Pertussis during pregnancy: what to know

Pertussis, also called whooping cough, is an infection that can begin like a mild cold and then develop into repeated coughing bouts. The cough may cause vomiting, exhaustion or a sharp intake of breath. Pregnancy can make breathing symptoms harder to manage, while a newborn who catches pertussis may become seriously unwell without showing a typical cough. A clinician can assess your symptoms, consider testing and decide whether treatment is appropriate.

Contact your maternity team or a doctor promptly if you have a persistent or worsening cough, especially after contact with someone diagnosed with pertussis. Take prescribed medicine exactly as directed; antibiotic treatment may reduce spread and is most useful when started early. Rest, drink fluids and avoid smoke or other airway irritants. Keep distance from young babies until a clinician advises that you are no longer infectious, and tell close household contacts about the diagnosis or concern.

Seek emergency help for severe difficulty breathing, blue or grey lips, fainting, confusion, chest pain, or an inability to keep fluids down. Contact your maternity service urgently if coughing causes repeated vomiting, you notice reduced fetal movement, or you cannot catch your breath between bouts. A fever or a cough that is rapidly worsening also warrants same-day clinical advice.

Ask whether your symptoms fit pertussis, whether testing is needed, which medicines are suitable during your pregnancy, and how long to avoid close contact with a baby. Discuss vaccination timing and what protection household members or caregivers may need.