Is IVI taking measures to ensure my safety against coronavirus during my treatment?

Yes. At IVI we are following the information published by the health authorities very closely to adapt our protocols and guarantee the safety of our patients at all times.  In addition, there is currently no evidence of COVID-19 transmission through assisted reproduction.

Should I interrupt or postpone my assisted reproduction treatment due to the latest coronavirus developments?

Depending on the city, prevention measures will be taken according to the situation of the epidemic outbreak in the region.

First online visits and follow-ups are available to our patients, so that, in the most responsible way we minimize the visits to the clinics and patients are less exposed to crowded places and public transport.

I am pregnant, do I have an increased risk of being infected by coronavirus?

The data available so far do not show an increased risk of infection in the population of pregnant women. It is therefore recommended to follow the same steps to prevent infection as the rest of the population (see below).

I have tested positive for coronavirus and I am pregnant, can I infect my baby?

To date, published articles and case studies show that there is no vertical mother-to-child transmission of COVID-19. In addition, neither the prognosis of the pregnancy nor of the patients was worse compared to infected non-pregnant women. However, it is very important to contact your obstetrician if you are diagnosed.

How can I prevent being infected by coronavirus?

To reduce the likelihood of infection by COVID-19, the health authorities recommend the following:

• Wash your hands frequently.                     
• Cover your mouth with your bent elbow or with a tissue when you cough and sneeze.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with your hands.
• With the appearance of any symptoms, avoid close contact with other people and contact 111.

General information and advice for all pregnant women during the coronavirus pandemic (RCOG)

What effect does coronavirus have on pregnant women? 

• Based on the evidence, pregnant women are still no more likely to contract coronavirus than the general population.
• Pregnant women do not appear to be more likely to be seriously unwell or to have an increased risk of serious complications than other healthy adults if infected. The large majority will experience only mild or moderate cold/flu like symptoms.

What effect will coronavirus have on my baby if I am diagnosed with the infection?

• There is no evidence to suggest an increased risk of miscarriage.
• There is no clear evidence to suggest vertical transmission. However, 2 cases of babies being born and testing positive for COVID have been reported (reassuringly both babies were discharged from hospital and are well).
• Given current evidence, it is considered unlikely that, in the event of an infection during the pregnancy, the virus would cause problems with your baby’s development (none have been observed currently).
• Some babies have been born prematurely to women who were very unwell with coronavirus. Nonetheless, it remains unclear whether coronavirus caused these premature births, or if induction of labour was recommended for the benefit of women’s health and to enable them to recover.

Why are pregnant women in a vulnerable group?

Pregnant women are advised to reduce social contact through social distancing measures as a cautious approach. Some viral infections are worse in pregnant women, but at the moment there’s still no evidence that this is the case for coronavirus infection.