COVID-19: information if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding

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What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

What should I do if I get COVID-19 in pregnancy?

How ill with COVID-19 may I be if I'm pregnant?

How may having COVID-19 affect my pregnancy?

How may having COVID-19 affect my baby?

Pregnancy appointments with COVID-19

What will happen if I go into labour with COVID-19?

Will having COVID-19 affect skin-to-skin and breastfeeding?

Who can I speak to if I’m worried about my pregnancy or my baby?

How can I manage anxiety about COVID-19?

How can I protect myself and my baby from COVID-19?

Getting the COVID-19 vaccine when pregnant or breastfeeding 

You can still catch the COVID-19 virus even if you’re vaccinated or you’ve had it before, especially as new strains appear. 

If you’re pregnant, you’re no more likely to get the virus than another healthy adult. However, there is a slightly higher risk of becoming more seriously ill if you do. This is especially true if you are not vaccinated. The overall risk of serious illness is low though and the risk of your baby being harmed if you catch it is also very low. 

To give you and your baby the best protection, make sure you’re fully vaccinated. You'll be able to discuss having a COVID-19 vaccination in pregnancy at your vaccination appointment. 

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

Symptoms of COVID-19 include:

• a continuous cough or sore throat
• high temperature (your chest or back is hot to touch) or chills  
• shortness of breath
• headache
• loss or change to your sense of smell or taste
• feeling very tired
• aching body
• runny or blocked nose
• loss of appetite
• diarrhoea.

What should I do if I get COVID-19 in pregnancy?

If you have symptoms or test positive you should phone your maternity unit. They can give you advice and listen to any worries.

They may want to rebook your appointments if it’s safe to do so or take extra precautions when you go to the hospital or clinic. So it’s especially important to contact them if you have any appointments in the next 7 days.

Call your maternity unit straight away if:

• you have any bleeding from your vagina
• you're feeling very anxious or worried
• you have a headache that does not go away
• you get shortness of breath when resting or lying down
• you cannot cope with your COVID-19 symptoms at home
• your temperature is raised
• you have severe tiredness
• you feel unsafe at any time.

If you have started to feel your baby moving (this usually happens from about 16 weeks of pregnancy), call the maternity unit if:

• your baby is moving less than usual
• you cannot feel your baby moving
• there is a change to your baby's usual pattern of movements.

You should also follow the latest government advice to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

This includes resting and drinking plenty of water. Find out what medicines you can take in pregnancy.

If you feel your symptoms are not getting any better or may be getting worse, it could be because you are getting a more serious infection.  

Call your maternity care team, GP, NHS 111 or NHS 24 in Scotland.  

Contact them too if you have any concerns over yourself or your baby while you’re ill. If you think it’s an emergency, call 999.

Be aware that there are other possible causes of high temperature in pregnancy. These include urine infections (cystitis) and your waters breaking.  

Read more about pregnancy symptoms that you should always get checked out. 

How ill with COVID-19 may I be if I'm pregnant?

You are no more likely to catch COVID-19 than other healthy adults during pregnancy, and if you do you are likely to have no symptoms or mild symptoms.

However, if you are not fully vaccinated, you do have a higher risk of getting seriously ill, especially in your third trimester. 

Other factors make you more likely to get seriously ill with COVID-19 too, including:  

• being over the age of 35
• being overweight or obese
• having medical conditions, like high blood pressure or diabetes.

Unlike earlier in the pandemic, evidence shows that, in England, ethnicity is not a significant factor in the risk of dying from COVID-19.

How may having COVID-19 affect my pregnancy?

Getting the virus early in pregnancy does not make you at any more risk of having a miscarriage or other complications.

However, if you get seriously ill with COVID-19 in the third trimester it may affect your pregnancy. Around 3 in 10 pregnant people who get seriously ill with COVID-19 after 32 weeks give birth prematurely. This compares to around 1 in 10 for those with mild symptoms. 

In most cases this is because you may be advised to have an induced labour or c-section. This is to protect your health and allow you to recover. 

One study found that nearly 6 in 100,000 pregnant people with COVID-19 sadly had babies who were stillborn, compared to just over 2 in 100,000 without the infection. This risk is still very low though.

How may having COVID-19 affect my baby?

Your unborn baby is unlikely to get COVID-19 from you in pregnancy or through giving birth. If you’re ill it’s also unlikely to cause problems with your baby’s development.   

If your baby is born prematurely they will have the same health risks as other premature babies. Your baby may need intensive care but they have a very good chance of doing well.

If your baby does catch COVID-19 from you or anyone else soon after birth they are unlikely to get very ill.

Pregnancy appointments with COVID-19

You should have all your routine scans and appointments before and after birth. Phone your maternity unit if you have COVID-19 as they may want to rebook your scan and appointment or take extra precautions when you go. You might be asked to wear a face mask when you go for your appointments.

You might be tested for COVID-19 if you go to hospital and have symptoms that could be due to the virus.

There are currently no restrictions on bringing someone with you to scans and appointments.

What will happen if I go into labour with COVID-19?

If you have symptoms of COVID-19 and go into labour, you'll be advised to give birth in a unit led by a doctor (obstetrician). This is so you and your baby can be looked after carefully.  

You will be looked after in your own room. Your maternity team will make sure you get the best care and follow your birth plan as closely as possible. 

Will having COVID-19 affect skin-to-skin and breastfeeding?

After your baby is born, you should be able to have skin-to-skin contact unless your baby is unwell and needs care in the neonatal unit.

You'll also be encouraged to breastfeed. There's no strong evidence that your baby can catch COVID-19 from your breast milk, and breastfeeding can protect and benefit your baby. 

Who can I speak to if I’m worried about my pregnancy or my baby?

Trust your instincts. Do not delay seeking medical help because you are worried about wasting anyone’s time. Healthcare professionals are here to help you and it is always best to check symptoms. Find out what your symptoms mean with our symptom checker. 

"No question is too silly to ask. As midwives, there is absolutely no topic out of bounds, or that we will shy away from answering, even if you feel embarrassed to ask it. We’re on your side, throughout pregnancy."  

Sophie, Tommy's Midwife 

You can also contact the Tommy's Midwives helpline, a freephone line open 9-5, Monday to Friday.  

Our midwives can offer support for any pregnancy or planning for pregnancy issue, including mental health. Call 0800 0147 800 or email [email protected].  

We also have a specialist helpline, the Tommy's Midwives Helpline for Black and Black-Mixed Heritage women and birthing people, for information and support for any aspect of your pregnancy journey.

How can I manage anxiety about COVID-19?

Even though COVID-19 has become less of threat, it’s normal to be more concerned about it if you’re pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Anxiety is a normal response to a worrying situation. However, there are things that can help you to feel more in control.  

Taking care of your mental wellbeing as well as your physical health is important. There are lots of ways to do this whether you’re trying for a baby or already pregnant. Try:

• talking to someone you can trust
• finding ways to relax, like breathing exercises
• staying active and eating well
• trying some of our top tips for looking after your emotional wellbeing
• keeping up to date with your COVID-19 vaccine to protect you and your baby.

If anxiety is stopping you doing your normal everyday things, make an appointment with your GP because you may need extra support. Please don’t feel you are wasting their time. They are there to support you with how you are feeling.

If you already have a mental health condition, speak to your GP if you’re pregnant or planning a pregnancy. It’s likely you will need specific treatment and care.

Find out more about planning a pregnancy with an existing mental health condition. 

How can I protect myself and my baby from COVID-19?

To reduce your risk of getting COVID-19 and keep you and your baby safe follow these steps:

• Make sure you’re up to date with your COVID-19 vaccine. This has been shown to be safe in pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
• Stay active and drink a lot of water. This can reduce the risk of blood clots, which can happen both in pregnancy and in people with COVID-19.  
• Follow the latest government advice on living safely with COVID-19. You may still want to stay 2 metres away from people and wear a face mask outside your home, especially in the third trimester or if COVID-19 rates are high in your area.  
• If you’re meeting people inside, think about asking people to wear a face covering or take a COVID-19 test. Avoid people who have symptoms of COVID-19 until they feel better.
• Work from home if you can or talk to your employer about how they can help reduce your risk at work.
• Remember good hygiene: wash your hands regularly, keep things clean at home and work and let fresh air into rooms, especially when meeting other people indoors.
• Contact your midwife if you have any concerns about your baby's wellbeing or yours.
• If you are planning to travel from or to the UK, you should check the latest travel advice from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Getting the COVID-19 vaccine when pregnant or breastfeeding

It’s understandable to worry about vaccine safety when you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. You may have read false information online saying it’s not safe.  

Be assured that the COVID-19 vaccine is safe in pregnancy and if you are  breastfeeding. It is the best way to protect you and your baby from the risks of COVID-19.

The COVID-19 vaccine in pregnancy

It’s recommended that you get vaccinated against COVID-19 when you are pregnant. This makes it less likely that you will be seriously ill or need treatment in hospital if you get COVID-19. It also reduces the risk of preterm birth and stillbirth. Being vaccinated in pregnancy helps your baby develop immunity to COVID-19 too. 

If you’re pregnant over the autumn/winter season you will be offered a vaccine or booster.

You can have the vaccine at any stage of pregnancy. It’s best to make sure you’re fully vaccinated before your third trimester when COVID-19 is more likely to make you seriously ill.

You can safely have a COVID-19 vaccine or booster at the same time as other vaccines, such as the flu jab or the whooping cough vaccine. Find out more about vaccinations in pregnancy.

The COVID-19 vaccine and breastfeeding

You should keep up to date with your COVID-19 vaccinations if you are breastfeeding. This will help protect you and your baby from getting ill. 

Does the vaccine affect fertility?

The vaccine does not lead to fertility problems (problems getting pregnant). There is no evidence of more infertility in people who have had it.

There’s no need to stop trying to get pregnant because you’ve just been vaccinated. You can get your vaccine or booster while having IVF treatment.

Find out more about the COVID-19 vaccine, fertility and fertility treatment.  

How can I be sure the COVID-19 vaccine is safe?

Scientific research shows that the vaccine is safe. 

Vaccines in the UK do not contain the live virus and so cannot cause infection in you or your baby. The vaccine does not cross the placenta. It causes your body to make antibodies, which can help protect your baby.

COVID-19 vaccines do not contain any ingredients that are harmful to pregnant people or their developing babies.

What are the side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine?

Like all medicines, vaccines can cause side effects. COVID-19 vaccines are known to have mild and short-lasting side effects, such as a fever or muscle ache lasting a day or 2.  

Reports of serious side effects, such as allergic reaction or blood clots, have been very rare.

If you are worried about your symptoms after getting the vaccine, call your GP or midwife. 

More information about getting vaccinated against COVID-19

Getting the COVID-19 vaccine in pregnancy or when breastfeeding is strongly recommended. But it is your choice. Make sure you understand as much as you can about COVID-19 and the vaccine. You may want to discuss everything with your doctor or midwife. Read about making decisions in pregnancy. 

You may also find the following resources helpful:

Information on non-live vaccination in pregnancy.

Government guides on the vaccine, pregnancy and breastfeeding.