We encourage Covid-19 vaccinations and boosters when eligible for all pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and women planning to become pregnant. Please call our office during normal business hours to alert us of your positive COVID-19 status and to obtain any additional follow-up recommendations from your physician. For urgent concerns not during normal business hours, please proceed to the hospital or call our office and follow the prompts to our after-hours line. Normal business hours are Monday through Friday 8:30am – 4:30pm.
For mild COVID-19 symptoms (examples include — MILD cough, congestion, body aches, low-grade fever, sore throat, runny nose):
• You may safely take acetaminophen (Tylenol) to reduce your fever.
• It is important to stay well hydrated. We recommend drinking a gallon of water daily during pregnancy.
• Get plenty of rest to help your body fight the virus.
• Take your prenatal vitamin daily.
• Start taking one baby aspirin (81mg) daily unless you are already on a blood thinner, are allergic to aspirin, or have a known clotting or blood disorder. (Blood thinners include medications such as Heparin or Lovenox. Please check with your pharmacist if you are concerned about taking aspirin with any of your prescription medications or supplements).
• In addition to your prenatal vitamin, you may take the following if you choose: Vitamin D3, 2000 units (50mcg) daily. This is available over the counter. Take two vitamins daily called I-Vite. These are available over the counter and will supply you with additional Zinc and Vitamin C.
• It is suggested that you move and walk frequently, as much as able.
• Follow isolation recommendations.
• Proceed immediately to the hospital if you have any concerns with your pregnancy. (Examples include — contractions, fluid loss, decreased fetal movement. If you are 24 weeks along or more and are concerned about decreased fetal movement, please reference the directions at the bottom of this section on how to check for appropriate fetal movement)
For severe COVID-19 symptoms (examples include — shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, fever of 102 degrees or higher, chest pain, confusion):
• Proceed immediately to the hospital for evaluation and treatment.
• Proceed immediately to the hospital if you have any concerns with your pregnancy (Examples include — contractions, fluid loss, decreased fetal movement. If you are 24 weeks along or more and are concerned about decreased fetal movement, please reference the directions at the bottom of this information on how to check for appropriate fetal movement)
Other treatment options may be appropriate if your family practice provider or emergency room provider determines you qualify:
• Monoclonal antibody treatments – These could help the immune system recognize and respond more effectively to the virus – but currently, due to supply issues, pregnancy status alone may not be enough to receive this treatment.
• Oral or IV antiviral medications – These target specific parts of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and can help reduce its multiplication and spread through the body.
Directions to check for appropriate fetal movement (also known as kick counts):
• Eat a healthy snack and drink a large glass of juice or water.
• Use the restroom.
• Grab a piece of paper and pen.
• Turn off all distractions.
• Find a quiet spot to lay down with a clock nearby. You can lie on either side to do this.
• Record the time you start counting.
• Concentrate on your baby’s movements. Put one hand on your abdomen. If you don’t feel movement after 30 minutes, turn on your other side.
• Count the number of times you feel your baby move. Write down the numbers as you go.
• If you feel fewer than 10 movements in 2 hours, proceed to the hospital or call the office immediately.
Women’s Health Advantage is now MASK OPTIONAL at all of our locations. We are still allowing TWO VISITORS (Adults and/or Children) to accompany each patient to their appointments.
We will re-evaluate these policies on a regular basis and will inform you of any changes.
The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) now recommend COVID-19 vaccination of pregnant and breastfeeding individuals.
• Vaccination is safe and effective for pregnant people
• COVID-19 infections put pregnant people at increased risk of severe complications
• If you are pregnant and would like to schedule your COVID-19 vaccination, please visit the following link: https://www.coronavirus.in.gov/vaccine/index.htm
• Your provider at Women’s Health Advantage will discuss the vaccine with you if you are interested. No patient is obligated to receive the vaccine—we encourage you to discuss it with your provider to make your own decision.
Getting the COVID vaccine as soon as possible is the safest choice for most people. However, vaccine trial tests have not yet been completed for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
We encourage pregnant women to review the most recent information regarding pregnancy and the vaccine, available here.
