Earlier this week, the CDC issued a warning to pregnant women that they might be at an increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19.  Additionally, they say pregnant women with COVID-19 might be at increased risk for other adverse outcomes, such as preterm birth.

The CDC notice urges pregnant women to ensure they follow the COVID-19 precautions of wearing a mask outside the home, washing hands frequently, staying at least 6 feet away from others outside the home, and avoiding groups.  In addition, the CDC urges pregnant moms to continue to have all the appropriate pre-natal care and get appropriate vaccinations.

Anybody who is pregnant and either develops symptoms or is exposed to COVID-19 should contact their doctor.

Hilo Medical Center and Kona Community Hospital have both had patients with COVID-19 who were moms going into labor.  In fact, Hilo Medical Center created a special labor room with negative-pressure capability.   In an intervies with health officials from Kaiser Permanente Moanalua Hospital, they said they’ve had mothers with COVID-19 give birth to babies safely.  The babies did not have COVID-19 when born, but they could not be with their Moms until the Moms had been cleared of COVID-19.

The CDC says some newborns have tested positive for COVID-19 at birth but it’s not clear how they got the virus.

Click here for the CDC update.

Photo is Hilo Medical Center OB Nurse Lori with negative pressure labor room, courtesy Hilo Medical Center.