COVID While Pregnant: Risks, Symptoms, Treatment and What to Do Next — What You Need to Know
Updated: 2 days ago
Medically reviewed by Dr. Baraa Alnahhal, MD · Last reviewed: September 2026
Quick Answer
Pregnancy raises the chance of serious illness from COVID-19 because the immune system, heart and lungs change during pregnancy. But most pregnant people have mild symptoms and recover fully. Complications of moderate or severe COVID include preeclampsia, preterm birth and low birth weight — though the overall risk stays quite low. The preferred treatment is an antiviral called ritonavir-boosted nirmatrelvir (Paxlovid), and the COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective during pregnancy.
TL;DR
If you are pregnant, COVID-19 makes you more likely to get seriously ill because of changes to your immune system, heart and lungs. Most pregnant people still have mild symptoms and recover fully. Moderate or severe illness can raise the risk of complications like preterm birth, preeclampsia and low birth weight, especially in the third trimester. Antiviral medication is the preferred treatment, and vaccination is the most effective protection — it is safe during pregnancy.
Important limitation: the source material does not provide statistics on infection rates, hospitalization rates, or complication percentages during pregnancy, so no figures are quoted here. Everything in this article is drawn from a single medically reviewed reference page.
When to get emergency help: Go to the nearest ER if you have trouble breathing, chest pain or pressure, disorientation or confusion, inability to wake up or stay awake, blue-, gray- or white-tinged lips (cyanosis), severe fever above 103°F (39°C), or diarrhea and vomiting.
What Happens If You're Pregnant and Get COVID-19?
If you are pregnant and get COVID-19 (caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus), you are more likely to get seriously ill from COVID-19 than people who are not pregnant.
In general, if you are pregnant, you are more likely to experience complications from COVID-19 — like preterm birth and preeclampsia. But most people have mild symptoms and recover fully.
It is important to contact your pregnancy care provider if you think you have symptoms of COVID-19 or get a positive at-home COVID test. They can best help you manage your symptoms and determine if you need emergency care.
Why Does Pregnancy Raise the Risk From COVID?
If you are pregnant, you are at risk for complications from COVID-19. This is because your immune system, heart and lungs change during pregnancy. This can raise your risk of getting very sick from respiratory viruses like COVID-19.
Your immune system works to protect both you and the fetus from illness. Some parts of your immune system get weaker because they are giving some of their protection to the fetus. This can make you more susceptible to certain infections.
Changes to your respiratory system — like your diaphragm shifting upward — can also lead to shortness of breath.
What Are the Risks and Complications of COVID During Pregnancy?
You will most likely have mild symptoms of COVID. But studies suggest that if you have moderate or severe COVID-19, your risk of the following complications may increase:
Complication | What it means |
Problems with how the blood clots | |
Fetal growth restriction | The fetus is not growing at the average growth rate for its age |
Gestational diabetes | High blood sugar that develops during pregnancy |
Heavy bleeding | Bleeding right after giving birth (postpartum hemorrhage) |
Low birth weight | Delivering a baby weighing less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces (2.5 kilograms) |
Preeclampsia | A pregnancy complication involving high blood pressure |
Preterm birth | Delivering a baby before 37 weeks |
Stillbirth | Researchers are still determining the exact risk |
The risk for complications tends to be highest in the third trimester (beginning at 29 weeks). This is likely due to maximum lung compression at this stage of pregnancy.
That said, the actual overall chance of having a severe complication during pregnancy due to COVID is still quite low.
What Other Factors Raise the Risk of Severe Illness?
You may be at a higher risk for severe illness due to COVID if you are pregnant and you:
Have a medical condition like diabetes, high blood pressure or heart disease
Have overweight or obesity
Have limited or no access to medical care
Can COVID Cross the Placenta?
A study published in 2024 found that small proteins from the COVID-19 virus can pass through the placenta. The findings suggest that the spreading of the virus from a pregnant person to the fetus — called vertical transmission — is more common than researchers once estimated.
The study also found that your immune system's response to a COVID-19 infection may affect the fetus. More specifically, it may cause inflammatory responses in the developing fetus. This can happen even if there is no evidence that the fetus has a COVID-19 infection.
Studies from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) show that only a handful of babies have COVID-19 at birth. Healthcare providers do not know whether those babies got the virus before, during, or just after birth.
Are COVID Symptoms the Same During Pregnancy?
Yes, the symptoms are the same. Most symptoms start as mild and flu-like. But they can become severe.
Symptom type | Symptoms |
Mild symptoms | Fever, chills, cough and nasal congestion, headache and body aches, tiredness, new loss of taste or smell |
Severe symptoms (get emergency care) | Trouble breathing, pain or pressure in your chest, confusion, inability to wake up or stay awake |
What Causes COVID-19?
A virus called severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes COVID-19. Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that can cause respiratory illness in humans. You get it from a person who already has the virus. This can happen if:
You breathe in respiratory droplets from someone who has the virus — for example, a person coughs or sneezes near you and you breathe in those particles
You are in close contact (touching, shaking hands) with an infected person and then touch your face
How Is COVID Diagnosed During Pregnancy?
A COVID-19 diagnosis in pregnancy follows the same process as the diagnosis when you are not pregnant. Your healthcare provider may diagnose COVID based on symptoms and likelihood of exposure to the virus.
A laboratory test that involves swabbing your nasal fluid is the only way to definitively diagnose COVID-19.
What Should I Do If I Test Positive While Pregnant?
If you took an at-home COVID-19 test, the first thing you should do is contact your healthcare provider and let them know what symptoms you have. Your provider may diagnose COVID based on your symptoms and the result of the at-home test. In some cases, they may order a laboratory test to confirm the diagnosis.
How Is COVID Treated During Pregnancy?
Your healthcare provider may prescribe medication to help treat COVID-19 during pregnancy.
The Preferred Medication
Currently, the preferred treatment option for pregnant people with COVID-19 is ritonavir-boosted nirmatrelvir (Paxlovid). It is an antiviral medication that involves taking a combination of pills. Your provider will give you specific instructions on taking them.
Mild Symptom Care at Home
If your symptoms are mild, your pregnancy care provider may recommend:
Resting
Drinking extra fluids
Taking acetaminophen for pain relief (do not take ibuprofen)
Using a humidifier to relieve congestion
Taking over-the-counter medication containing dextromethorphan to reduce coughing
Ask your provider if they recommend using a pulse oximeter (pulse ox) and/or a blood pressure monitor at home. They can let you know what symptoms are serious and what to do if you experience them.
When Hospital Care May Be Needed
If your symptoms become severe, your provider may recommend treatment in a hospital, so you can receive extra care. Your chances of hospitalization are low — but your risk of hospitalization is higher than a person who is not pregnant. Your provider is acting out of caution to protect you and the fetus.
Should I Be Worried About COVID-19 During Pregnancy?
You might feel worried if you get COVID during pregnancy. On top of the usual pregnancy changes, you are likely feeling sick and wondering if COVID will affect your delivery.
There are risks. But it is important to know that most pregnant women who get COVID-19 experience mild symptoms and fully recover.
Be sure to communicate with your healthcare provider and follow their advice. They can assess your symptoms and let you know if you need immediate medical attention.
Can COVID During Pregnancy Cause Birth Defects?
Research is still ongoing about the effects of COVID-19 on a fetus. But most studies show that birth defects (congenital disorders) due to COVID-19 are rare.
When Should You See Your Healthcare Provider?
Talk to your healthcare provider if symptoms of COVID-19 don't improve after several days. Most cases of COVID are mild, and symptoms go away slowly with time and lots of rest. Ask your provider what symptoms to watch out for, or what to do if you do not feel better.
When Should You Go to the ER?
Go to the nearest ER if you have any of the following symptoms:
Emergency sign | Details |
Severe fever | Higher than 103 degrees Fahrenheit (39 degrees Celsius) |
Diarrhea and vomiting | Together, these can quickly dehydrate you |
Trouble breathing | Can signal serious respiratory illness |
Chest pains | Can signal serious illness |
Disorientation or confusion | Needs immediate evaluation |
Blue-, gray- or white-tinged lips (cyanosis) | Sign of low oxygen |
Confusion, lethargy or trouble staying awake | Can signal serious illness |
Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Provider
Your question | What the answer helps you understand |
Is my baby at risk for getting COVID because I have it while pregnant? | The level of risk to the fetus |
What symptoms are considered severe? | What to watch for at home |
How can I tell the difference between normal shortness of breath during pregnancy and severe shortness of breath? | Normal pregnancy changes vs. warning signs |
What symptoms mean I should go to the ER? | Exactly when to get emergency care |
What are the potential complications of having COVID while pregnant? | The specific risks for you and the pregnancy |
Do I have to quarantine or stay away from other family members? | How to protect your household |
Will my birth plan be affected by having COVID? | How COVID may change delivery plans |
Remember, taking care of yourself is your top concern. Be sure to get plenty of rest and drink a lot of water. If you live with others, try to isolate yourself until you feel better.
How Can COVID Be Prevented During Pregnancy?
You can take the same steps during pregnancy as you normally would to avoid getting COVID-19.
Getting the COVID-19 vaccine is the most effective way to protect yourself from the virus. Vaccination is safe and effective during pregnancy. Get the flu vaccine (and other vaccines your provider recommends), too.
Some other actions you can take include:
Washing your hands frequently
Avoiding contact with sick people
Maintaining distance from people at crowded, indoor events — or avoiding large events
Wearing a mask in indoor public spaces and crowded outdoor spaces
Avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth unless you know your hands are clean
Disinfecting doorknobs, electronic devices, counters and other high-touch surfaces frequently
It is also important to go to your prenatal appointments. Your provider can check on your health and the fetus's growth, and will guide you in managing the health risks of your pregnancy.
Having a high fever during pregnancy — especially in the first 12 weeks — increases your risk of pregnancy complications. That is why it is important to protect yourself from all illnesses during pregnancy, not just COVID-19.
Conclusion
COVID-19 during pregnancy raises the chance of serious illness because pregnancy changes the immune system, heart and lungs. But the good news is that most pregnant people have mild symptoms and fully recover, and the overall risk of severe complications remains quite low.
If you test positive or develop symptoms, contact your pregnancy care provider — the preferred treatment is an antiviral medication, mild symptoms respond to rest and home care, and the COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective during pregnancy.
Next step: if you are pregnant and feel unwell or test positive at home, call your provider right away. Ask about antiviral treatment, whether to monitor your oxygen and blood pressure at home, and what symptoms mean a trip to the ER. Stay up to date with your COVID and flu vaccines, keep your prenatal appointments, and keep taking care of yourself — it is your top concern.
References
This article is based solely on the referenced source. It is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice.
FAQ
Is COVID dangerous during pregnancy?
Pregnancy makes you more likely to get seriously ill from COVID-19 because your immune system, heart and lungs change during pregnancy. But most pregnant people still have mild symptoms and recover fully.
Why am I at higher risk of severe COVID while pregnant?
Your immune system works to protect both you and the fetus, so some parts of it get weaker. Changes to your respiratory system, like your diaphragm shifting upward, can also lead to shortness of breath.
What are the symptoms of COVID during pregnancy?
The symptoms are the same as for anyone: fever, chills, cough and nasal congestion, headache and body aches, tiredness, and new loss of taste or smell. Most start mild and flu-like, but can become severe.
How is COVID diagnosed during pregnancy?
The same way as when you are not pregnant — based on symptoms and exposure likelihood. A laboratory test involving swabbing your nasal fluid is the only way to definitively diagnose COVID-19.
What should I do if my at-home COVID test is positive while pregnant?
Contact your healthcare provider first. Share your symptoms; they may diagnose COVID based on your symptoms and the at-home result, or order a lab test to confirm.
What is the treatment for COVID during pregnancy?
The preferred treatment is ritonavir-boosted nirmatrelvir (Paxlovid), an antiviral medication taken as a combination of pills. Your provider gives specific instructions.
Is Paxlovid safe during pregnancy?
Ritonavir-boosted nirmatrelvir (Paxlovid) is currently the preferred treatment option for pregnant people with COVID-19. Your provider will give you specific instructions on taking it.
What can I do at home for mild COVID symptoms while pregnant?
Rest, drink extra fluids, take acetaminophen for pain relief (do not take ibuprofen), use a humidifier for congestion, and take over-the-counter dextromethorphan to reduce coughing.
Can I take ibuprofen for COVID while pregnant?
No — the source advises taking acetaminophen for pain relief and specifically says not to take ibuprofen.
What is the preferred medication for COVID in pregnancy?
Ritonavir-boosted nirmatrelvir (Paxlovid), an antiviral combination of pills.
When would I need hospital care for COVID while pregnant?
If symptoms become severe. Chances of hospitalization are low but higher than for someone who is not pregnant; your provider acts out of caution to protect you and the fetus.
What are the complications of COVID during pregnancy?
Blood clotting disorders, fetal growth restriction, gestational diabetes, heavy bleeding after birth (postpartum hemorrhage), low birth weight, preeclampsia, preterm birth, and stillbirth. The overall chance of a severe complication is still quite low.
When is the risk of complications highest during pregnancy?
In the third trimester (beginning at 29 weeks), likely due to maximum lung compression at that stage.
What is fetal growth restriction?
A condition in which the fetus is not growing at the average growth rate for its age.
What counts as low birth weight?
Delivering a baby weighing less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces (2.5 kilograms).
What is preterm birth?
Delivering a baby before 37 weeks.
Does COVID raise the risk of preeclampsia?
Studies suggest that moderate or severe COVID-19 may increase the risk of preeclampsia.
Who else is at higher risk of severe COVID while pregnant?
People who have diabetes, high blood pressure or heart disease; overweight or obesity; or limited or no access to medical care.
Can COVID cross the placenta?
A 2024 study found that small proteins from the COVID-19 virus can pass through the placenta, suggesting vertical transmission is more common than once estimated. Only a handful of babies have COVID-19 at birth.
Can COVID cause birth defects?
Most studies show that birth defects (congenital disorders) due to COVID-19 are rare.
Can COVID affect the fetus without infecting it?
Yes. Your immune system's response to infection may cause inflammatory responses in the developing fetus, even with no evidence the fetus is infected.
When should I go to the ER for COVID while pregnant?
For trouble breathing, chest pain or pressure, disorientation or confusion, inability to wake up or stay awake, blue/gray/white-tinged lips (cyanosis), fever above 103°F (39°C), or diarrhea and vomiting.
When should I call my provider about COVID symptoms during pregnancy?
If symptoms do not improve after several days — and right away for any severe symptoms.
Is the COVID vaccine safe during pregnancy?
Yes. Vaccination is safe and effective during pregnancy, and it is the most effective way to protect yourself from the virus.
How can I prevent COVID while pregnant?
Get the COVID-19 vaccine (and the flu vaccine), wash hands frequently, avoid sick people, wear a mask in indoor public and crowded outdoor spaces, avoid touching your face, disinfect high-touch surfaces, and keep prenatal appointments.
Why should I protect myself from all illnesses during pregnancy, not just COVID?
Having a high fever during pregnancy — especially in the first 12 weeks — increases your risk of pregnancy complications.
Will COVID affect my birth plan?
That depends on your situation — ask your pregnancy care provider, since one of the key questions to raise is whether your birth plan will be affected.
Medical disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here. In a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.
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