Do our bodies fight covid better when we're pregnant?

[alexcparr]

Hi mum's, I hope you're all well? I'm a little concerned. I recently caught some form of illness and felt horrendous for 2 days, I had a temperature, a bad cough and a splitting headache. Now just a few days later, I have a mild cough and aching muscles but I don't feel too ill. Just under the weather. My entire extended family have also contracted what seems to be the same thing. My husband is suffering badly "he's dying" (his words), my elderly mother is feeling very unwell also. My mother in law and her household also have the same symptoms however she has just tested positive for Covid. This is obviously very concerning for me as I'm 27 weeks pregnant and have been in close contact (I also have milder but the same symptoms as her and the rest of my family). My question is - even if I have covid (which I've had a huge fear of catching and have luckily avoided until this moment) is it likely that my body is fighting it more effectively because I'm pregnant? Or is it likely to get worse? I've been bad and now I'm feeling better. Has anyone else had it when pregnant? Are the symptoms milder in pregnancy? NB - I haven't had any C-19 vaccines, but I have had the flu jab this year, also as far as I'm aware, I've not had covid previously. I look forward to hearing your replies. Tia. Alex
27 weeks with my 1st child - a little boy ❤️

You have a “huge fear” of catching covid but have not had any vaccines…

Why on earth would you think pregnancy means your immune system works better?

Why on earth haven't you been vaccinated?

🙄

Generally your immune system is less effective during pregnancy.

Everything should be worse when you are pregnant cos your immune system is working on a reduced basis to stop it attacking your baby, basically.

Having done an online search I was just about to say that eurochick. An online search that op could have done in seconds.

Suspect this is a clickbait thread.

You can buy Covid tests for £2 from most supermarkets. Test. Rest up. Take paracetamol.

Hi there

I would let go of the fear you feel and just treat your symptoms without judgment or thought as to what specific virus you have.

From my very limited understanding I believe that pregnancy can interfere with how well the immune system works. However I’m sure severe complications are rare.

Perhaps speak to your midwife if you’re concerned? I believe they can put some extra monitoring in place if you have Covid.

whatever your reasons are for being unvaccinated- is none of anyone’s business and I respect your choices and wish you well with your pregnancy ❤️

"Hi". "❤"

Hmm.

Absolutely, categorically NO. Pregnant women are at much higher risk from covid, which is why women are eligible for extra boosters alongside other vulnerable groups, and why you are strongly advised throughout pregnancy to have your jabs. Throughout the pandemic, there has been a high proportion of Pg women admitted to hospital with symptoms.

You personally may not have a bad reaction to it, but it will probably be worse for you when Pg than otherwise as immune systems don't work as effectively.

If you tell your midwife, they will arrange a covid test for you, then put extra monitoring in place if you have it. You may have to have clexane injections as the risk of clots is high when you are pregnant with covid. So there are other associated health risks even if you don't feel too ill.

I had covid last Christmas at almost 30 weeks pregnant. I felt awful, worse than my husband. I was vaccinated as well. My baby is very prone to bronchiolitis which of course I can never prove is due to covid, likewise I had a retroplacental clot (I found this out on my delivery notes) again can't prove it is linked.

There's a reason you're strongly advised to have flu jabs while pregnant - your body doesn't fight things as well while pregnant

Unvaccinated pregnant and their babies were dying when I was in hospital having my babies it's incredibly irresponsible not to be vaccinated at this point

Not sure how you can equate have a "huge fear" of covid and then not bothering to get vaccinated 🤔

NHS info is pretty clear and why women are offered the covid vaccine/booster if pregnant www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/pregnancy-and-coronavirus/

It may be worth reading the NHS pregnancy info you’ve been given & online info if you are confused about staying well in pregnancy.

Your immune system becomes somewhat dampened during pregnancy, and many illnesses are rather worse

That's why pregnant women are offered both flu and covid jabs (when women in ordinary health of that sort of age don't qualify except occupationally).

A number of pregnant women died of covid in the early waves. Some of the babies were salvaged by c-section of ICU patient. But some were too young to survive.

Think about what you're doing. Realise the guidelines are there for a purpose.

The risk here might be lower likelihood, but it's potentially catastrophic impact.

Your call

I didn't ask for opinions on what people think about me not getting the jab, there may be reasons as to why I didn't have it done. Such as a close relative having a severe reaction to it. The research is just as sketchy as the research on covid is. I was just asking advice on what to do as pregnant and very strong likelihood of having it.

No, it's the opposite.

Your imune system is suppresed in pregnancy and Covid outcomes are worse for pregant women.

Sorry...

Pregnant women were specifically advised to get the covid jab because they were at greater risk. Generally your immune system isn't as effective in pregnancy - hence why the flu jab is also recommended. No one can tell you if you are getting to get worse or not 🤷‍♀️

What would you like from this thread then OP? You've had your question answered and unfortunately the answer is that you're at high risk.

Pregnant women are at a higher risk with covid which is why it's recommended to have the covid vaccines. The immune system is reduced when pregnant

Covid was a runny nose for me when I was pregnant. It was the same when I got it again after pregnancy. Unvaccinated.

The research isn’t sketchy but maybe you’re not sure where to access good information. Google isn’t helpful for this.

As previously posted the NHS website is a good start and I’d recommend the royal college of obstetricians www.rcog.org.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-pregnancy-and-women-s-health/coronavirus-covid-19-infection-in-pregnancy/coronavirus-covid-19-infection-and-pregnancy-faqs/

I have always read that being pregnant puts you at much higher risk of being hospitalised or worse with covid. Because your body is working hard developing your baby and your heart , lungs etc are under extra pressure with the pregnancy.

But can you speak to your midwife or doctor even over the phone and they can advise you directly.

Pregnancy itself lowers your immune system. It has to so your body doesn't attack the fetus, which behaves like a parasite.

It's a bit silly not to get vaccinated.

No your immune system is crap when pregnant. I caught everything under the son and a simple cold absolutely floored me. Covid is a real risk for pregnant women.

You know what does help fight covid? Vaccines!

Your close relevant isn't you though are they? Doubt they were pregnant either

You are higher risk and now so is your unborn baby - look up stats for early birth due to covid