1. COVID-19 does not appear to cause birth defects but may increase pregnancy complications.
Unlike viruses such as rubella, chickenpox, or Zika virus, there is no evidence that COVID-19 causes birth defects. Because of the immunosuppression and increased respiratory demands of pregnancy, expectant mothers who become infected with COVID-19 must be closely monitored. COVID-19 in pregnancy can pose some increased risks [2] to the baby, such as preterm birth and growth restriction.
2. Semen from infected men might contain COVID-19.
In a study [3] of 38 men in China with COVID-19, 15.8% had detectable virus in the semen. Sexual transmission of COVID-19 through semen has not been confirmed, but it recommended that men who are currently infected with, or recovering from, COVID-19 use a condom or abstain from sex.
3. It is safe to conceive during the pandemic.
Doctors [4] support women’s autonomy to conceive during the pandemic. Although women with medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or obesity may be at higher risk of complications [5] from COVID-19, the virus does not pose pregnancy-specific risks that warrant delaying conception.
4. In utero transmission of COVID-19 is very rare.
Early evidence suggested that COVID-19 did not pass from mother to child prior to birth. A recent case [6] in the United States, however, did find evidence of in utero transmission but the risk [7] of neonatal infection remains very low, at less than 2%.
5. Women who are planning to conceive, pregnant, or breastfeeding should consider getting the COVID-19 vaccine.
None of the COVID-19 vaccines contain live virus. Vaccines that do use live virus (e.g., the chickenpox vaccine) are contraindicated in pregnancy. The vaccines undergoing development and approval for COVID-19 include three types: mRNA, protein subunit, and vector vaccines. Both Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna’s vaccines use mRNA technology. There is presently no evidence for safety, or harm, of the COVID-19 vaccine in pregnant or breastfeeding women because these groups were excluded from the initial studies. The American Society for Reproductive Medicine [8] has stated that the COVID-19 vaccine “should not be withheld” from women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to conceive. The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada [9] just released a similar statement that supports offering the vaccine to pregnant and breastfeeding women, particularly those in higher risk groups such as health care and front-line workers, Indigenous communities, or those in outbreak settings.
—Caitlin Dunne, MD
—Julie Van Schalkwyk, MD