Covid-19 in first trimester - worried about birth defects

[SophiaConfetti]

It's possible DH and I had Covid-19 a couple of weeks ago although if so symptoms were very mild and so more likely to have been a different virus (albeit not one I've experienced before).

If we did have it, it was a critical period of development, especially for heart. I'm really worried about the implications of this given that transmission from mum to fetus is now thought to be probable, although effects on early development are of course unknown because nobody in this position would have given birth yet or likely even reached anomaly scan stage.

Is anyone in same position? I don't know what to do really. I know some viruses are more transmissible later on but with most the most damage seems to be done very early (like with rubella and CMV)

Anyone else?

I was really poorly just as all the Covid worries were really starting to kick off. No test available at the time as I hadn't travelled, so don't know if I had it, but the symptoms match.

I don't think there's any way of knowing what will happen at the moment so I'm not giving it too much thought; no point worrying if there's no way to know.

Just a wait-and-see situation unfortunately. Midwife knew I was poorly but hasn't raised any concerns about baby, all standard checks ok so far.

Looking for a silver lining, if I've had it already, I think that's better than having it at the end / in labour / with newborn, but that's just a guess.

Pretty sure I had it 10 days ago. I'm 7+5. It's a worry, but I also very much feel it's all put of my hands so in a way, there's no point worrying. Worrying won't change the outcome. I don't think there's any evidence of it causing defects, other strains of coronavirus don't. Try and stay positive x

Thank you. Sorry you guys have had this worry too

For various outing reasons I'm extra paranoid about this specific scenario this time round

You are right, and although RCOG recognise transmission in pregnant as probable their advice still says they think it's unlikely that it causes developmental problems

I'd love to hear positive news of people in the same boat who have reassuring 12 and 20 week scans but I guess that info is some way away!

@Maincat timing wise we'd be about the same! If it was a friend worrying I know I could be objective and reassure her with a reasonable degree of confidence but when it's me I find it impossible not to catastrophise!

I am a natural catastrophiser, but I've realised that what's worse for the baby than CV is the constant cortisone that's probably chugging round my body! I know it is easier said than done but try to find ways to relax. I had a fever with CV, and I think that's probably more concerning than the virus itself. But as I literally cannot do anything about it, I've tried to surrender control xx

Oh yes! I worried about the effect of the stress too! 🙈 although in a previous pregnancy we had a lot of worry as a problem was identified and DC is a cheerful delight despite the constant stress

I know the fever is a recognised factor but the risk is still very small. I'm going to follow your example and try to let go of what I can't control. There's always all sorts of risks and we can't do anything about most of them after all.

I hope you are feeling better now, by the way.

Hi, I'm 23 weeks and cannot say I have definitely had Covid-19 but in February I had an awful cough, high temperature and just generally unwell and I had travelled to 2 other European countries. Could of just been a bad cold but I did have difficulty taking a deep breath.

My scans have all been absolutely fine. Like I say it's of little help but it's kind of one story to reassure you!

From EVERYTHING I've read (and it's a lot) if it were to cross over through the placenta to baby (which they are saying is very unlikely, but potentially possible in third trimester, unless that's changed?) There would be little to worry about.
Totally normal to worry, and if it wasn't this, it would be something else, pregnancy is notorious for raising anxiety levels! Just try and enjoy not having the first trimester in public, I looked horrendous would of quite like the hiding away part

@thekindyoufindinasecondhand

Thanks for sharing that - I'm sorry you were unwell but glad your scans have been fine!

Yes, you're right, I'm being so careful this time round and avoiding cosmetics and certain foods etc so not worrying about my appearance is a silver lining.

I’m worried too. I even considered a termination to be sure but I can’t put myself through it especially with a much wanted baby. What if I had a termination, got pregnant when this is all over and that baby was very poorly!

I’m following all the guidelines, only shopping minimally and have to take the approach that what will be will be. I must admit, my usual pregnancy concerns haven’t crossed my mind because I’ve been to busy worrying about coronavirus.

We discussed it but never seriously. As the risk is considered low at the moment it feels wrong as a very wanted baby

I'm sorry you have this worry too. What a time to be pregnant! But I'm very grateful to be of course

Well the flu and other covid type viruses don't affect a growing baby so I guess we have to just assume that covid-19 is the same xx

No answers but I feel for you.

I had huge worries over everything during pregnancy and that was very minor things such as wearing nail varnish was suddenly highly dangerous (just had a mani/pedi) then alcohol was safe then two weeks later it wasn't.

Ive got two strapping giant boys but i still remember the constant anxiety. You are not alone.

At the risk of sounding flippant I am sure 16 years later you'll be reading this and you'll be writing the same about how worried you were.

Big hug 🤗

I am pretty sure I had it a week ago OP. I'm 12 weeks tomorrow and I've got my dating scan next week.

I'm pretty worried but there is nothing I can do. I'm going to ask the scenographer about if/when we might know if anything is wrong.

It's the lack of evidence that is really bothering me.

Hi OP, I’m so sorry you’re worried. I’m in the first trimester too. I work in health research and have studied the research we have so far very extensively.

The RCOG used the word “probable” regarding vertical transmission but this has been criticised as their evidence for it is only based on a handful (2-3) cases where newborns have been found to have Covid-19 antibodies in their blood. This particular type of antibody can’t be provided by the mother so the hypothesis is that the baby had the infection and developed it’s own antibodies in response. The case studies however have been criticised by experts as the newborns actually tested negative for the infection at birth via swabs, plus the sensitivity of the antibody testing is notoriously poor etc. It’s far from conclusive.

The vast vast majority of studies published so far show that despite the mother testing positive at birth the newborn has tested negative. On the rare occasion the newborn has tested positive it’s considered likely this happened in the hospital/post partum. Vertical transmission is therefore unlikely. Only RCOG is using the word “probable” by the way whereas other international guidance (eg Canada) says vertical transmission is unlikely.

Other coronavirus’ (there are several, including the common cold, SARS and MERS) have no reported vertical transmission and therefore no birth defects reported. It would be highly unusual for a respiratory virus like Covid-19 to be transferred in this way. It’s miles apart from virus’ like rubella or Zika. They’ve only found Covid-19 in 1% of blood samples.

There have been no reported clusters of abnormal ultrasound findings in Asia at this time.

Sorry to get all scientific but I think it’s important to have an understanding to where these reports come from/the evidence that guides them. Nothing is proven and the reports so far are very encouraging.

Try not to worry, chances are all is well. Even the risk of high fever in the first trimester can be mitigated through use of paracetamol and folic acid. In fact more recent research has indicated that fevers aren’t even so much of a risk factor as first thought.

Good luck

@happilybemused thank you! I hope you are right as I'm sure you are. We have a DC with a congenital condition so sadly I do still wonder sometimes if it was the day I painted my nails etc.. but we try not to dwell on it and he is amazing and doing so well!

@BumbleNova I really hope you feel better now and scan goes well.

@Foreverbaffled that's extremely helpful, thank you. Have you seen the article published overnight in European Respiratory Journal? It wasn't conclusive either but it seemed they were struggling to explain away the newborn infection. There was also separately a reassuring study on three Peruvian women and their newborns. I couldn't find much info on viruses that did cross and weren't teratogenic but then RSV possibly does and isn't known to cause any problems in pregnancy

Oh was it this one?erj.ersjournals.com/content/early/2020/04/01/13993003.00697-2020
There was no virus found in amniotic fluid or cord blood. Plus 30 hours between birth and swabbing babies. So who knows..

My feeling is that if vertical transmission can occur it’s going to be a very rare occurrence. If only 1% people are found to carry the virus in the blood then the likelihood of it crossing the placenta will be 1% or less. I think influenza can cross the placenta in very very rare cases so you never know. Certainly doesn’t mean it’s teratogenic. There may be many virus’ that can be vertically transmitted but cause no issues so therefore never tested for. It’s pretty much unheard of for respiratory virus’ to be concerning in this way.

Dr Jim Thornton in Nottingham has created this fab resource where he and his team collate the research as it’s published. It’s a very reassuring read :)
ripe-tomato.org/2020/03/22/covid-19-in-pregnancy/

At the beginning of March I had a slight temperature, cough and my asthma was bad for about 2 weeks. Could've just been a cold or I do wonder if it was CV. I hadn't travelled but work in central London and it was just as the spread started getting worse. My 20 week scan was done 2 weeks ago and all was fine. Good luck.

@2020Aug I'm glad your scan went well, that's lovely to hear

@Foreverbaffled you're a hero, thank you. I'm in awe of your ability to take the data and look objectively rather than latching onto the negative bits as I do. It's also really helpful for you to explain in a scientific way because I find it frustrating when people try to reassure me but based on nothing if you know what I mean! I'd not read that about 1% in bloodstream and quickly googled but couldn't spot it (not extensively looked though) do you mind telling me where you saw it and then I will be at peace and leave you alone 🤣

I'd also read that about influenza too and agree that there probably isn't the data on other viruses that have been around for zonks and never been a cause for worry. We're hardy testing newborns left right and centre for random antibodies and rightly so!

I just hope I can have normal scans 🤞 I absolutely hate this mumsnet phrase but I think I can now (cringe) give my head a wobble and move on

I think I tracked down some research and although it was a bit higher in some case studies, it was still low which is great to know

The 1% was based on this one but you’re right in other studies it was as high as 15%. However this one has by far the largest sample size of 300+ patients.

jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2762997

You are so welcome. To be honest I’m actually very anxious generally, and of course these issues have concerned me too, but find that looking at the science really calms me down.

Remember too that even in virus’ that cross the placenta with disastrous results (eg Zika) it still won’t effect the majority of babies whose mothers are infected. Not to minimise the awful impact of Zika on those babies who were affected, but 75% of mothers who caught Zika in the first trimester had babies with zero birth defects. The odds were still in their favour.

Good luck for your scan, please do let me know how it goes. Maybe we both need to put the science aside now and accept that we have no control over this and try and enjoy this special time :)

You too! That sounds like a good plan for us 😊 here's to the next few months of ordinary pregnancy stuff!

Hi @SophiaConfetti, I hope you’re doing okay and your pregnancy is going well.

I was wondering whether you’d had your scan? I hope it went well :) I also hope you’re feeling a bit less worried. I’m 8 weeks now and with new evidence coming out daily I’m feeling much more reassured about the safety of being pregnant.

Anyway hope it’s okay to resurrect your post!

Hi ladies, just picking up on this thread. I’m nearly pregnant and have had coronavirus, so I’m very worried about the effects in the first trimester. I’d be so grateful to hear how your scans went. All the best to you all xx