Coronavirus remains a dangerous disease, especially for select groups of people. The old, chronically ill, and unvaccinated remain the most vulnerable and at high risk of complications. Research has found pregnant women also fall amongst this group, with expectant mothers making up 17 percent of women on emergency support between July 1 and September 30.
The NHS places pregnant women in the “moderate risk” group, making them clinically vulnerable.
Although they aren’t generally more at risk from Covid, they may be towards the end of their pregnancy.
At a later stage, severe infections could cause earlier births or kill the baby.
Health officials also advise expectant mothers could pass on the virus to their unborn children.
READ MORE: A fifth of serious Covid cases are pregnant women
What to do if you get Covid while pregnant
The NHS advises expectant mothers to watch for Covid symptoms, which vary depending on the version.
The primary covid symptoms include a high temperature, new, continuous cough and loss of smell and taste.
Those with the Delta variant may also experience symptoms more like a cold, including headaches and a sore throat.
Women who suspect they have Covid should:
- Book a PCR test for themselves and anyone they live with
- Stay at home and not accept visitors
- Speak to their midwife or maternity team
Anyone unsure as to what they should do can call the non-emergency NHS 111 line.
If they experience the additional symptoms, however, they should call their midwife support:
- The baby is moving more often
- The baby feels too still
- The baby changes its movement patterns
- There is any “spotting” or bleeding from the vagina
- They feel worried or anxious
- They have a persistent headache that will not go away
- Shortness of breath when lying down or resting
- They cannot cope with Covid symptoms at home
- They have a raised temperature (38C+)
- They feel unsafe