A new KFF brief examines how COVID-19 may impact pregnant women. There are a number of specific reasons why pregnant women may be uniquely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Information and research on maternal and infant outcomes and transmission during pregnancy and breastfeeding is currently limited. Based on small studies, the novel coronavirus does not appear to pass from mother to fetus during pregnancy, but some cases of newborn infection have been noted, and more research is warranted.
This brief summarizes emerging research on impact of COVID-19 on pregnant and breastfeeding women. We also discuss the potential of and barriers to using telemedicine for prenatal care visits to reduce risk of virus exposure, as well as the implementation challenges that will face pregnant women if and when a therapy or vaccine is developed for COVID-19.
For more information on the use of telemedicine in pregnancy, see our brief here.(also posted above)