How does parvovirus B19 affect pregnancy?

Parvovirus B19 infection during pregnancy is mostly asymptomatic, but in approximately 3% of infected women it might cause a range of complications, including abortion, severe fetal anemia, nonimmune hydrops fetalis, and even fetal demise.

Can a pregnant woman be around parvo?

Fifth disease is a mild rash illness caused by parvovirus B19. This disease is usually not a problem for pregnant women and their babies. About half of pregnant women are immune to parvovirus B19, so they and their babies are usually protected from getting the virus and fifth disease.

What condition can affect a fetus if their mother contracts human parvovirus B19 during pregnancy?

If you get infected with fifth disease during pregnancy, the virus can make it hard for your baby to make red blood cells. Rarely, this can lead to a severe anemia that can cause: Hydrops fetalis. This is -a buildup of fluid in your baby’s body.

What happens if a pregnant woman is exposed to Fifths disease?

Your provider may monitor your baby’s health during routine prenatal care visits. Fifth disease causes severe anemia in the babies of fewer than 5 percent of infected pregnant women. Severe anemia can cause hydrops, a buildup of fluid in your baby’s body. Hydrops can lead to a baby’s heart failure and death.

Can parvovirus cause birth defects?

Among these is parvovirus B19 deserves special attention since the harmful effects on the pregnant woman and fetus. It can then cause fetal anemia, non-immune fetal hydrops and fetal death. Among cases with fetal demise, B19 is foundin significant numbers, especially in the second andthird trimesters of pregnancy.

What happens if you get slapped cheek while pregnant?

Many pregnant women are immune to parvovirus or ‘slapped cheek disease’. But if you develop the infection, it can cause pregnancy complications. These include miscarriage or health complications for your baby.

How is parvovirus B19 transmitted?

Transmission. Parvovirus B19—which causes fifth disease—spreads through respiratory secretions, such as saliva, sputum, or nasal mucus, when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

Who is at risk for parvovirus B19?

The highest risk of acute infection was observed in mothers of children aged 5 to 7 years. These women had a more than 4-fold increased risk of acute infection compared with the risk of mothers with a child younger than 2 years.

Why do they test for parvovirus in pregnancy?

Parvovirus B19 IgG and IgM antibody tests may be ordered when a pregnant female has flu-like symptoms and/or has been exposed to someone with a parvovirus B19 infection to determine if she has an active infection, had a recent infection, or has been exposed in the past.

What happens if you get hand foot mouth while pregnant?

Pregnant women without immunity to HFMD viruses have a greater chance of getting infected and having symptoms. There is no clear evidence that HFMD during pregnancy increases the risk of severe complications like miscarriage, stillbirth, or congenital defects.

How do I know if I am immune to parvovirus?

Diagnosis. Your healthcare provider can do a blood test to determine if you are susceptible or possibly immune to parvovirus B19 infection or if you were recently infected. This is not a routine test but can be performed in special circumstances. Talk to your healthcare provider.