What can I do to protect myself from COVID-19 while pregnant?

There are some simple things you can do to protect yourself from COVID-19 when you are pregnant.

• Catch up with friends and family outdoors, or in well-ventilated indoor spaces.
• Consider wearing a face mask in crowded, indoor places.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds or use alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
• Stay up to date with your COVID-19 vaccinations.

If you have other children, teach them about the importance of good hand and cough hygiene. This includes:

• coughing or sneezing into your sleeve and away from other people
• putting used tissues in the bin straight away and wash your hands afterwards

Getting vaccinated is one of the best ways to help protect yourself from COVID-19. The COVID-19 vaccine reduces your risk of severe illness.

It's a good idea to talk with your doctor or midwife about what to do if you get COVID-19 while pregnant. They can help you understand your options if you test positive to COVID-19. This includes what test you should get if you get sick.

You should continue to attend all your medical and antenatal appointments.

Can I get the COVID-19 vaccine if I'm pregnant?

If you are pregnant and due for a COVID-19 vaccine, you can get vaccinated at any stage during your pregnancy. The Australian Government advises that pregnant women get the same booster vaccinations as the general population.

Your chances of having severe COVID-19 are reduced if you are vaccinated.

COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy may also give your baby some protection against COVID-19 when they are born.

There is no evidence that COVID-19 vaccinations:

• increase the risk of miscarriage
• cause birth differences

Other booster vaccinations are already given during pregnancy for whooping cough and influenza.

Can I get the COVID-19 vaccine if I'm planning a pregnancy?

If you are planning pregnancy, you can get the COVID-19 vaccine. You don't need to:

• delay vaccination
• avoid becoming pregnant after getting vaccinated

Vaccination does not affect female or male fertility.

Can I get the COVID-19 vaccine if I'm breastfeeding?

You can get vaccinated against COVID-19 if you are breastfeeding. The vaccines are safe for both you and your baby.

There is some evidence to suggest that you can pass on antibodies to your baby through your breastmilk. This may offer some protection against COVID-19.

Can I get the flu shot at the same time as the COVID-19 vaccine?

You can get a flu shot at the same time as the COVID-19 vaccination.

Getting the flu while you are pregnant can cause serious complications for both you and your baby. If you start to get cold or flu-like symptoms, call your doctor or midwife immediately.

What happens if I've been exposed to COVID-19?

If you have been close to someone who has COVID-19, you are at increased risk of getting COVID-19.

There are simple things you can do to reduce the risk for others:

• Watch for symptoms.
• Don't visit high-risk settings such as hospitals, aged or disability care facilities for at least 7 days.
• Don't visit anyone at high risk of severe illness for at least 7 days.
• Consider wearing a mask when indoors and on public transport.

Doing regular rapid antigen tests (RATs) may help identify an infection early. If you test positive, stay home.

If you have a planned appointment during this time, call your midwife or doctor.

What happens if I'm pregnant and think I have COVID-19?

Do a RAT as soon as possible and call your midwife or doctor for testing advice.

Your doctor may also want you to get a COVID-19 PCR test or test for other viruses.

COVID-19 antiviral medicines aren't recommended if you're pregnant or breastfeeding. But there may be other treatments available.

You should also wear a mask to protect others if you have symptoms and need to leave home.

What happens if I test positive for COVID-19 while I am pregnant?

If you are vaccinated, you should be able to safely stay at home while you recover from COVID-19. Most people who get COVID-19 will experience only mild to moderate cold and flu-like symptoms.

During this time try to do the following:

• Drink lots of fluids.
• Keep moving about your home to reduce your risk of developing blood clots.
• Take paracetamol if you feel unwell, to help with symptoms (ibuprofen is not recommended while you are pregnant).

You should also continue to monitor your baby's movements. Call your midwife or doctor straight away if their movements change.

You should also call your midwife or doctor if you are concerned about your pregnancy or you have:

• vaginal bleeding
• abdominal pain
• constant clear watery vaginal discharge
• contractions before 37 weeks
• ongoing fever
• headaches
• sudden swelling of your face and hands

Your midwife or doctor will monitor your baby's growth while you have COVID-19 and during your recovery. Continue your regular antenatal care after recovering from COVID-19.

If you haven't been vaccinated against COVID-19, you will most likely be carefully monitored by your midwife or doctor.

Learn more about what to do if you test positive to COVID-19 while pregnant or breastfeeding.

What can increase my risk of severe COVID-19 infection during pregnancy?

While pregnant you are not at greater risk of catching COVID-19. But you do have a higher risk of severe illness.

You are at particular risk of serious outcomes of COVID-19 if you:

• are older than 35 years
• are living with overweight or obesity
• have pre-existing hypertension (high blood pressure before pregnancy)
• have pre-existing diabetes (type 1 or type 2)
• are not vaccinated

People in these groups have an increased risk of being admitted to hospital and needing ventilation (help breathing).

Will my baby be affected?

Getting COVID-19 while you're pregnant can increase the risk of complications for your baby. You may have an increased risk of:

• pre-eclampsia
• having a premature birth (before 37 weeks of pregnancy)
• your baby needing admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) or special care nursery (SCN)
• stillbirth

However, the risk of you giving COVID-19 to your baby is understood to be low.

My baby is due soon. Is it safe for me to give birth in hospital?

Hospitals and birthing centres will have guidelines in place to make sure that you and your baby are kept safe.

If you have any concerns, call your hospital or birthing centre.

Resources and support

If you are worried about COVID-19, speak with your doctor or midwife. They will be able to give you the information and advice you need.

Visit the Department of Health and Aged Care to learn more about pregnancy, breastfeeding and COVID-19 vaccines.