Pregnancy and covid-19

[Gilbertie]

Has anyone experienced coronavirus while pregnant? I can't find any information on anyone's firsthand experience of this.

They keep saying there is no evidence to suggest that it is dangerous for pregnant women - but that is just because there really is no evidence at all. As in no studies. They are basing information on 2 studies, one with just 3 women and one with 9. (Also, the virus only started in December so babies who's mothers contracted it in early pregnancy haven't necessarily been born yet.)

I would love to hear some first hand experiences of someone who has been pregnant and had the virus.

I have just recovered from an episode of suspected covid-19 at 35 weeks pregnant. I was not tested, but I live in London and my husband was unwell the week before having been in contact from a confirmed case at work. I experienced a low grade fever for 9 days (episodes of fever from 37.8-38.3) with shortness of breath and a dry cough for 14 days. I also had considerable fatigue for 14 days. I tried to rest as much as possible, keeping fluids up and temperature down using paracetamol. I updated with my sister regularly who is a gp. I am feeling fine now except for some ongoing anosmia, although this is improving (3-4 weeks since initial symptoms) I chose not to google too much in order to reduce any anxiety. Had my shortness of breath worsened at rest or any worsening symptoms, or baby’s movements reduced then I would have sought further medical assistance from midwives or 111. I am in my late 30s and have no other medical history. I am due now in 1-2 weeks, and hope that everything will be ok with the baby. I hope this message might be of some reassurance for any expecting mums with similar symptoms! Definitely make sure that you seek medical opinion if symptoms don’t improve or get worse - but just to reassure that mine did finally improve, although it felt like it was taking a long time!

Not a personal experience, but a friend of mine just had Covid at 20 weeks. She seems to have had it quite mildly, but I think it’s taken a lot out of her, especially as she couldn’t really get much of a break from her other child. But no lasting harm to her or the baby.

I also believe I had covid at 16 weeks pregnant. Me and my partner have both been working with positive patients, he developed fever and cough and got tested positive by work. I developed a slight cough and a tight chest but only when lying flat could I feel it on my chest. Work were attempted to arrange a test for me too but they didn't in time, typical departmental organisation!
Three weeks later we both have a slight cough still but no other symptoms, had a private ultrasound that shows baby is well. I haven't returned back to work due to no non-covid activity left to do!
My only worry is the poor nurse that has died after her baby was delivered by caeserean. However I'm not sure what her level of exposure was.