Pregnant women cautioned to take extra care regarding Covid-19

Recent studies show that pregnant women have a higher risk level of becoming seriously ill with Covid-19, which could mean an increased risk of premature birth and other serious complications.

The Public Health Agency of Sweden is therefore reinforcing and repeating its recommendations that pregnant women should take extra care. This applies to all pregnant women and especially those near the end of pregnancy, from 36 weeks onwards.

"We now know that there is a higher risk level for pregnant women and we want to avoid them having to use intensive care, as in the worst case scenario this could have serious consequences for both the mother and the child," said Anders Tegnell, State Epidemiologist at the Public Health Agency of Sweden.

The risk of serious illness could also increase in combination with other risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity.

In general, all pregnant women should take extra care to follow the recommendations on keeping a distance, paying attention to hand hygiene, avoiding social contact outside a small circle of people and avoiding crowds.

The Public Health Agency of Sweden also encourages pregnant women to get vaccinated against the regular seasonal flu.