Pregnancy in the time of COVID-19: what you need to know

It seems each day brings new information about COVID-19 transmission, infection, treatment, testing, and other updates. It can be overwhelming—especially for people preparing to have a child. Pregnancy raises many questions, both during a pandemic and otherwise, so having trusted sources of information is more important than ever. For example, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has published specific information for pregnant women, breastfeeding moms, and children.

Below is some additional information about pregnancy and COVID-19 from Regence health experts. Members are also encouraged to call Regence Customer Service with any additional questions or to find help tracking down resources. We’re here to help.

Pregnancy and infection
We do not have enough confirmed information right now to know if pregnant people are at greater risk than the general public of getting COVID-19. According to the CDC, pregnant people seem to have the same risk as adults who are not pregnant.

Your baby and infection
As you approach your due date, it’s important to stay in touch with your doctor and delivery hospital. Your delivery hospital and health team should also follow the most up-to-date guidelines from the CDC and other trusted resources to care for both you and your baby.

After your baby is born, your delivery hospital will monitor you both, as they normally would. At this time, more information is needed to understand if the virus can be passed from pregnant women to newborns. To date, the CDC says that no infants born to mothers with COVID-19 have tested positive for the COVID-19 virus.

Guidance on breastfeeding
According to the CDC, breast milk provides protection against many illnesses and is the best source of nutrition for most infants. The CDC offers guidance on breastfeeding and expressing breast milk when you are sick, so your baby continues to receive the benefits of breast milk. To date, there is no evidence that COVID-19 can be transmitted through breast milk.

We’re here to support you
Nearly all Regence members’ benefits include the BabyWise app. BabyWise includes reliable and trusted health information for each trimester of your pregnancy, as well as articles about COVID-19. Plus you can connect to resources like the 24/7 nurse line and Regence BabyWise nurses. Download BabyWise by Regence by following these links to the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, or searching BABYWISE in your app store.

We’ve also taken steps to support all of our members during the COVID-19 crisis. We’re in contact with high-risk members using our case management services to ensure they have the support they need. During the COVID-19 state of emergency, many members have additional access to care virtually—and many health care providers are now offering additional care options. Services may include virtual office visits through telehealth, instant messaging with doctors and nurses, and home health visits in select areas. If a doctor believes you need to be tested for COVID-19, no pre-authorization is required. And we’ve relaxed refill rules on prescriptions so members can make sure they have access to needed medications during this time.

While there are still many unknowns about how the COVID-19 crisis will unfold, it’s important to focus on what is known, what you can do to stay healthy, and to know we’re here to help you every step of the way.