Fifth Disease and Pregnancy: What You Need to Know
Learning about the Fifth disease acquired by your child, a relative, or even a colleague at work will certainly make you feel concerned once you find out that it is connected to the virus that may sometimes cause complications in a pregnancy. Learning about your own risks and how to deal with the infection will help you stay in control of the situation.
Do You Have a Higher Risk While Pregnant?Whether there is any risk for you depends entirely on whether you have immunity to the disease or not. Half of all adults have had parvovirus B19 before; normally, in their childhood years acquire immunity, which will protect you as well as your future pregnancies.
If you come into close contact with children, either in a work environment like schools or daycares, or if you have children yourself, then there is an increased risk of contracting Fifth disease simply because it is very common in these environments. If you do not remember whether you have had the disease before, you should take a blood test.
What Happens if Fifth Disease is Diagnosed During Pregnancy?If you are pregnant and are diagnosed with Fifth disease, expect a mild illness that resembles the one a child suffers from, possibly accompanied by a rash, joint pain, and swelling. In most cases, there won’t be any effect on the baby inside you.
In fewer cases, the virus may be able to pass through the placenta and cause the fetus's inability to produce red blood cells, resulting in fetal anaemia. This is common when infection occurs during the first half of pregnancy and is quite rare and, in very few cases, causes complications such as miscarriage. It is worth noting that while some women get infected, many will continue having normal and healthy pregnancies.
How Is It Monitored and Managed?If you have been identified as infected with parvovirus B19 during your pregnancy, then most probably your doctor would advise you to undergo more monitoring sessions. In such a case, it involves the regular performance of an ultrasound to determine the condition of your fetus. During this process, your doctor will examine whether there are any problems with anaemia and fluid accumulation in the developing baby.
"Pregnant people need extra precautions in the home when one of their family members suffers from Parvovirus B19 infection. It can sometimes affect the developing baby."
Dr Rajat Grover, Senior Paediatrician & Neonatologist, Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, East Delhi, Patparganj
If it is identified that your developing baby is having any problem due to parvovirus B19, then further specialised treatment needs to be done. Currently, there is no vaccine or specific antiviral treatment available for parvovirus B19 infection.
When Should You Consult Your Doctor?The following situations should make you reach out to your doctor:
Your doctor can guide you on when and how to test for Fifth disease, discuss any necessary follow-up monitoring for your particular case, and give you all the information you might need.
The discovery of your exposure to Fifth disease during pregnancy can be a disturbing experience. Yet, most women and babies will do well in such cases. Seek advice from your doctor, especially if you are uncertain about your immunity status, and rely on frequent monitoring throughout this period.
Whether you’re pregnant, a new mom, or navigating postpartum, you don’t have to do it alone. Join our support group to connect, share, and support one another.
FAQs on Fifth Disease and Pregnancy: What You Need to KnowIs there a test to determine whether I am immune to Fifth disease before being exposed to it?
Yes, your doctor can conduct a blood test for you, which will help determine your immunity status, and this will help if you work closely with little children or just want to know what you are dealing with. Is it safe to interact with my own child if he or she has the Fifth disease?
Once your child develops a rash, the chances of your child being very contagious are reduced, so interacting at this point is relatively safe. However, please consult with your doctor.How soon after being exposed will I know if I have contracted the disease?
Symptoms are likely to appear 4 to 14 days after exposure, but some blood tests may detect the infection even before any symptoms appear.
Do You Have a Higher Risk While Pregnant?Whether there is any risk for you depends entirely on whether you have immunity to the disease or not. Half of all adults have had parvovirus B19 before; normally, in their childhood years acquire immunity, which will protect you as well as your future pregnancies.
If you come into close contact with children, either in a work environment like schools or daycares, or if you have children yourself, then there is an increased risk of contracting Fifth disease simply because it is very common in these environments. If you do not remember whether you have had the disease before, you should take a blood test.
What Happens if Fifth Disease is Diagnosed During Pregnancy?If you are pregnant and are diagnosed with Fifth disease, expect a mild illness that resembles the one a child suffers from, possibly accompanied by a rash, joint pain, and swelling. In most cases, there won’t be any effect on the baby inside you.
In fewer cases, the virus may be able to pass through the placenta and cause the fetus's inability to produce red blood cells, resulting in fetal anaemia. This is common when infection occurs during the first half of pregnancy and is quite rare and, in very few cases, causes complications such as miscarriage. It is worth noting that while some women get infected, many will continue having normal and healthy pregnancies.
How Is It Monitored and Managed?If you have been identified as infected with parvovirus B19 during your pregnancy, then most probably your doctor would advise you to undergo more monitoring sessions. In such a case, it involves the regular performance of an ultrasound to determine the condition of your fetus. During this process, your doctor will examine whether there are any problems with anaemia and fluid accumulation in the developing baby.
"Pregnant people need extra precautions in the home when one of their family members suffers from Parvovirus B19 infection. It can sometimes affect the developing baby."
Dr Rajat Grover, Senior Paediatrician & Neonatologist, Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, East Delhi, Patparganj
If it is identified that your developing baby is having any problem due to parvovirus B19, then further specialised treatment needs to be done. Currently, there is no vaccine or specific antiviral treatment available for parvovirus B19 infection.
When Should You Consult Your Doctor?The following situations should make you reach out to your doctor:
- You have come into contact with a person infected with or suspected of having Fifth disease, particularly a child at home.
- You experience a new rash, joint pain or swelling while pregnant.
- You are unsure of your prior infection with Fifth disease and would like to know about your immunity.
- You have a blood disease or an impaired immune system and suspect exposure to Fifth disease.
The discovery of your exposure to Fifth disease during pregnancy can be a disturbing experience. Yet, most women and babies will do well in such cases. Seek advice from your doctor, especially if you are uncertain about your immunity status, and rely on frequent monitoring throughout this period.
Whether you’re pregnant, a new mom, or navigating postpartum, you don’t have to do it alone. Join our support group to connect, share, and support one another.
FAQs on Fifth Disease and Pregnancy: What You Need to Know
Yes, your doctor can conduct a blood test for you, which will help determine your immunity status, and this will help if you work closely with little children or just want to know what you are dealing with.
Once your child develops a rash, the chances of your child being very contagious are reduced, so interacting at this point is relatively safe. However, please consult with your doctor.
Symptoms are likely to appear 4 to 14 days after exposure, but some blood tests may detect the infection even before any symptoms appear.
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