What are some of the risks of COVID-19 during pregnancy?

Healthcare workers answer questions about the COVID-19 vaccines.

Monica McLemore, PhD, MPH, RN explains that COVID-19 infections during pregnancy can be very risky if you are not vaccinated, increasing the risk of serious complications as well as preterm birth. Getting a COVID-19 vaccine protects you and your baby.

 

More FAQ Videos on pregnancy, fertility & the COVID vaccine 

We know COVID-19 virus during pregnancy is dangerous for pregnant people, right? And getting the virus during pregnancy, particularly in the second and third trimesters, we know, you know, will make you more likely to land in the intensive care unit. But the thing that we’re also not talking about is this idea of what are the impacts on the baby and the fetus and the family, right?

We know that COVID infection during pregnancy is associated with preterm birth or being born too soon. And we know that prematurity is associated with infant death in the first year of life. Preventable, right? So, if we can prevent COVID-19 in pregnant people, then we also potentially can reduce or prevent prematurity, which is the number one cause of death that’s associated with infants in the first year of life. So, it’s not just about whether or not you get COVID and you go to the ICU, and you recover. There are other reasons why we want to make sure that we can prevent you from having a COVID infection in the first place before, during and after pregnancy.

This information is shared for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. The views expressed are those of the featured medical professional and reflect information available to that professional at time of filming. Always consult a health care provider for any personal health decisions. Click here for vaccine FAQs from the CDC.

Stay up to date with your COVID vaccine, including boosters!

COVID vaccines are safe and effective for everyone ages 6 months and older.

Immunity wanes over time. Keep up your protection against COVID by getting boosted when eligible.

Updated (bivalent) boosters are now available for adults and children 6 months and older. 

FIND FREE COVID VACCINES & BOOSTERS

OB/GYNs, NURSES AND MIDWIVES ON THE COVID-19 VACCINES 7

THE CONVERSATION: Between Us, About Us.

Doctors, nurses, researchers and community health care workers provide facts and dispel misinformation about the COVID-19 vaccines in this FAQ video series from KFF with the Black Coalition Against COVID and UnidosUS.

A series for parents and caregivers created in partnership with the American Academy of Pediatrics provides the latest on the COVID-19 vaccine for kids.

GET THE INFORMATION YOU NEED!