Pregnancy And Labor During The COVID-19 Pandemic: 2022 Update

We know that it can be hard to keep up with the developments in COVID and the rules around pregnancy, childbirth & labor, especially as we enter the third year of the pandemic. When we reached out to our community, 59% said they are currently worried about getting COVID whilst they are pregnant and 35% of mamas weren’t sure if antenatal appointments and labor were still being impacted by the pandemic. Knowledge is power mamas, and whilst we can’t change the impact of COVID, knowing what to expect as you go through pregnancy can help alleviate feelings of stress and anxiety.

Keep reading for a breakdown of the updated COVID rules and everything you need to know about pregnancy, vaccinations, antenatal appointments, and labor.

What if I catch COVID whilst I am pregnant?

According to the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, studies around the world show that pregnant women are no more likely to get COVID than other healthy adults. Studies have shown that there are higher rates of admission to intensive care units for pregnant women with COVID compared to non-pregnant women with COVID, however, it is important to recognize that this could be a result of doctors and clinicians taking a more cautious approach when assessing a woman who is pregnant. 

There is currently no evidence that COVID causes miscarriage or affects your baby’s development. Instances of mothers’ passing COVID to their baby’s before they are born seems to be uncommon and, according to the NHS, in known instances of this, the babies have recovered.

What if I catch COVID when I am pregnant and unvaccinated?

According to the RCOG and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, pregnant women who are unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated are at an increased risk of becoming severely unwell if they catch COVID, which can lead to them needing intensive care and their baby being born prematurely.

It is recommended that women who are unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated should consider limiting close contact with people they don’t usually meet to limit the risk of catching or spreading COVID, particularly if they are in their third trimester. 

In the UK and the US, the COVID vaccination is considered safe for pregnant women:

• On the 16th December 2021, pregnant women were added to the UK's priority COVID vaccine list by the vaccines advisory group, the JVCI, and, in the UK, it is "strongly recommended that you get vaccinated against COVID-19 to protect you and your baby”

• The CDC and ACOG recommend women who are pregnant and breastfeeding get vaccinated against COVID, including a booster dose (third dose) after initial vaccine(s)

• Growing research suggests the vaccine does not increase the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, including miscarriage

For full vaccination information, we recommend reading COVID & Pregnancy: Vaccinations & Latest Research Findings [Updated Dec 2021]

Will my antenatal hospital appointments and scans still be affected by COVID in 2022?

If you are well, it is important to go to all of your appointments and scans for your health and the health of your baby. Hospitals and clinics are working hard to protect you and your baby from COVID.

In the UK*: 

Currently, women who are pregnant are still receiving regular appointments and scans but you may find that:

• Some midwife appointments are held online or over the phone

• You may be asked to wear a mask or gown when you’re at an appointment

• You may be asked to show proof of a recent negative COVID test or be tested at your appointment

• Some appointments may be canceled or rescheduled

Remember, these changes are in place in order to protect you and your baby.

Is my partner allowed to come to antenatal appointments and scans in the UK?

Most maternity services in the UK are allowing a support partner to attend appointments with you as long as they do not have symptoms of COVID. However, the rules vary from hospital to hospital and you must ask your midwife and maternity team if your partner can attend an appointment with you. 

In the US:

You should call your ob-gyn or health care professional to ask how your prenatal appointments may be affected. Some women may have fewer appointments or a mix of online and in-person consultations. 

Will my labor and delivery experience be affected by COVID in 2022?

We know a big concern throughout the pandemic has been if and how labor and delivery will be affected. Unfortunately, at the start of the pandemic, lots of women were not allowed a birthing partner and experienced delivery alone. However, the rules are changing and that is often not the case anymore. We have outlined the common rules below, but feel comfortable asking your midwife or birthing team if it will be possible to have a partner with you.

It’s important to remember that any impact on your labor and delivery experience as a result of the pandemic is to ensure the safety of you and your baby and to protect you both from COVID.

In the UK*: 

The NHS is currently advising that there may be some changes to your labor and delivery because of COVID, but you must consult your individual midwife or maternity team for more information. 

You are not required to wear a mask during labor or delivery. If you are having a planned c-section, you may be asked to wear a mask when you arrive at the hospital until you are ready to go to the theatre. 

Birth partners: You are currently allowed to have your birth partner with you during labor and birth if they do not have symptoms of COVID. But there may be limits on how long they can stay after birth. If your partner does have symptoms or has been asked to self-isolate, they may not be able to attend the birth. We recommend having a backup partner just in case, as having someone you trust with you is known to make a significant difference to the safety of women during childbirth. 

In the US: 

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists recommends talking to your health care professional about your birth plan and how it might be affected by COVID. In most cases, the timing and method of delivery (vaginal birth or c-section) won’t be impacted.

Birth partners: There is not a blanket rule on whether you can have a birth partner with you, but you should feel comfortable asking your hospital or birth center.

What if I have COVID when I go into labor?

If you are in the later stages of pregnancy and receive a positive COVID test result, please do not panic. Speak with your midwife or maternity team as soon as possible for advice. 

If you do go into labor whilst you have COVID, you will probably be advised to give birth in a unit led by an obstetrician so that the team can look after you and the baby more closely. In the UK, you will be cared for in an area within the maternity unit that is just for pregnant women with COVID. 

After your baby is born, you should still be able to have skin-to-skin contact unless your baby needs care in the neonatal unit. You should also still breastfeed as there is currently no evidence to suggest that COVID can be passed to your baby through breast milk.

Ultimately, if you have any questions about COVID, pregnancy, or birth, please do not be afraid to reach out to your ob-gyn or healthcare professional. They want you to feel safe and secure and should be happy to answer your questions or concerns.

*It’s important to note that England currently has plans to end all domestic coronavirus rules and restrictions (including the self-isolation period) in February/March 2022. Some rules will remain in place in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. It is currently unclear what rules will remain in place in the NHS or on maternity units. This post will continue to be updated with the latest information.

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