Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Stages

Did you contract COVID-19 in your first trimester? Don’t panic

Leslie Anderson
By

The pandemic has impacted all aspects of life as we know it. In many situations, information about the virus has brought about more questions than definitive answers. One area of concern for many individuals is pregnancy, especially the virus’s effect on both mom and baby. Thus, if you’re wondering what happens if you catch COVID-19 during the first trimester, you’re in good company. Fortunately, early studies have shown that there’s little reason to worry about short- or long-term effects if you find yourself in this situation. Your best course of action is to contact your obstetrician right away and to work closely with his or her recommendations. Read on to find out more about this dilemma.

Girl with mask looking at thermometer

Implications of COVID-19 and pregnancy in the first trimester

According to Dr. Liji Thomas, MD , a study was conducted in Denmark that involved a small group of 1019 women in early pregnancy. The study, which took place during the peak of the pandemic in Denmark, focused on the possible effects of the virus on the baby. The initial findings showed little to no adverse effects on the fetus during early pregnancy.

Recommended Videos

The premise of the study relates to the state of the mother’s immune system at the time of pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. Normally, a mother’s immunity is suppressed in order to protect the developing embryo. Doctors who represent the science and medical departments at the Copenhagen University Hospital wanted to see if the coronavirus had a similar effect on the fetus as SARS, MERS, and Zika — all of which carry a devastating impact on both mother and/or child. The initial findings, as noted on MedRxIV, did show the presence of antibodies in 30 of the participants. The overall conclusion, based on the results, reflected no effects on the fetus.

Impact on the fetus

As mentioned, most of the women who participated in the study did not suffer severe adverse effects in relation to their pregnancy. In fact, the results from the two serologic tests the participants received reflected no increase in the chance of developing a severe infection from COVID-19.

However, Dr. Thomas does note that further research is needed due to the small number of the group and limited information about underlying health conditions and lifestyle. Plus, this particular study doesn’t touch upon how the fetus is affected if the mother develops more severe symptoms of COVID-19. Finally, the researchers had to take into consideration that the participants were already taking precautions in limiting exposure to the virus before any health orders were implemented by the government.

Risk for miscarriage

Another promising finding from the study is the lack of correlation between COVID-19 antibodies and miscarriage. The few women who did miscarry either tested negative for the antibodies or fell into the “gray” area where results were inconclusive for the presence of the antibodies.

A similar trend can be found in a September report from the CDC where out of 598 pregnant women who were hospitalized, 2% miscarried. Again, there’s the possibility that COVID-19 was not a contributing factor.

Ice pack with medicine and doctor's tools

The key take-away about COVID-19 during pregnancy

Dr. Jeanne Sheffield, MD states in her article for Johns Hopkins Medicine that women who are pregnant and contract COVID-19 should contact their doctor promptly, but at the same time, panicking is not the answer. She emphasizes that treatments are available that are safe to use during pregnancy. She also stresses the importance of treating any fever that develops, since fever has been proven to be hazardous during the first trimester in relation to any illness — not just COVID-19. Staying calm and working closely with your physician is key to gaining a good outcome.

Although COVID-19 and pregnancy in the first trimester are considered to be a high-risk situation, for the most part, you’re going to be ok if you test positive during the first trimester. You’ll just need to watch for fever, which is the one symptom that proves to be precarious in early pregnancy. Otherwise, your safest bet is to continue to social distance and avoid large gatherings, to wear a mask, and get vaccinated (under the watchful care of your doctor). Despite the current situation, pregnancy is still a time of joyful anticipation and most of all, hope.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Leslie Anderson
Leslie Anderson
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Leslie Anderson is a freelance writer/writing coach from Roswell, N.M. She enjoys gardening, cooking, and helping students…
You failed your 1-hour glucose test – now what?
What happens if you fail the glucose test when pregnant? Prepare for next steps with this guide
Produce, sugar, and diabetes monitoring equipment on a blue overlay

You’ll undergo many blood tests during your pregnancy. However, the pregnancy glucose test is a rite of passage.

Unlike previous bloodwork, this second-trimester test isn't an in-and-out affair. Instead, this test requires you to have your blood drawn. Then, you’ll drink a sugary beverage that tastes like flat orange, lime, or berry soda. After waiting in the office for an hour, you’ll be called back for another blood draw.

Read more
What is implantation bleeding like? Facts you should know about when and why this happens
Implantation bleeding vs. period bleeding: Find out the difference
A menstrual pad being held on a pink background

Heavy implantation bleeding isn't typical, but we have the answers on what is normal for implantation bleeding. What is the difference between implantation bleeding vs. period bleeding and other questions you have about implantation will all be addressed, so that you can understand what this relatively uncommon phenomenon is like.

What is implantation bleeding like?
Implantation bleeding is very light bleeding, similar to a period (in the sense that it comes out of the vaginal canal from the uterus) that happens earlier than a period would come and lasts less than two days. It can be light pink or rust brown, but it's not usually the bright or dark red that period blood can be. Implantation doesn't have any clots and can be like spotting, a light flow, or just one or two smears of blood.
Implantation bleeding is just one possible symptom of implantation, so cramping, backaches, nausea, mood swings, sore breasts, bloating, fatigue, or headaches can accompany it.

Read more
These are the diastasis recti exercises to help repair your stomach
If your stomach needs a little postpartum help, start with these diastasis recti exercises
A woman doing stretches at home

Some babies are just not all that nice to the mother during pregnancy. Not only do they make you go to the bathroom every 5 minutes, but sometimes they stretch your stomach out to the point of breaking. A lot of women experience diastasis recti during the postpartum period, so if you're one of them, you aren't alone. We have diastasis recti exercises to help put your stomach back together if you develop the condition during pregnancy, due to age, injury, or other health reasons.

Exercises
You should do these slowly, with purpose, and at least once a week. Building up to three times a week would be great, but go at your own pace and listen to your body.
Deep abdominal movements

Read more