I’m pregnant, am I more likely to become infected with COVID-19?

This data is still unfolding. The evidence from China suggests that pregnant women do not have an increased risk of becoming infected with COVID-19. However, we do know that pregnant women’s immune systems make them more susceptible to many viruses, which has been shown in similar infections such as influenza. Pregnant women also have a higher risk of severe infection from viruses of the same family as COVID-19.

Can I pass COVID-19 to my unborn baby?

To date, there is no proof that this virus can be transmitted to your baby before birth. Studies have not demonstrated virus in the amniotic fluid, umbilical cord blood, or breast milk. Furthermore, in a recent report out of New York City, none of 18 babies tested after birth in COVID-19 positive pregnant women were positive.

I am considered an essential employee, should I stop working because of the COVID-19 outbreak and my pregnancy?

Please speak with your direct supervisor as well as your OB provider about your particular situation. Take all precautions and follow all guidelines when caring for someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19.

How can I protect myself?

For pregnant women and the general public, these actions can help to keep you safe and stop the spread:

• Cover your cough (using your elbow is a good technique)
• Avoid people who are sick
• Clean your hands often using soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• Keep at least six feet of distance between you and other people
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
• Disinfect frequently touched surfaces often

What are the current COVID-19 visitor restrictions?

All patients arriving to UConn Health Labor and Delivery for inpatient cesarean sections, labor, or induction of labor will be allowed one support person.

• All support people will continued to be screened prior to entry to the unit and banded with the yellow bands.
• Support person will not be allowed to leave the unit until the patient is discharged home. This will included going off the unit to the café.
• We will be giving the support person access to order off the menu, at no charge to them.
• Parking passes will be provided to support person upon discharge.
• No visitors are allowed for any triage/outpatient patients.
• Our waiting room is closed (visitors may wait in their cars).
• If you are admitted for labor/cesarean section after coming in for triage, then your support person will be allowed in after they are screened and banded.

I am planning on using a doula, is the doula considered a visitor?

Currently, we are making an exception is for patients with a certified doula. The nurse can ask for proof of certification, so it is advised that they bring their certification with them to the unit. The doula will be screened, banded, and allowed in with the patient’s significant other. Note that policies are always under review, and this exception may change.

What do I do if I have a cough, fever (100.4 or higher), or shortness of breath?

If you have any of these symptoms, please contact your OB provider. Depending on your provider’s recommendations, you may be instructed to stay home and self-isolate, to go to a drive-up testing facility, or go to the hospital.

What if I have suspected COVID-19 and also have pregnancy-related concerns?

If you have any of these symptoms, please contact your OB provider. Depending on your provider’s recommendations, you may be instructed to stay home and self-isolate, to go to a drive-up testing facility, or go to the hospital.

Will I be able to breastfeed my baby?

There is no evidence of this virus in breast milk, but our data is limited. UConn Health follows the CDC’s guidelines for breastfeeding, and the decision to breastfeed will be made after a discussion between you and your providers. Upon reviewing the most current recommendations, you will be given the option to breastfeed and room-in with your baby, or bottle feed with your expressed milk or formula. If you choose to breastfeed, you will be instructed to wear a mask and practice hand hygiene before and after each feeding.

How can I protect my baby during breastfeeding?

Since having your baby skin-to-skin and directly on your breast can increase risk, it’s important to wash your hands before touching your baby and wear a face mask, if possible, while feeding. If you are using a breast pump, wash your hands before touching any pump or bottle parts and follow these CDC recommendations for proper pump cleaning after each use.

Online Childbirth and Breastfeeding Education

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and to ensure the health and safety of our patients, all upcoming UConn Health childbirth education classes are being offered virtually. Providers share the same helpful information from our in-person breastfeeding and childbirth preparation classes through online Zoom meetings.

To register for an upcoming class, visit Planning for Pregnancy Classes.

More Resources

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: CDC

COVID-19 and Breastfeeding (.pdf)

How to Keep Your Breast Pump Kit Clean

Discontinuation of Home Isolation for Persons with COVID-19 (Interim Guidance)

Keeping Your Baby Safe During COVID-19 (English) | (Spanish)