Gynaecologist
Fertility IVF Specialist
Urogynaecologist
Parvovirus B19 in Pregnancy
Key points
- Getting a parvovirus B19 infection will usually not impact your pregnancy or your baby.
- However, if infected, the virus could spread to your developing baby.
- Infection early in the pregnancy can lead to a small increase in the risk of a miscarriage, or other complications.
- Contact your healthcare provider if you show signs of parvovirus B19 infection or have been exposed to someone with this infection.
Overview
Most adults have already had a parvovirus B19 infection and have immune protection. If you are one of these protected adults, you and your baby are usually protected from the virus.
Even if you are not immune, not everyone who is exposed becomes infected. Most likely, you will have a mild illness if you get a parvovirus B19 infection. Also, this will not usually impact your pregnancy or have long-term impacts on your baby.
If you get infected with parvovirus B19 during pregnancy, it is possible to spread the virus to your developing baby. Infection during the first half of pregnancy may lead to severe anemia in your baby. It may result in miscarriage in some cases.
Reducing risk
All healthcare providers and patients should follow recommended infection control practices
to prevent the spread of parvovirus B19 and follow core prevention strategies. Pregnant
people may choose to continue going to their workplace.
Healthcare providers who are pregnant should know about the potential risks and discuss
this with their doctor and occupational health provider.
Testing
A blood test for parvovirus B19 antibodies may indicate whether you:
- Have protection (immunity) against parvovirus B19.
- Have had a recent or past infection.
If you are pregnant, contact your obstetrician or healthcare provider if:
You show signs of parvovirus B19 infection, such as new rash or joint pains, or if you have
been exposed to someone with a parvovirus B19 infection.
Monitoring parvovirus B19 infection during pregnancy
If you have a parvovirus B19 infection during pregnancy, your healthcare provider may
recommend additional prenatal visits, blood tests, and ultrasound scans.
Following discussions with your doctor, certain specialized procedures might be considered
to lower the risk of miscarriage.
Preventing Parvovirus B19
Key points
- There is no vaccine or treatment that can prevent parvovirus B19 infection.
- Follow general respiratory precautions to prevent spread of parvovirus B19.
- See your healthcare provider if you have complications from a parvovirus B19
- infection or are infected while pregnant.
How it spreads
- Parvovirus B19 can spread from person to person through:
- Respiratory particles
- Blood or blood products
- During pregnancy (from mother to baby)
Facts about Parvovirus B19 Infection
In the United States, people tend to get infected with parvovirus B19 more often in late
winter, spring, and early summer. Minor outbreaks of parvovirus B19 infection occur about
every 3 to 4 years.
Parvovirus B19 Only Infects People
Since parvovirus B19 only infects people, a person cannot get the virus from a dog or cat.
Also, dogs and cats cannot get parvovirus B19 from an infected person. Dogs and cats can
get infected with other parvoviruses that do not infect people.
Risk to others
A person is most contagious during the first few days of symptoms. They are unlikely to be contagious after they get later symptoms such as rash and joint pains. It is usually safe to go back to work or school after the rash appears.
Persons who have a drop in blood count (anemia) may remain contagious until the blood count improves.
People with parvovirus B19 infection who have weakened immune systems may be contagious for a longer time.
Preventing respiratory viruses
There is no vaccine or treatment that can prevent parvovirus B19 infection.
To prevent spread of parvovirus B19, follow general recommendations for respiratory
viruses:
- Practice good hygiene (practices that improve cleanliness).
o Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow, not your hands.
o Learn and use proper handwashing technique. Frequent handwashing is especially important in childcare settings and healthcare facilities.
o Clean frequently touched surfaces, such as countertops, handrails, and doorknobs, regularly.
- Take steps for cleaner air.
- When you have symptoms of a respiratory virus, take steps to prevent spread.
Keep Reading: Preventing Respiratory Viruses