Abstract

The normal physiologic changes of pregnancy are known to increase susceptibility to respiratory illness. Individuals who are pregnant are more likely to acquire a SARS-CoV-2 infection and develop COVID-19 than the general population; they are at increased risk for hospitalization; ventilator-assisted breathing; and other subsequent maternal, fetal, and neonatal health issues. Although the incidence of infection and subsequent morbidity is increased in pregnancy, mortality does not seem to be increased. Individuals who are vaccinated against COVID-19 before childbirth can pass antibodies to their fetuses via the placenta during pregnancy and to their infants during breastfeeding. It is important for health care providers to be cognizant of the potential impacts of COVID-19 on pregnant individuals and their offspring.

MeSH

Pregnancy, Vaccines, Antibodies, Breast Feeding, Vaccination, Covid-19, Infections

Cited by

• Evaluating COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness during pre-Delta, Delta and Omicron dominant periods among pregnant people in the U.S.: Retrospective cohort analysis from a nationally sampled cohort in National COVID Collaborative Cohort (N3C). BMJ Public Health, 2024
• Clinical characteristics of pregnant women with COVID-19 and infection outcomes in one of the largest cities in the Brazilian Amazon. BMC Infect Dis, 2024
• Safety of COVID-19 Vaccines Among Pregnant Women in India: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Cureus, 2025
• Attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccines during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Front Public Health, 2024
• Assessment of severity and feto-maternal outcomes among COVID-19 infected pregnant females hospitalized at tertiary care center in western Nepal. Ann Med Surg (Lond), 2024