Getting pneumonia while pregnant can feel scary. Pregnancy changes your immune system and breathing. That makes lung infections more likely to get worse than they might in someone who isn’t pregnant. This page pulls together the key things you need to know: what to watch for, when to call your clinician, and how to lower your risk.
How do you know it might be pneumonia? Watch for a cough that won’t go away, fever, fast or hard breathing, chest pain when you breathe, and extreme tiredness. Sometimes symptoms look like a bad cold or the flu. If you have wheezing, shortness of breath at rest, or your baby’s movements change, call your care provider right away.
Pneumonia can progress quickly in pregnancy. Your doctor may check oxygen levels, listen to your lungs, and order a chest X-ray if needed. Yes, X-rays are used safely in pregnancy when they’re needed — your team will protect your baby during the test.
There are simple, everyday steps that cut risk. Get the yearly flu shot — it’s safe in pregnancy and reduces chances of flu turning into pneumonia. Talk to your provider about whooping cough (Tdap) timing; that protects newborns. Ask your clinician if a pneumococcal vaccine is right for you, especially if you have chronic lung disease or another risk factor.
Good hygiene works: wash hands, avoid close contact with sick people, and wear a mask in crowded places during high-risk seasons if you feel safer doing so. Don’t smoke and avoid secondhand smoke — tobacco raises pneumonia risk. Manage long-term conditions like asthma or diabetes closely; keeping them controlled lowers infection risk.
If you do get sick, act fast. Many antibiotics are safe in pregnancy, but your doctor will choose the right one. Early treatment often prevents more serious illness. Rest, stay hydrated, and follow medical advice about medicines and monitoring.
Severe pneumonia might require hospital care, oxygen, or IV antibiotics. That can protect both you and your baby. Your care team can explain options and what each step means for delivery planning and fetal monitoring.
Practical checklist: 1) Get your flu shot, 2) keep up with prenatal visits, 3) wash hands and avoid sick contacts, 4) manage chronic health issues, 5) call your provider for prolonged cough, high fever, or breathing trouble. Keep a short list of emergency contacts and your clinic’s phone number handy.
Pregnancy adds an extra layer of care, but most infections treated early have good outcomes. If you're unsure about a symptom or a vaccine, ask your provider — quick questions can prevent big problems. Want more posts from May 2024? Check the archive for related maternal health articles and updates from our global experts.
Pneumonia, a lung infection that can affect anyone, poses particular risks during pregnancy. This article explores the dangers of pneumonia for pregnant women, the symptoms, and the steps to prevent this illness. Learn about the impact on both mother and baby, and gain useful tips to reduce the risk of infection.
