Pregnancy During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Due to the coronavirus crisis, I receive many enquiries from pregnant women about the danger of coronavirus for pregnant women and the unborn child.

The concerns of expectant mothers are understandable, and the stresses on pregnant women, their partners and families are extreme.

The same general rules apply: "social distancing" in relation to friends and the extended family circle and hygiene rules. Avoid public places and groups of people, wear masks for your protection and that of others. Report the symptoms to your gynaecologist or family doctor.

Typical symptoms of a coronavirus infection are sore throat, fever, rhinitis, flu-like symptoms, loss of smell and taste, aching limbs, diarrhoea and severe tiredness or fatigue.

Pregnant women should be tested if one or more of these symptoms occur. However, coronavirus tests cannot be carried out by all doctors, but only in certain places and not in all laboratories. So far, there is no obligation to remove symptom-free pregnant women from the workplace or to exclude them from Swiss work.

However, it is recommended to perform a home office if possible to protect a pregnant woman from coronavirus infection. Pregnant women are generally susceptible to viral diseases such as seasonal flu and have lower immunity. Therefore, it would be in an employer's interest to protect pregnant women and their unborn children.

Talk to your loved ones, your trusted people or even your gynaecologist.

Stay healthy.

Your Prof. Dr. med. Christian Breymann