Testing Positive for Covid During IVF: What to Ask Your Doctor

With the deluge of information that seems to change daily, it’s understandable that one is nervously concerned about the coronavirus, especially its impact on your pregnancy or your ability to conceive. 

Here at IRMS, our doctors want to empower you with knowledge and not with fear.  

In a series of articles & videos our very own Dr. Serena H. Chen and Dr. Stephanie Marshall Thompson address many of these fears, articulating what we do know now about the virus COVID-19.

1. At this moment, the virus is proven unlikely to live in eggs & sperm.

This is very different than Zika, for instance, which has shown to live in sperm, blood, or urine for over 180 days after infection and can cause devastating birth defects.

2. Boost that Immune System.

So far, there is no data to prove that pregnant women are at greater risk from COVID-19  

Older individuals, those that have a serious chronic health issue like heart disease, diabetes, or lung disease, and people that have traveled to hot zones have the highest risk of infection.   

We are asking you though to continue to be vigilant about your health.  Take your approved vitamins & get your flu shot. In a series of videos with Medanswers, Dr. Chen explains that pregnant women with influenza have a higher risk of developing serious complications from the flu. This will protect not only you & your baby, but also our healthcare system from becoming overburdened through this coronavirus outbreak.

Eat well, rest well, and stress less (we know it’s hard) – all will help your immune system and a healthy immune system positively impacts your pregnancy and/or your ability to conceive.    

3. If you are pregnant, don’t self medicate!

If you are experiencing any symptoms like fever, dry cough or respiratory issues – call your physician partners not Dr. Google.  

Pregnant women and individuals looking to conceive may be adversely affected by over-the- counter medications that other individuals can take to stave off cold-like symptoms.

4. Pay attention to fevers.

 “The biggest risk factor for when you get sick when you’re pregnant is having a fever. That’s probably the one thing that has been more associated with miscarriage or stillbirth, especially if you get a fever in the first trimester. But that could be a fever from any cause,” says our very own Dr. Stephanie Marshall Thompson featured in Madamenoire’s article on COVID-19 and pregnancy. 

If you are experiencing a fever, call your doctor. 

5. Wash those hands.  

We know this mantra is repeated ad nauseam, but there’s a reason. It’s important to wash your hands repeatedly and thoroughly (over 20 seconds front and back) especially after using the bathroom, sneezing and coughing (into a tissue or sleeve please), or before eating.

And try to refrain from touching your face – nose, mouth and even your eyes. 

6. No offense, but keep your distance.

It’s important to practice social distancing until the virus is contained. The virus is spread from respiratory droplets. The closer the contact with an individual affected, the higher chance of being infected.  Stay away from crowds, limit your contact with individuals whom have recently travelled internationally, and refrain from handshakes, hugs & kisses. And yes, self isolate for 14 days if you or someone you’ve been in contact with are having any symptoms.

7. And above all else, don’t panic!

“Stay calm,” says Dr. Thompson “It is just a precaution to stop the spread of disease at this point. There’s no reason to panic, as the outcomes for your babies will generally be good. It is just truly a precaution to prevent others around you from getting the disease too, including those in high-risk populations.”

For further information on the virus and pregnancy can be found on the CDC’s website.  

As we do our part to practice social distancing,  we are offering telemedicine fertility consultations for new patients and follow ups. Please see our policy on how were are keeping our patients and staff safe during this outbreak. It will be updated as need arises.

To learn more: watch our videos, visit our site, and follow us on social for updates. If you’d like to book a consultation, please do so by giving us a call at 973.548.9900 or filling out our contact form. 

We wish you and your family an abundance of health.