women s health issues
COVID 19 During Pregnancy
Introduction
 COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that can be serious. It is caused by a infection with a virus called severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The risk of getting COVID-19 seems to be similar for pregnant women and other adults. Doctors suspect COVID-19 based on symptoms and the likelihood of exposure, but tests are needed to confirm the diagnosis. Once symptoms develop, COVID-19 is more likely to cause severe illness in pregnant women, particularly if they have certain conditions (such as diabetes or heart disease), than in people who are not pregnant. The risk of problems during pregnancy (such as preterm labor, birth of a premature newborn, and preeclampsia) is increased if COVID-19 symptoms are moderate or severe. The risk of a pregnant woman transmitting COVID-19 to the fetus or to the newborn during the birth process appears to be very low. But once the baby is born, person-to-person spread is possible. 