You can read the latest guidance from Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (updated in October). There is no evidence that pregnant women are more likely to get seriously ill from coronavirus but pregnant women have been included in the list of people at moderate risk (clinically vulnerable) as a precaution.  If a pregnant person becomes infected, they are most likely to have no symptoms or a mild illness from which they will make a full recovery.  However, pregnancy alters the body’s immune system and response to viral infections, like COVID-19, which can occasionally cause more severe symptoms.

The government has produced guidance on staying alert and safe (31 May).  This guidance advises people who are at high risk of severe illness from coronavirus (COVID-19), which includes people who are pregnant, to stay at home as much as possible and, if they do leave home, to continue to avoid contact with people from outside their household and those with COVID-19 symptoms.

As a precautionary measure, women above 28 weeks’ gestation are recommended to be particularly attentive to social distancing and minimise contact with others to reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection.

For further information on COVID-19 and pregnancy, please contact your midwife or GP.

As this is an evolving situation, please continue to check government guidance for up-to-date information.