Pregnancy and COVID

Our mission at OBGYN Westside in New York City is to provide outstanding health care for women by women. Our multilingual (English, Korean, and Spanish) team of board-certified and board-eligible specialists prioritizes compassion, comfort, and transparency as we seek to build lifelong relationships with our patients.

At our offices on the Upper West Side in Manhattan, we offer the highest level of gynecological and obstetrics services available and the medical support you need to make informed decisions about your care.

We’re happy to answer questions about pregnancy and COVID.

What should I know about the COVID vaccine and pregnancy?

Facts about the COVID vaccine and pregnancy include:

• The vaccine is safe to use during pregnancy
• The vaccine will not affect your fertility
• The vaccine does help prevent serious illness and death
• The vaccine will not cause COVID infections in pregnant people or babies
• You can have a COVID vaccine if you’re breastfeeding

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that all pregnant women receive the COVID vaccine, which studies show is safe and effective during pregnancy and/or if you’re breastfeeding.

If you have questions about the vaccine, please don’t hesitate to schedule a visit at OBGYN Westside. We’re happy to discuss the risks versus benefits of obtaining the COVID vaccine during pregnancy.

If you’re contemplating pregnancy and have questions about the vaccine, we also offer pre-pregnancy planning appointments. 

Am I at higher risk from COVID because I’m pregnant?

The overall risk of COVID during pregnancy is low. But if you do get COVID and show symptoms, you’re at increased risk of developing severe illness.

As is the case with the general population, there are certain health factors that increase your risk of moderate to severe COVID illness during pregnancy. These include diabetes, excess weight, high blood pressure, and other chronic conditions.

Your risk of preeclampsia may also increase if you develop a COVID infection during pregnancy. Signs and symptoms of preeclampsia include extremely elevated blood pressure, abnormal kidney function, and other severe illness.

Blood clotting disorders (coagulopathy) are also more prevalent in pregnant women who contract COVID.

Our ability to successfully treat COVID during pregnancy continues to improve. Contact your OBGYN Westside provider as soon as you experience any symptoms or are exposed to COVID.

We also discuss your risk factors in detail during your initial evaluation and monitor your blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and other important lab values throughout your pregnancy.

Fortunately, the risk of severe illness with COVID during pregnancy remains low. Of course, one of the best things you can do to prevent severe illness is receive the COVID vaccine.

Can COVID affect the fetus or newborn?

Depending on the severity of your illness, COVID may lead to premature birth and a low birth weight. This increases the risk that your baby may need neonatal intensive care and generally prolongs the infant’s hospital stay following birth.

It’s very rare that mothers pass COVID to babies in the womb. Newborns, though, can develop COVID if exposed. Any respiratory illness is particularly dangerous to infants and young children, since their airways and lungs are quite small and can quickly fill with congestion or fluid.

For more information about COVID and pregnancy or any of the services we offer at OBGYN Westside, schedule a visit today by calling our office or requesting an appointment online.