Coronavirus (COVID19): Advice during pregnancy
All pregnant women should follow the government advice on coronavirus:
Guidance on social distancing for everyone in the UK. Pregnant women are considered to be a vulnerable group and should be particularly stringent in following social distancing measures.
NHS COVID-19 app Help stop the spread of coronavirus by downloading the official NHS contact tracing app for England and Wales. It's the fastest way of knowing when you're at risk.
This guidance was published on 11 May 2020. As this is a fast-moving situation, will be reviewing and updating the guidance as it changes. Please keep checking this page for updates.
The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists has released information for pregnant women and new mums. It includes advice for pregnant women who are working, and those who are healthcare professionals.
The NHS website for advice on appointments, scans, labour and birth.
For further information, have a look at the World Health Organisation's information on COVID19 - pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding.
At the moment, it's expected that most pregnant women will experience mild or moderate cold or flu-like symptoms.
Pregnant women have been placed in the 'vulnerable group' by the Chief Medical Officer. There is no evidence to suggest being pregnant means you're more likely to get coronavirus. However, for a small number of women, it does mean being pregnant may change the way their body handles severe viral infection.
If you're pregnant and have an underlying health condition, such as asthma or diabetes you may be more unwell if you develop the virus. If you have significant heart disease, congenital or acquired, you are considered extremely vulnerable and should follow the government advice and guidance.
Yes, as long as you are well – it's really important that you attend your routine appointments. If you are unwell, contact your community midwife to postpone your visits until the isolation period is over.
Maternity care is essential. It has been developed over many years to reduce complications in mothers and babies. Not attending appointments can increase the risk of harm to you and your baby.
You should still have a whooping cough (pertussis) vaccination – ideally between 16 and 32 weeks. Talk to your midwife or general practice nurse about getting the vaccine. GOV.UK has more information on vaccinations that help protect you and your baby during and after pregnancy.
For more information on coronavirus and pregnancy, have a look at The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.
It's that time of year in the UK when our bodies stop making vitamin D from sunshine. To keep your bones and muscles healthy, it's best to take a vitamin D supplement every day between October and early March. This is especially important as many of us have been indoors more than usual this spring and summer.
You can get vitamin D from most pharmacies, and supermarkets and other retailers – this applies to adults and children.
There have been some news reports about vitamin D reducing the risk of coronavirus. However, there is no evidence that this is the case
Yes. If you are pregnant and need some help with shopping, medication or other essential supplies – get in touch with the Royal Voluntary Service. You can also call them directly on 0808 196 3646 (8am-8pm) to arrange volunteer support.
Understandably, you may be worried and have lots of questions at this time. Have a look at Tommy's mental wellbeing page for advice on taking care of yourself before, during and after pregnancy.