What are the risks of a COVID-19 infection if you are pregnant?
Sarah Smith
Published Jan 22, 2026
What are the risks of a COVID-19 infection if you are pregnant?
Having COVID-19 during pregnancy carries a far higher risk than having the vaccine, particularly in the later stages where it can have serious consequences for both mother and baby. It can double the chance of stillbirth and triples the chance of a preterm birth, which can have a long-term health impact for the baby.
Can pregnant women take the COVID-19 vaccine in the UK?
COVID-19 vaccination is strongly recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women. The coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines available in the UK have been shown to be effective and to have a good safety profile. It is important to have your COVID-19 vaccinations to protect you and your baby.
COVID-19 vaccination in pregnancy The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation ( JCVI ) has now advised that pregnant women are more at risk of severe COVID-19 disease. They are reminding pregnant women to have their COVID-19 vaccines as soon as possible. They should not delay vaccination until after they have
What difference has COVID-19 vaccination made to pregnant women?
The latest analysis shows that women who had received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine during their pregnancy and gave birth between April and October 2021 were more likely to give birth without any of the reported adverse outcomes than women who had not been vaccinated in pregnancy
Who are at higher risk of developing serious illness from COVID-19?
Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer are more likely to develop serious illness.
What are the organs most affected by COVID‐19?
The lungs are the organs most affected by COVID‐19
21 related questions foundIn what conditions does COVID-19 survive the longest?
Coronaviruses die very quickly when exposed to the UV light in sunlight. Like other enveloped viruses, SARS-CoV-2 survives longest when the temperature is at room temperature or lower, and when the relative humidity is low (<50%).
What are the complications of COVID-19?
Complications may include pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), multi-organ failure, septic shock, and death.
Do smokers get more severe symptoms of COVID-19 if infected?
Smoking any kind of tobacco reduces lung capacity and increases the risk of many respiratory infections and can increase the severity of respiratory diseases. COVID-19 is an infectious disease that primarily attacks the lungs. Smoking impairs lung function making it harder for the body to fight off coronaviruses and other respiratory diseases. Available research suggests that smokers are at higher risk of developing severe COVID-19 outcomes and death.
Are the elderly more vulnerable to the coronavirus disease?
The COVID-19 pandemic is impacting the global population in drastic ways. In many countries, older people are facing the most threats and challenges at this time.
Although all age groups are at risk of contracting COVID-19, older people face significant risk of developing severe illness if they contract the disease due to physiological changes that come with ageing and potential underlying health conditions.
Are people of a particular age vulnerable to coronavirus disease?
People of all ages can be infected by the COVID-19 virus.
Older people and younger people can be infected by the COVID-19 virus. Older people, and people with pre-existing medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and heart disease appear to be more vulnerable to becoming severely ill with the virus.
When do you get the COVID-19 vaccine if you are pregnant?
They are reminding pregnant women to have their COVID-19 vaccines as soon as possible. They should not delay vaccination until after they have given birth. This is to protect them and their babies.
Can you have the Spikevax COVID-19 vaccine if pregnant?
Spikevax can be used during pregnancy. A large amount of information from pregnant women vaccinated with Spikevax during the second and third trimester have not shown negative effects on the pregnancy or the newborn baby.
While information on effects on pregnancy or the newborn baby after vaccination during the first trimester is limited, no change to the risk for miscarriage has been seen. Spikevax can be given during breastfeeding. Driving and using machines Do not drive or use machines if you are feeling unwell after vaccination. Wa
What should I do if I have COVID-19 vaccine side effects?
Most side effects are mild or moderate and go away within a few days of appearing. If side effects such as pain and/or fever are troublesome, they can be treated by medicines for pain and fever such as paracetamol.
Is it safe to take the COVID-19 vaccine during breastfeeding?
COVID-19 vaccination is strongly recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
The coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines available in the UK have been shown to be effective and to have a good safety profile. It is important to have your COVID-19 vaccinations to protect you and your baby. COVID-19 vaccination in p
Is Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine safe for pregnant women?
In the interim, WHO recommends the use of the Sinovac-CoronaVac (COVID-19) vaccine in pregnant women when the benefits of vaccination to the pregnant woman outweigh the potential risks.
Can you still get Covid after vaccine?
Like all medicines, no vaccine is completely effective, so you should continue to take recommended precautions to avoid infection. Some people may still get COVID-19 despite having a vaccination, but this should be less severe.
How do I know if Im clinically vulnerable for COVID-19?
You may previously have received a letter or email identifying you as someone who is clinically extremely vulnerable ( CEV ), and you may have been advised to shield during earlier stages of the pandemic.
How long after having COVID-19 can I get the spring booster vaccine?
If you are unwell, wait until you have recovered to have your vaccine. If you have had confirmed COVID-19 you should ideally wait 4 weeks before having your spring booster.
What are the common side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine?
Common side effects
- having a painful, heavy feeling and tenderness in the arm where you had your injection. This tends to be worst around 1 to 2 days after the vaccination
- feeling tired
- headache
- general aches, or mild flu like symptoms
Are smokers at higher risk of developing severe respiratory disease from COVID-19?
The evidence clearly shows COVID-19 virus attacks the respiratory system, which explains why smokers are at greater risk. A small but highly impactful survey from China finds that smokers with COVID-19 are 14 times more likely to develop severe disease.
Can I develop immunity to COVID-19 after testing positive for PCR?
If you have previously tested positive for COVID-19, you will probably have developed some immunity to the disease. However, it cannot be guaranteed that everyone will develop immunity, or how long it will last. It is possible for PCR tests to remain positive for some time after COVID-19 infection.
How long do I have to wait for my booster after having COVID-19?
If you have a COVID-19 positive result, when can you have a booster? You will still need the booster but you should wait at least 4 weeks from your COVID-19 infection.
Can COVID-19 lead to mental and neurological complications?
Meanwhile, COVID-19 itself can lead to neurological and mental complications, such as delirium, agitation, and stroke. People with pre-existing mental, neurological or substance use disorders are also more vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2 infection ̶ they may stand a higher risk of severe outcomes and even death.
Can people with mild COVID-19 symptoms recover at home?
People with mild symptoms who are otherwise healthy should manage their symptoms at home. On average it takes 5–6 days from when someone is infected with the virus for symptoms to show, however it can take up to 14 days.
What are some of the most common symptoms of the COVID-19 Delta variant?
Cough, fatigue, headache and loss of taste and/or smell continue to be the most commonly reported symptoms in those testing positive.