If you are pregnant, congratulations! This is a special time in your life and you have a special condition because you are looking after two people.  Our current information is limited, but it does not seem that pregnancy makes a woman any more at risk for catching Covid-19 or being more at risk for having severe complications as compared to the general population.  At a time like this, it is good to be asking if you need to do anything different because you are pregnant. All the recommendations such as social distancing, thorough and frequent handwashing, avoiding touching of your face, and the wearing of a face mask in public places apply to you. If you have symptoms (fever, cough, trouble breathing), notify your doctor immediately;  it would be good to get tested. Some less common symptoms like nausea and vomiting can overlap with normal morning sickness.  If you are anxious about the way you are feeling, talk with your doctor and get tested.

What about the fetus? There have not been any known cases of a mom passing Covid-19 to their baby in utero. There have been some instances of premature labor and delivery. Covid-19 has not been found to pass into breast milk. The biggest risk of passing coronavirus to your baby appears to be by respiratory droplet, the same as others catch it. If a new mom has coronavirus, providing breast milk for your baby is still possible, but with careful hygienic methods. The hospital staff at delivery or your doctor can help you with that.

What about the infant and other children? Although children can catch Covid-19, this has largely been an infection of adults (although 20% of the US population is under 18 years of age, <2% of that age group has been diagnosed with Covid-19, the majority contracted from exposure to adult household members). That said, children can still contract it and it especially affects children less than a year old and children who have additional health problems. Children can have the same symptoms as adults, but can also have completely different symptoms like gastrointestinal problems and rashes. If you have concerns, contact your pediatrician. Practice the safety measures recommended for adults with your children. The exception to that rule is do not use masks for children age 2 and under or if they have asthma. If your well child is due for regular immunizations, it is important to maintain those visits. If you are concerned about exposure, ask your pediatric office what they are doing to protect patients coming for well visits and follow their procedures.

Here are some links to helpful websites to check out and follow for updates:

The website below from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists provides current information about Covid-19 and pregnancy:  https://www.acog.org/patient-resources/faqs/pregnancy/coronavirus-pregnancy-and-breastfeeding#How%20does%20COVID19%20affect%20pregnant%20women

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) current statements about pregnancy and breastfeeding: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/pregnancy-breastfeeding.html

The CDC focused information about breastfeeding:  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/care-for-breastfeeding-women.html

The Academy of Pediatrics information for families: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/family-dynamics/communication-discipline/Pages/Positive-Parenting-and-COVID-19_10-Tips.aspx