RSV and Pregnancy: Know the Facts

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that typically causes mild, cold-like symptoms but can lead to serious health risks for certain groups, including pregnant people. Understanding RSV and pregnancy is essential because of the increased risk for mother and baby. 

RSV exposure may lead to complications like severe respiratory illness, preterm labor, and a higher risk of infection for a newborn baby. Knowing these risks, prevention, and protection options can help you make informed decisions to safeguard your health and your baby's.

What is RSV?

While the symptoms mirror the common cold, RSV is a bit different. RSV is a common, highly contagious respiratory virus that occurs from the fall through the spring and usually causes mild cold-like symptoms., shares Women’s Health Group provider Shannon C. Peterson, DO. “Typically, adults get better quickly, but for babies and young children, RSV can be very serious and can lead to hospitalization,” she continues.

Symptoms of RSV

Symptoms of RSV usually develop within four to six days after exposure and can vary in severity. In mild cases, RSV can mimic the common cold with symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, running nose, and sore throat. However, in high-risk groups, RSV can lead to more severe symptoms, including:

  • Wheezing
  • Difficulty breathing
  • High fever
  • Severe cough
  • Rapid breathing or difficulty catching one’s breath

Severe cases of RSV may progress to bronchiolitis or pneumonia, which can be life-threatening for vulnerable people, including pregnant women.

How is RSV Transmitted?

RSV spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can also live on surfaces like doorknobs, toys, and countertops for hours, making it easy to spread in close-contact environments. You can catch RSV by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your face or by direct contact, such as shaking hands with someone carrying the virus.

Why RSV is a Concern During Pregnancy

Contracting RSV during pregnancy can present serious health risks for both the mother and the baby. Pregnant individuals experience changes in their immune system that can make them more susceptible to respiratory infections, including RSV. There is an enhanced risk for severe RSV for pregnant people: 

  • Increased Respiratory Complications: RSV infection in pregnant individuals can lead to severe respiratory symptoms, such as bronchitis or pneumonia, which may require hospitalization.
  • Potential for Preterm Labor: Severe RSV infection can stress the body, sometimes triggering complications like preterm labor, which poses additional health risks for both mother and baby.
  • Impact on Maternal Health: The respiratory strain from RSV may lead to a decline in overall health, affecting the body’s ability to manage the physical demands of pregnancy and potentially worsening symptoms of pre-existing conditions.
  • Increased Risk of Infection for Newborn: If a pregnant individual contracts RSV close to delivery, there’s an elevated chance of transmitting the virus to the newborn, who is especially vulnerable to severe RSV infection.
  • Weakened Immune Response: Pregnancy can weaken the immune system, making it more challenging to fight off infections, which can lead to a longer and more intense illness if you contract RSV.

RSV Infection in Each Trimester of Pregnancy

Contracting the RSV virus during pregnancy can affect people differently depending on the stage of pregnancy, with specific risks and concerns in each trimester. Understanding how RSV might impact you during each trimester can help you take appropriate preventive and protective steps.

RSV in the 1st Trimester

RSV during early pregnancy can cause congestion, cough, and fever, often worsened by fatigue and hormonal changes. Exposure in the first trimester requires immediate notification to your healthcare provider. Rest, hydration, and fever management are essential.

Data from one study suggests that RSV may be more common in cases of miscarriage, though these findings aren’t concrete. Miscarriage has many causes, making it hard to pinpoint RSV as a direct factor.

RSV in the 2nd Trimester

Maintaining a healthy immune system is key during the second trimester as the baby grows. While RSV likely won't directly affect fetal development, it can cause unnecessary stress and fatigue.

RSV in the 3rd Trimester

In the third trimester, RSV exposure poses a higher risk of passing the virus to your newborn. Staying vigilant with good hygiene and immune-supportive habits is crucial to reducing exposure as your due date nears.

RSV Vaccine and Pregnancy

Most experts agree that getting an RSV vaccine is the safest preventative option for pregnant people. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) have evaluated the safety of the RSV vaccine during pregnancy, and clinical trials have shown that the vaccine is safe for both the mother and the fetus. Reported side effects are generally mild and similar to those of other adult vaccines - such as soreness at the injection site or low-grade fever.

What the Guidelines Say About the RSV Vaccine and Pregnancy

The most important thing to know is that the RSV vaccine is safe for pregnant people. Other key points:

  • Timing: Vaccination is recommended between 32 and 36 weeks of gestation during the months of September through January to maximize antibody transfer to the fetus.
  • Effectiveness: Studies indicate a significant reduction in the risk of severe RSV illness in infants whose mothers were vaccinated during pregnancy.

Getting the vaccine during the third trimester has the added benefit of protecting the mother and baby. Dr. Peterson explains, “When mothers get the vaccine in the third trimester, they create antibodies that pass through the placenta to the fetus before birth. These antibodies help protect babies from RSV from birth until 6 months of age.”The vaccine is as safe as it is effective. No significant adverse effects were reported on maternal or fetal health when the vaccine was given according to the recommended guidelines.

Preventing RSV During Pregnancy

Vasomotor symptoms (VMS), also known as hot flashes and night sweats, are common Protecting yourself from RSV during pregnancy is important, and there are several simple steps you can take to reduce your risk of exposure and support your immune health:

  • Practice Good Hygiene: Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after being in public places, touching shared surfaces, or caring for young children. Avoid touching your face, as this is a common way viruses enter the body.
  • Limit Exposure to Sick Individuals: RSV spreads easily through close contact, so try to avoid spending time with people who are sick or showing symptoms of a cold, especially young children who may be more likely to carry the virus.
  • Avoid Crowded or Poorly Ventilated Spaces: If possible, avoid crowded spaces where the virus can quickly spread. When avoiding crowds isn’t possible, consider wearing a mask to add an extra layer of protection.
  • Disinfect Commonly Touched Surfaces: To minimize your exposure to germs, regularly clean surfaces that are touched frequently, such as doorknobs, light switches, and cell phones.

Steps to Boost Your Immune System While Pregnant

You can also take steps to boost your immunity, such as:

  • Eating a Nutrient-Rich Diet: Include immune-boosting foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin D, and zinc support immune function.
  • Getting Plenty of Rest: Sleep is essential for a strong immune system. Aim for 7-9 hours of restful sleep each night to help your body defend against infections.
  • Staying Active: Light exercise, with your doctor’s approval, can help keep your immune system strong and improve circulation, which supports overall health.
  • Keeping Up with Prenatal Care: Regular check-ups with your healthcare provider can help ensure that you are doing all you can to protect your health and your baby’s.

How is RSV Treated

If you have RSV symptoms and a respiratory test confirms it, your healthcare provider may recommend treatments to help manage the symptoms, such as:

  • fever reducers like acetaminophen (always check with your doctor before taking any medication during pregnancy)
  • humidifiers or warm showers to ease breathing

For more severe cases, you may need oxygen support or hospitalization.

When to See Your Doctor

If you’re pregnant and concerned about RSV, it’s essential to know when to seek medical care to protect both your health and your baby’s.

RSV can start with mild symptoms that may resemble a common cold, but in some cases, it can quickly worsen. Contact your healthcare provider if your symptoms do not improve within a few days. Additionally, seek immediate medical attention if you experience persistent wheezing, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, chest pain, a high fever or severe fatigue.

This is doubly critical if you are in the third trimester, “RSV can be very dangerous for newborns, “ Dr. Peterson shares. “RSV is unpredictable and can progress quickly; in fact, it is the most common reason babies are hospitalized in the U.S.,” she continues. 

Dedicated to Protecting You and Your Baby from RSV

Awareness and prevention are essential in protecting both you and your baby from RSV, especially during pregnancy. Proactive steps–like practicing good hygiene, avoiding crowded areas, and considering the RSV vaccine—can significantly reduce risks. 

Our full suite of maternity care services is designed to support you every step of the way, providing resources, guidance, and personalized care to keep you and your baby healthy.

If you're considering the RSV vaccine, the caring professionals at Women’s Health Connecticut are here to help. Schedule an appointment to discuss your options and get vaccinated to protect yourself and your baby. Request an appointment today and let our specialists support your journey toward a healthy pregnancy and safe delivery.