Pregnancy, parenting, and COVID-19
3-minute read
Whether you are pregnant or have a young family, you probably have plenty of questions about COVID-19. Read about how to have a safe and healthy pregnancy, having your baby in a hospital, bringing your little one home and how to keep your kids safe and entertained while self-isolating.
If you develop symptoms such as severe shortness of breath or chest pain, call triple zero (000) immediately. Tell the phone operator and the paramedics on arrival if you have COVID-19.
![COVID-19 and pregnancy COVID-19 and pregnancy](https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/inline/original/pregnant-hand-washing-m8f2ac-6c1746.jpg)
COVID-19 and pregnancy
Information about the COVID-19 outbreak, how it affects your pregnancy and what you can do to protect yourself.
![Testing positive to COVID-19 while pregnant Testing positive to COVID-19 while pregnant](https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/inline/original/pregnant-woman-washing-hands-2e115wh-4d9111.jpg)
Testing positive to COVID-19 while pregnant
Information and advice for pregnant women who test positive to COVID-19 during their pregnancy.
![Bringing your baby home early from hospital Bringing your baby home early from hospital](https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/inline/original/new-parents-newborn-jtg449-88f80b.jpg)
Bringing your baby home early from hospital
If you have been discharged early from the hospital after having your baby, learn where to get more information and support.
![COVID-19 and kids COVID-19 and kids](https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/inline/original/child-washing-hands-phapjb-b416a2.jpg)
COVID-19 and kids
Here's what you should know about COVID-19, including the symptoms, how to self-isolate or practise social distancing, and how to explain the virus to children.
![Hand washing Hand washing](https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/inline/original/handwashing_h-42f0d3.jpg)
Hand washing
Hand washing is also one of the most important ways to prevent the spread of infection by the accumulation of germs on your hands.
![Support for parents Support for parents](https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/inline/original/telephone_byr95x-f3df9d.jpg)
Support for parents
The support you need can be just a phone call away. Find out how and who you can speak to for advice and support as a new parent.
CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.
Where to get more information
- Learn more about COVID-19 on healthdirect.
- Visit the Australian Government Department of Health for more information on COVID-19, including resources in other languages.
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Speak to a maternal child health nurse
Call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby to speak to a maternal child health nurse on 1800 882 436 or video call. Available 7am to midnight (AET), 7 days a week.
Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.
Last reviewed: June 2023