GUIDE
Pregnant people are at higher risk of severe COVID-19 illness. Vaccination is recommended by ACOG, the CDC, and the WHO.
COVID-19 during pregnancy increases the risk of ICU admission, mechanical ventilation, preterm birth, and stillbirth compared to non-pregnant people of the same age. The COVID-19 vaccine is safe during pregnancy and is the best way to protect yourself and your baby. If you test positive, treatment options exist — contact your provider promptly.
Be prepared from day one
Pregnancy naturally alters the immune system and respiratory physiology in ways that increase vulnerability to respiratory infections. The immune system is modified during pregnancy to prevent rejection of the fetus, which can reduce the body's ability to fight viral infections. Additionally, the growing uterus pushes the diaphragm upward, reducing lung capacity, and pregnancy increases blood volume and cardiac demand.
These changes mean that when a pregnant person contracts COVID-19, they are more likely to develop severe illness than a non-pregnant person of the same age and health status. This is not unique to COVID — pregnant people are also at higher risk of severe illness from influenza and other respiratory viruses.
These risks are most pronounced in unvaccinated individuals and those with underlying health conditions like obesity, diabetes, or hypertension.
Based on data from ACOG, CDC, and large-scale studies. The vaccine has been studied extensively in pregnant populations.
The COVID vaccine can be given at any point during pregnancy. If you are not yet vaccinated, get vaccinated as soon as possible — do not wait for a specific trimester. If you are due for a booster, get it. Vaccination in the third trimester maximizes antibody transfer to the baby before birth, but protection for you is the priority at any stage.
Early treatment is key. Do not wait to see if symptoms worsen before contacting your provider.
Fever during pregnancy — from any cause — warrants attention. Sustained core body temperatures above 101°F (38.3°C) can affect fetal development, particularly in the first trimester. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is the safe choice for fever reduction during pregnancy. Do not use ibuprofen — NSAIDs should be avoided during pregnancy.
If your fever is not responding to acetaminophen, or if it stays above 101°F despite treatment, contact your provider or go to the emergency room. Persistent high fever during pregnancy requires medical evaluation.
Beyond vaccination, standard prevention measures apply: hand hygiene, masking in high-risk settings, good ventilation, and staying home when sick. If you work in a healthcare setting or other high-exposure environment, talk to your employer about accommodations.
Your provider may recommend additional monitoring if you had COVID during pregnancy, including growth ultrasounds to check on the baby. Severe or prolonged COVID infection during pregnancy may contribute to a high-risk pregnancy classification. For your complete prenatal care schedule, see our prenatal visit schedule. For a full list of safe medications during pregnancy, see our pregnancy-safe medications guide.
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider with any questions about your pregnancy.
