The Human Parvo Virus B19 is relatively prevalent in most places. It is responsible for producing the ‘Fifth disease’, one of the most common infections a person could have during childhood or adolescence. There are currently approx. 50% of adults who have already been infected by B19 parvovirus and if they have fully recovered, they most likely developed immunity to further attacks from this parvovirus.
Pregnant women can catch the B19 parvo virus but fortunately most are immune. This can leave the unborn child vulnerable, but luckily it will only lead to tiredness during pregnancy and nasal secretions. Another fortunate aspect of this condition is that there have never been any reported cases of mental retardation or birth defects linked to the virus.
Most of the time, women who are infected with the parvovirus, also known as B19, do not have an effect on their unborn baby. However, there are around 5% of pregnant women who are affected by severe anemia which can cause problems for both mom and baby. The virus is most common among pregnant women who have already had one child infected with the disease. It’s harmless for the mother and poses no risk to other people.
If you find that you have been at risk of being exposed to the human parvovirus (B19), your doctor may immediately recommend that you undergo a blood test in order to inform you what medications are best for your personal situation. The blood test will determine the severity of the infection of this potentially dangerous virus and help give your health an accurate assessment.
The mother-to-be has already been vaccinated against the B19 parvovirus, so there’s no need to worry. Her immune system can handle any additional strain, and there’s no danger of a miscarriage as long as she gets enough rest and eats healthily.
Pregnant women who get parvovirus during their pregnancy won’t usually have any symptoms. This doesn’t mean that the virus can’t do damage to your unborn child. The doctor will monitor you for problems throughout your pregnancy, which is why it’s so important that you tell them about this infection as soon as possible. Ultrasounds and blood tests may show how well the baby is developing at the time of birth.
The pregnant woman has no B19 parvovirus infection but she has no immunity against it. She should take great care to avoid contracting this disease, or any others that can cause it harm during pregnancy. A vaccine exists for the B19 virus, and is therefore recommended to everyone who does not have immunity.
If a pregnant woman’s blood results indicate that she has no immunity to the B19 parvovirus infection, and if she believes she may have been exposed to this virus, there is little that the doctor can do except to monitor the mother for signs of anemia. The fetus will also be frequently monitored for any signs of anemia.
