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Pregnancy and COVID

COVID-19 is often mild, but pregnancy increases the risk of severe illness, hospital admission and premature birth. Test if you have symptoms, seek early advice about treatment, continue antenatal check-ups and get immediate help for breathlessness, chest pain, drowsiness, blue-grey discolouration or clearly reduced baby movements.

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COVID-19 is often mild, but pregnancy increases the risk of severe illness, hospital admission and premature birth. Test if you have symptoms, seek early treatment advice and continue antenatal check-ups. Get immediate help for breathlessness, chest pain, drowsiness, blue-grey discolouration or clearly reduced baby movements.

  • Fever, sore throat, cough, runny nose, headache, muscle aches and tiredness are common.
  • Loss of smell or taste can occur, but is not present with every variant or in everyone.
  • If you test positive or have symptoms, contact your GP or maternity team early to assess whether treatment is suitable.
  • Rest, drink regularly and stay as active as you can; lying still for long periods can increase blood clot risk.
  • Contact your care team the same day if you test positive or have COVID symptoms, to discuss severity, risk factors and early antiviral treatment.
  • For urgent GP care outside office hours, call HAP 9252. Call Ambulance 912 only for an immediate threat to life.

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P
PregnancyDuring pregnancy, your body changes and a baby grows in the uterus. Register early with a maternity team for check-ups, discuss all medicines, take folic acid, avoid alcohol and drugs, and seek immediate help for heavy bleeding, severe abdominal pain, breathlessness, a seizure or reduced consciousness.
P
Pregnancy and high blood pressureHigh blood pressure during or after pregnancy may cause no symptoms and can sometimes quickly progress to pre-eclampsia with organ damage. Have raised readings assessed, follow check-ups and medication carefully, and seek immediate help for a systolic pressure of 160 or a diastolic pressure of 110 or higher, severe headache, visual symptoms, upper abdominal pain, breathlessness or a seizure.
C
COVID-19 (coronavirus)Coronavirus illness, officially COVID-19, is an infection caused by SARS-CoV-2. Symptoms range from none or mild cold symptoms to serious lung and other organ problems. Most people recover at home, but prompt assessment matters for breathlessness, deterioration or increased risk of severe illness.