Pregnancy and COVID-19
Someday when they are older, the babies of 2020 will learn what a unique time it was when they arrived.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified that older adults and people with chronic illnesses are more at risk for severe illness due to COVID-19. But they also have identified others who should take extra precautions to avoid the virus — this includes those who are pregnant.
Based on what is currently known, women who are expecting may be at an increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19. There also is a concern that women who get the virus while pregnant could experience adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preterm birth.
Among the CDC's recommendations for pregnant mothers during this time include:
- Do not skip your prenatal care appointments. If you have concerns about attending your appointment in-person, call or contact your health care provider via MyChart to see if a virtual visit is an option.
- Continue to receive your recommended vaccines. Even though there is no vaccine for COVID-19, those for influenza and whooping cough can help protect you and your baby. Read more about how parents, grandparents and others who will be caring for a new baby should get a Tdap vaccine.
- Call a health care provider if you have any questions about your health. If you do not have a health care provider, you can call CentraCare Connect at 320-200-3200 to help find one.
- Limit your interactions with other people as much as possible. When you do go out, stay 6 feet away from others and wear a mask that covers your mouth and nose.
- Continue to use the safety measures to prevent getting COVID-19 that have become common since the beginning of the pandemic. Wash your hands. Cover coughs and sneezes. Clean and disinfect frequently touched items and surfaces.
- Monitor your stress and emotional health.
- View the CDC's tips for coping with stress during COVID-19.
- Be familiar with the signs of postpartum depression. If you feel sad, anxious, hopeless, have problems concentrating or have thoughts about hurting yourself or your baby, get help by contacting the Central Minnesota Mental Health Crisis Line (320-253-5555) or your health care provider.
Birthing Classes — Now Available Online!
A series of birthing classes for expectant and new parents — covering labor and delivery, breastfeeding, newborn care and more — are available as part of a live online video class. Participants will join via WebEx with a live instructor presenting the class material.
See online class listings