Covid-19 fertility and pregnancy

Updated: 23 March 2020

If you have been trying to conceive or have recently become pregnant, you may be feeling anxious about the possible impact of coronavirus. The fact is that very little is known about the impact of COVID-19 on reproduction and pregnancy. In this article we want to give you the most recent knowledge and links to trustworthy sources of updates.

I have been trying to conceive naturally. Should I stop during the covid-19 outbreak?

We understand that many couples have been trying to conceive for a long time, and the idea of postponing their journey to baby is daunting. As this is a new virus, we are still learning about its impact on fertility and pregnancy. 

Recent guidance advises patients (see below - link 2) who are likely to have covid-19 (fever and/or cough, shortness of breath and either exposure to a confirmed case or positive test result) to avoid a pregnancy.

If you get pregnant, and catch coronavirus afterwards, there is also no data to suggest that you are at risk of miscarriage, pregnancy loss or transmitting the virus to the baby (link 3). 

I am receiving fertility treatment. What should I do?

British Fertility Society has updated their guidance (link 2) and it is expected that clinics will now be working to suspend treatments for the time being. This is in line with government measures to prevent the covid-19 epidemic from worsening.

Fertility clinics always prioritise keeping patients, their gametes, embryos and staff safe. In this outbreak, they are expected to maintain a minimum service, keep an open communication with patients for advice and reassurance, and minimise their impact on NHS resources.

I am pregnant. Should I be worried?

However, as a precaution, pregnant woman were placed in a vulnerable group by the Chief Medical Officer on 16th March. This means pregnant women have been advised to reduce social contact through social distancing measures. This is not because pregnant women are more likely to catch coronavirus, but because pregnancy can alter the body’s response to viral infections (link 3).

Taking the information available so far, you are not at increased risk of miscarriage. Evidence also shows that some women who were pregnant and had coronavirus, delivered healthy babies that were not infected (link 3).

How can I reduce my risk of getting coronavirus?

• wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
• always wash your hands when you get home or into work
• use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
• cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
• put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards
• avoid close contact with people who have symptoms of coronavirus
• only travel on public transport if you need to
• work from home, if you can
• avoid social activities, such as going to pubs, restaurants, theatres and cinemas
• avoid events with large groups of people
• use phone, online services, or apps to contact your GP surgery or other NHS services

How do I know if I have coronavirus?

Look for symptoms that could indicate a possible infection (links 5,6,7):

• high temperature
• new, continuous cough

• Stay at home for 7 days
• If you are receiving fertility treatment or are pregnant, contact your medical team
• Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. 
• You do not need to contact NHS 111.
• You do not need a test for coronavirus. 

• you feel you cannot cope with your symptoms at home
• your condition gets worse
• your symptoms do not get better after 7 days

Where can I keep up to date with coronavirus guidance?

HFEA
British Fertility Society Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists American Society for Reproductive MedicineNHS
Gov.uk
World Health Organization