NEWS Coronavirus News COVID-19 Vaccines and Your Family Guide COVID-19 Vaccines and Your Family Guide Overview Vaccine Options Pfizer Moderna Johnson & Johnson Fertility Female Fertility Male Fertility Kids Fertility Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Pregnancy Safety Pregnancy Booster Shots Breastfeeding Delta Variant Omicron Variant Baby Baby Immunity Baby Safety Kids 5- to 11-Year Olds 12- to 15-Year-Olds Effectiveness Safety Finding Vaccines Side Effects Mixing Booster Shots Delta Variant Omicron Variant FAQs School Exposure Unvaccinated Travel Dosage Vaccine Schedule Vaccine Methods Vaccine Conversations Talking to Kids Talking to Anti-Vaxxers What You Need to Know About How the Omicron Variant Affects Pregnancy By Claire Gillespie Claire Gillespie Twitter Claire Gillespie is a freelance writer specializing in mental health. She’s written for The Washington Post, Vice, Health, Women’s Health, SELF, The Huffington Post, and many more. Claire is passionate about raising awareness for mental health issues and helping people experiencing them not feel so alone. Learn about our editorial process Updated on January 27, 2022 Medically reviewed Verywell Family articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and family healthcare professionals. Medical Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Andrea Chisholm, MD Medically reviewed by Andrea Chisholm, MD Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Andrea Chisolm, MD, is a board-certified OB/GYN who has taught at both Tufts University School of Medicine and Harvard Medical School. She has over 20 years of clinical experience and is currently is in practice at Cody Regional Health in Cody, Wyoming. Learn about our Medical Review Board Fact checked Verywell Family content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Learn more. by Aaron Johnson Fact checked by Aaron Johnson Aaron Johnson is a fact checker and expert on qualitative research design and methodology. Learn about our editorial process Share Tweet Email Print Oscar Wong / Getty Images Key Takeaways The latest COVID-19 Variant of Concern (VOC) is Omicron, which was first detected in Botswana and South Africa in November 2021.Scientists and doctors are still trying to establish how Omicron is different from previous variants.Pregnant individuals are advised to take extra precautions to protect themselves and their babies against Omicron. As an expectant parent, it's perfectly natural to feel concerned about the health of your unborn child. In the midst of a global pandemic, those worries may ramp up a notch (or several). You're definitely not alone—it's totally normal to worry about COVID-19 during pregnancy. The latest COVID-19 development is an unwelcome one—the rapid spread of a new variant, named Omicron. The Delta variant of COVID-19, which was first identified in India in late 2020 and spread rapidly throughout the world, remains the predominant SARS-CoV-2 variant. It is responsible for more than 99% of COVID-19 cases and causes an overwhelming increase in hospitalizations in some U.S. states, per CDC data as of December 16, 2021. But it’s the Omicron variant that’s truly under the spotlight at the moment. Let's break it down and set out exactly what you need to know about this variant if you or your loved one is pregnant. What Is the Omicron Variant? Omicron is the latest COVID-19 variant of concern. The first report of Omicron to the World Health Organization (WHO) was on November 24, 2021. The strain was detected in Botswana on November 11, 2021, and again in South Africa just three days later. The following week, the U.S. government SARS-CoV-2 Interagency Group (SIG) classified Omicron as a Variant of Concern (VOC). This classification was based on the detection of cases attributed to Omicron in multiple countries and the transmission and replacement of the Delta variant in South Africa. The first confirmed case of Omicron in the U.S. was on December 1, 2021. While there's lots of speculation in the media about Omicron, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states on their website, "We don’t yet know how easily it spreads, the severity of illness it causes, or how well available vaccines and medications work against it." What You Need to Know About the Delta Variant During Pregnancy How Dangerous Is the Omicron Variant? Experts believe that the Omicron variant spreads more quickly and easily to others, even if the infected person is vaccinated or asymptomatic. However, based on the data gathered so far, the Omicron variant appears to cause more mild symptoms than the Delta variant. “It is still not known whether the Omicron variant causes more severe disease in pregnant women compared to other COVID-19 variants,” says Sherry Ross, MD, OBGYN and women’s health expert at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California. Right now, there’s no reason to suspect that the Omicron variant poses any greater risks to pregnant individuals than previous variants, says Charles Bailey, MD, medical director for infection prevention at Providence Mission Hospital and Providence St. Joseph Hospital in Orange County, California. Babies Born to Mothers with COVID-19 Have Low Risk of Infection What Risks Do Pregnant Individuals Face? Since COVID-19 first emerged in late 2019, scientists have been studying the effects of the virus and its variants on different population groups, including pregnant people. Sherry Ross, MD It is still not known whether the Omicron variant causes more severe disease in pregnant women compared to other COVID-19 variants. — Sherry Ross, MD Because people are already immune-suppressed while pregnant, getting COVID-19 during pregnancy can be dangerous and even deadly. In general, pregnant people have an increased risk for severe illness from the virus than people who aren’t pregnant. According to the CDC, pregnant individuals infected with COVID-19 are also at a higher risk for preterm birth (i.e. giving birth before 37 weeks) and stillbirth. They may also be at greater risk for other pregnancy complications. “Pregnant women who contract COVID-19 have higher rates of stillbirths, gestational diabetes, preterm labor, placenta previa, placental abruption, blood clots, respiratory complications, and delivery by cesarean section,” explains Dr. Ross. More research is needed determine whether the Omicron variant can cause more severe complications during pregnancy. Contracting COVID-19 During Pregnancy Is Linked to Preterm Birth Omicron Symptoms in Pregnant People Essentially, Omicron symptoms are the same as symptoms of other COVID-19 variants—fever, cough, shortness of breath, and "flu-like" symptoms such as fatigue, headache, and muscle aches. “Upper respiratory symptoms (such as sore throat) may perhaps be seen more commonly with Omicron and loss of taste or smell less often,” says Dr. Bailey. It’s important to remember that the Delta variant is still by far the most prominent strain circulating in all parts of the country, and any of the above symptoms suggesting possible COVID-19 infection should be taken seriously. Can Catching a Cold or Flu During Pregnancy Cause Miscarriage? Do Vaccines Protect Against the Omicron Variant? If you’ve been debating getting your COVID-19 shot, now is the time to do it. “The COVID-19 vaccine is recommended by all the respected women’s health care organizations to be given to pre-pregnant, pregnant, or breastfeeding women at any time,” says Dr. Ross. “Medical studies support the vaccine's safety and protection to the mother and the baby through her antibodies.” Carol Winner, MPH We are learning that the best line of defense against the Omicron variant is the booster shot, which is available to you and to most members of your family. — Carol Winner, MPH If you’ve heard that the COVID-19 vaccine can cause miscarriage or infertility, these claims are false, Dr. Ross adds. “Omicron may be the new COVID-19 variant, but it’s not likely to be the last,” says Carol Winner, MPH, public health expert and author of children’s personal space book, What Do I Do With My Hugs?. "We are learning that the best line of defense against the Omicron variant is the booster shot, which is available to you and to most members of your family." Is the COVID-19 Vaccine Safe for Pregnant People? How Do I Protect Myself and My Baby From Omicron? Above all, get vaccinated. And if you’re already vaccinated, consider a booster, says Dr. Bailey. Additional measures to protect yourself from COVID-19 include wearing a face mask if you’re indoors and in close proximity to people you do not know to be vaccinated and free of COVID-19 symptoms and avoiding large gatherings or situations where masking and social distancing cannot be guaranteed. “Vaccines are COVID-19 resistant, not COVID-19 proof, so recognize that one unvaccinated family member can infect anybody else, including a pregnant woman,” says Winner. “It’s truly a family affair in that everyone who can take control of their health must do so, in order to protect one another.” The CDC hygiene guidelines that have been in place since the very start of the COVID-19 pandemic still stand, says Dr. Ross. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and if soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. By being cautious and following these simple lifestyle habits during pregnancy, you can help prevent a potentially harmful disease—and ease those pregnancy fears. What This Means For You The Omicron variant appears to be more easily transmitted from person to person than previous COVID-19 variants. While it doesn't seem to result in more severe illness, there are still many unknowns at this stage.People who are pregnant and are already immunocompromised should take extra precautions to avoid contracting the Omicron variant. If you haven't had your booster shot, now would be a good time to get that scheduled.If you have any concerns about the safety or efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine or booster during pregnancy, speak to your healthcare provider. Pregnant People Need Better Mental Health Support Amid the Pandemic The information in this article is current as of the date listed, which means newer information may be available when you read this. For the most recent updates on COVID-19, visit our coronavirus news page. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Get diet and wellness tips to help your kids stay healthy and happy. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit 7 Sources Verywell Family uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. COVID Data Tracker Weekly Review. Reviewed December 16, 2021. He X, Hong W, Pan X, Lu G, Wei X. SARS‐CoV‐2 Omicron variant: Characteristics and prevention. MedComm. Published online December 16, 2021. doi:10.1002/mco2.110 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. SARS-CoV-2 Variant Classifications and Definitions. Updated December 1, 2021. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Omicron Variant: What You Need to Know. Updated December 19, 2021. Ingraham NE, Ingbar DH. The omicron variant of SARS‐CoV‐2: Understanding the known and living with unknowns. Clinical and Translational Medicine. 2021;11(12). doi:10.1002/ctm2.685 Rasmussen SA, Smulian JC, Lednicky JA, Wen TS, Jamieson DJ. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and pregnancy: What obstetricians need to know. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2020;222(5). doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2020.02.017 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Pregnant and Recently Pregnant People. Updated Dec. 3, 2021.