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Are pregnant women at higher risk for contracting COVID-19?

Please see our article on COVID-19 and Pregnancy for answers to questions about the disease as well as vaccines in pregnancy.

If a pregnant woman tests positive for COVID-19, does this present an infection risk to her unborn child?

At this time, we have no evidence that women who contract COVID-19 late in pregnancy will transmit the virus to their child.

How are birthing procedures changing in light of COVID-19?

If a woman is diagnosed with COVID-19 late in pregnancy, every effort will be made to delay induction or scheduled cesarean section until the patient is deemed non-infectious. In cases where delivery must proceed, vaginal deliveries will be performed in a negative pressure room, whenever possible. Caesarean section cases will be performed in a negative pressure room rather than a surgical suite, whenever possible. Regardless of location, each case will be staffed by the minimum number of clinicians possible, who will enter the room together with PPE, and exit together upon conclusion of the case.

How will postpartum care be managed differently?

A number of precautionary measures are being taken to create the safest possible environment of care for mothers and their newborn babies. Specific process adjustments are being made in accordance with that goal for general neonatal care, mother/baby contact protocols, and breastfeeding protocols.

Is it safe for me to deliver my baby at an UMMS hospital?

Yes. Prohibiting visitors is one way that we are working to ensure the safety of our patients, visitors and staff. We continue to follow recommendations issued by our local, state and national partners like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to keep our patients, visitors and staff safe.

How long will these changes in the visiting policy be in effect?

Because this is a rapidly changing situation, we cannot predict how long these restrictions will remain in place. We will maintain them as long as necessary to protect our patients, visitors and staff. Please see our Temporary Visitor Restrictions or our social media sites for the most up-to-date information.

Updated 12/28/2020

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