COVID-19 and pregnancy

We know that many people may be feeling worried or anxious about their pregnancy during the COVID-19 pandemic and are confused about what to do.  

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) has released the following pregnancy advice: 

1. At this time, pregnant women do not appear to be more severely unwell if they develop COVID-19 infection than the general population. It is expected the large majority of pregnant women will experience only mild or moderate cold/flu like symptoms.  

2. For women who are trying to conceive or who are in early pregnancy, there is: 

• No evidence to suggest an increased risk of miscarriage with COVID-19. 
• No evidence that the virus can pass to your developing baby while you are pregnant. 
• No evidence that the virus will cause abnormalities in your baby.

3. For women receiving antenatal care, some changes to minimise risk include: 

• Reducing, postponing and/or increasing the interval between antenatal visits 
• Shortening the duration of antenatal visits 
• Using telehealth consultations as a replacement, or in addition, to routine visits 
• Avoiding face to face antenatal classes 
• Limiting visitors (partner only) while in hospital 
• Earlier discharge from hospital than would otherwise be planned 

4. Women who breastfeed their babies should also continue to do so 

This is a rapidly changing situation, so please visit the Department of Health and Human Services and the RANZCOG website for ongoing updates about pregnancy and COVID-19. 

For information on the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), call the Australian Government's National Coronavirus Helpline on 1800 020 080 or Nurse-on-Call on 1800 675 398.