccinated is the right choice for you:
We do not know for sure whether a vaccine will cause harm to a fetus, but it appears unlikely.
The vaccine will very likely prevent you from getting sick from COVID-19, which could put both you and your fetus at serious risk. Even if you don’t have a severe form of the virus, we do not yet know the effects of the virus on pregnancies and fetuses as the pregnancy progresses after a COVID-19 infection.
Because vaccines don’t contain any live virus, we do not believe they will cause harm to infants who are receiving breast milk.
If all of the following apply to you, ask your doctor whether getting vaccinated is the right choice for you:
Yes, one support person is allowed to stay with you during labor and delivery and afterward in the postpartum unit. For antepartum visitation, you may designate only one support person to visit from 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. Nobody but this designated support person may visit.
All hospitals and clinics are open and ready to serve patients. We are encouraging video visits through MyChart when possible, and using strict safety measures during in-person appointments.
Prenatal appointments are very important to the health of both you and your baby. You should plan to attend all appointments unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
We’re using a number of strict safety measures to help keep everyone in our facilities safe. We’ve integrated the following guidelines from the CDC and San Bernardino County Department of Public Health:
To protect yourself and your unborn child from coronavirus and other infections, you should follow the CDC’s recommendations for prevention:
Currently, there is limited information about how susceptible pregnant women are to COVID-19. According to the CDC, women are generally more at risk of contracting viral respiratory infections because of changes in their bodies during pregnancy. Pregnant women who have other conditions (like diabetes and heart, lung or kidney disease) are considered to be high-risk if they contract the virus. COVID-19 may also increase your risk for severe illness and pregnancy complications.
If you’re pregnant, you should be as careful as possible to avoid exposure and follow all guidelines the CDC has in place for the general public. Mainly, avoid unnecessary travel, public gatherings and contact with others who have any type of illness. It’s also critical to continue your prenatal care — including appointments with your OB-GYNs.
COVID-19 symptoms can be similar to other illnesses and may appear up to two weeks after exposure. If you have any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor:
Most people who get sick can be cared for at home with fluids and rest. If you need to see a healthcare provider, call their office or the hospital 855-895-5825 before going in. For emergencies, call 911.
You'll need to be tested either before labor and delivery or when you arrive for delivery. Testing helps us provide the best possible care for you, your child and all the other moms and babies at our hospital.
Before delivery, you should talk to your doctor if you suspect you are infected and are experiencing symptoms. Depending on your health and symptoms, you may not necessarily need to be tested. Most expecting moms can recover at home.
Before delivery: If you test positive for COVID-19, your pregnancy, labor and delivery will most likely proceed as normal. Most pregnant women with COVID-19 can recover with rest, fluids and over-the-counter medicines. Your doctor can help you decide if you need a different approach to recovery.
After delivery: With proper safety practices, most babies (up to 98%) born to moms with COVID-19 will not contract the virus at birth. Rooming-in safety practices include:
So far, there is no evidence of the disease being passed through the cord blood or amniotic fluid of infected moms to their babies. Dr. Courtney Martin says that, during a vaginal delivery, the virus can be detected in maternal blood and feces. In many cases, babies can be exposed to these at the time of birth. “Because of this,” Dr. Martin says, “our OB-GYNs at Children’s Hospital are taking extra precautions to ensure the baby is safe from this exposure.”
It's still safe to give birth at the hospital, and giving birth at home still has serious risks to consider. Hospitals not only have stricter safety measures than almost any other public place, but also have the ability to treat any complication that happens during childbirth. In case of an emergency, it's safer for you and your child to have immediate access to medical attention.