Pregnancy
At present there is no evidence that pregnant women are at higher risk of severe illness than the general population. However, we know that pregnant women can be badly affected by some respiratory infections.
It is important pregnant women take precautions to avoid COVID-19 infection. You can help protect yourself by keeping up good hygiene and prevention measures:
- Washing your hands frequently with soap and water.
- Covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze.
- Keeping a 1 meter space between yourselves and others.
- Avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- See your doctor early if you become unwell and continue to attend routine care appointments.
Newborn Care and Breastfeeding
Women with COVID-19 should touch, hold and breastfeed their newborn babies. Close contact and early, exclusive breastfeeding helps a baby to thrive. They should:
- Breastfeed safely, with good respiratory hygiene (covering mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing).
- Hold their newborn skin-to-skin.
- Wash hands before and after touching their baby.
- Routinely clean and disinfect surfaces.
For more information please see our 'Question and Answer of pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding' Information Sheet.