Can RSV Impact Your Baby During Pregnancy?

March 07 2025, by Tatianna Gerard, 13 min reading time

Pregnancy comes with a whirlwind of emotions, from excitement to concern—especially when it comes to protecting your baby’s health. Among the many viruses circulating, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one that often raises questions. You might have heard of RSV as a common childhood virus, notorious for causing respiratory infections in infants and young children. But what about during pregnancy? Can RSV affect an unborn baby? Should expecting mothers be concerned?

We’ll break down everything you need to know about RSV and pregnancy, including how it spreads, whether it can be passed from mother to baby, and what you can do to stay healthy during RSV season.

What is RSV and why does it matter during pregnancy?

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common virus that affects the lungs and airways, often causing cold-like symptoms in both children and adults. While RSV is typically associated with babies and toddlers, many pregnant women wonder if contracting RSV during pregnancy could have any impact on their baby before birth.

For pregnant women, RSV itself is not usually a cause for major concern. However, like any viral infection during pregnancy, it’s important to monitor symptoms and take precautions, as severe respiratory infections can take a toll on the body. High fever, prolonged illness, or breathing difficulties could increase risks for complications, especially in high-risk pregnancies.

Can pregnant mothers pass RSV to their baby?

One of the biggest concerns for expecting mothers is whether contracting RSV during pregnancy could directly affect their unborn baby. While RSV primarily affects the lungs and airways, some viruses can pass from mother to baby through the placenta or during delivery. So, what does the research say about RSV?

A study published in the Journal of Virology investigated the impact of third-trimester exposure to the RSV season on newborns' immune responses and their risk of RSV-related lower respiratory illnesses in the first year of life. The study suggests that RSV is not typically transmitted to the baby in the womb, meaning that most cases of RSV in pregnant women do not directly infect the foetus.

However, antibodies produced by the mother’s immune system in response to RSV exposure can cross the placenta, which could influence the baby’s immunity after birth.

That said, scientists are still studying the full effects of RSV exposure during pregnancy. Some research suggests that maternal RSV infections could potentially influence a newborn’s respiratory health, but more data is needed to understand whether there are any long-term impacts.

While RSV itself may not pass to the baby before birth, severe illness in a pregnant mother—such as high fever, difficulty breathing, or complications from a respiratory infection—could pose indirect risks, such as preterm birth or reduced oxygen levels.

How RSV exposure in the womb may help babies later

You might be surprised to learn that if a baby is exposed to RSV while still in the womb, it could actually help their immune system prepare for the virus after birth. So, how does this work?

When a pregnant woman is exposed to RSV naturally, her immune system produces antibodies to fight the virus. These antibodies can cross the placenta and reach the baby, giving them a temporary form of protection known as passive immunity. This means that babies born to mothers who had RSV or were exposed to RSV during pregnancy may have some early defence against the virus.

However, this protection isn't permanent—maternal antibodies gradually fade over time, usually within the first few months of life. That’s why newborns and young infants are still at high risk for RSV infections, especially during their first winter season.

Because of this, researchers have developed RSV vaccines specifically for pregnant women to help boost this natural process. One such vaccine, Abrysvo, is designed to be given during pregnancy to help protect newborns after birth. When a pregnant woman receives the vaccine, her immune system produces extra RSV antibodies, which are then actively transferred to her baby through the placenta. This passive immunisation helps shield the baby from severe RSV disease for up to six months after birth.

Despite these advancements, there are still only a few studies that have closely examined how naturally-acquired RSV antibodies (those developed from past infections) are passed from mother to baby. Researchers are also still investigating what factors might affect or weaken this antibody transfer.

Should pregnant women worry about RSV?

For most healthy pregnant women, RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) is usually mild, much like a common cold. Symptoms often include a runny nose, cough, and congestion, which typically resolve on their own. However, just like the flu, RSV can sometimes lead to more serious complications, particularly in pregnant women with underlying health conditions such as asthma, weakened immune systems, or preexisting heart and lung disease.

Much like the cases discussed in the Emerging Infectious Disease journal article by the CDC, RSV infections during pregnancy tend to become severe when other risk factors are present. In that study, each patient experienced complications due to preexisting lung conditions—such as asthma in case-patient 1—or co-existing infections, including influenza A (H1N1) in case-patient 2 and group A streptococcus in case-patient 3.

How to protect yourself & your baby from RSV

RSV is a highly contagious virus, spreading through coughs, sneezes, and touching contaminated surfaces. There are several ways to reduce your risk and help protect your baby from RSV.

1. Consider RSV vaccination during pregnancy

One of the most effective ways to protect your newborn from RSV is through maternal vaccination. The Abrysvo vaccine, given during pregnancy, helps the mother’s immune system create protective antibodies against RSV. These antibodies are then passed to the baby through the placenta, providing newborns with up to six months of protection during their most vulnerable stage.

According to the Australian Immunisation Handbook, the recommended time for RSV vaccination during pregnancy is between 28 and 36 weeks gestation. In Australia, Abrysvo is funded through the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for all pregnant women.

If you’re pregnant, speak with your healthcare provider to see if the RSV vaccine is right for you and to ensure you receive it at the recommended time for maximum effectiveness.

2. Practice good hygiene to prevent RSV

Since RSV spreads easily through touch and the air, simple hygiene practices can go a long way in protecting both you and your baby:

✔ Wash your hands frequently – especially before touching your face, eating, or handling your baby.

✔ Avoid close contact with sick individuals – especially young children, who are common carriers of RSV.

✔ Disinfect surfaces – RSV can survive on objects like doorknobs, toys, and countertops for hours. Consider using a natural alternative for disinfectants to avoid exposing yourself or your baby to unnecessary risks from harsh chemicals. Plant-based, non-toxic disinfectants can help eliminate germs while keeping your home environment safer for both you and your newborn. Check out ViroCLEAR natural disinfectants at Aussie Pharma Direct.

✔ Cover coughs and sneezes – and encourage those around you to do the same. If you are in crowded places or around people showing symptoms of illness, consider wearing a mask, especially one with high bacterial filtration efficiency, like a P2 mask. For even better protection, choose P2 masks with nano-fiber filter, as it provides enhanced breathability while maintaining higher filtration efficiency than the standard melt-blown P2 masks.

3. Be extra cautious after birth

Since newborns are at the highest risk of severe RSV illness, it’s important to minimise their exposure to the virus in the first few months:

✔ Limit visitors – especially if they have cold-like symptoms.

✔ Keep your baby away from crowded places – such as shopping centres, daycare centres, and public transport during RSV season.

✔ Breastfeed if possible – while breast milk does not provide complete protection against RSV, it contains immune-boosting properties that can support your baby’s health.

4. Know the signs of RSV in babies

Even with precautions, some babies may still get RSV. Watch out for early symptoms, including:

Coughing and wheezing
Fast or laboured breathing
Flaring nostrils or chest pulling in with each breath (signs of struggling to breathe)
Trouble feeding due to congestion
Unusual drowsiness or lethargy

If your baby shows any signs of difficulty breathing, dehydration, or persistent coughing, seek medical attention immediately.

How to protect yourself & your baby from RSV

RSV is a common virus that may not cause serious illness in most healthy pregnant women, but it can pose a significant risk to newborns. Since babies are most vulnerable in their first few months of life, taking proactive steps to protect them is essential. One of the most effective ways to do this is through maternal vaccination, which helps transfer protective antibodies to the baby before birth, offering crucial immunity during their most fragile stage.

Beyond vaccination, practicing good hygiene and minimizing exposure to RSV can further reduce the risk of infection. Simple measures like frequent handwashing, disinfecting surfaces with natural alternatives, avoiding contact with sick individuals, and wearing a high-filtration P2 mask in crowded places can help keep both you and your baby safe. Additionally, being aware of RSV symptoms—especially in newborns—can ensure that any early signs of illness are addressed promptly.

While much progress has been made in understanding RSV and how to prevent it, more research is needed to fully grasp its effects during pregnancy. Scientists are continuously working on developing vaccines and improving prevention strategies to better protect both mothers and their babies.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is intended for general informational and educational purposes only. It should not be taken as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All information in this blog is based on research conducted by our team, using credible government sources and other reputable organisations to ensure accuracy. However, we encourage readers to refer to official health authorities for the latest updates, including: