What if I Have Fifth Disease in Pregnancy? Risks and Advice

What if I Have Fifth Disease in Pregnancy?

Pregnancy is a time when expectant mothers need to be especially mindful of their health, as any infections or illnesses can potentially affect both the mother and the baby. One such illness is fifth disease, also known as erythema infectiosum. This viral infection is common among children but can also affect adults, including pregnant women. If you are pregnant and concerned about fifth disease, it’s important to understand the potential risks, how it is transmitted, and what steps you should take to protect both your health and the health of your baby.

In this article, we will explore what fifth disease is, how it can affect pregnancy, the steps you should take if you suspect you have been infected, and the guidance from the NHS and antenatal care professionals on managing this condition.

Fifth disease is caused by the parvovirus B19, which primarily affects children but can also spread to adults. The infection is usually mild in healthy individuals, and in children, it often presents with a distinctive red rash, giving it the common name slapped cheek syndrome due to the appearance of red cheeks. However, while fifth disease is typically not severe in adults, it can present additional risks for pregnant women.

Symptoms of Fifth Disease

For pregnant women, the symptoms of fifth disease may include:

A bright red rash on the cheeks

A lacy red rash that appears on the arms, legs, or torso

Mild flu-like symptoms, including fever, fatigue, and headaches

Joint pain, especially in adults, which can affect the knees, wrists, and hands

It is important to note that fifth disease is highly contagious, particularly before the rash appears, so it can easily spread through respiratory droplets, coughs, sneezes, and saliva. If you suspect you have been exposed to someone with fifth disease or have developed symptoms yourself, it is important to speak to your antenatal care provider for guidance.

How Does Fifth Disease Affect Pregnancy?

While fifth disease is usually mild for most individuals, it can carry risks for pregnant women and their unborn babies. The NHS and antenatal clinics emphasise the importance of understanding these risks, so that expectant mothers can take the necessary precautions.

1. Increased Risk of Miscarriage

If a pregnant woman contracts fifth disease, particularly during the first trimester (the first 12 weeks of pregnancy), there is a small increased risk of miscarriage. This occurs because the virus can affect the placenta and interfere with the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the developing baby.

However, studies show that the overall risk of miscarriage due to fifth disease is low, and most pregnancies will continue normally even if the mother contracts the virus.

2. Hydrops Fetalis

In rare cases, fifth disease can cause a serious condition known as hydrops fetalis. This condition is characterised by the accumulation of excess fluid in the baby’s body, which can lead to severe complications. Hydrops fetalis can cause heart failure and organ problems in the baby. The risk of this happening is low but more common in later stages of pregnancy, particularly after 20 weeks gestation.

3. Anaemia in the Baby

Fifth disease can also affect the baby’s red blood cells, leading to anaemia. This can result in low oxygen levels and other complications. Severe anaemia can also contribute to the risk of hydrops fetalis.

While the risk of these complications is relatively low, it’s important to seek medical attention if you suspect you have contracted fifth disease while pregnant, especially if you’re in the second or third trimester.

What Should You Do If You Think You Have Fifth Disease?

If you are pregnant and think you may have fifth disease, it’s important to consult your antenatal care provider as soon as possible. They can assess your symptoms and advise on the appropriate steps.

1. Contact Your Antenatal Care Provider

Call your antenatal clinic or pregnancy clinic for advice. Your healthcare provider will likely ask about your symptoms, potential exposure to someone with fifth disease, and the stage of your pregnancy. They may arrange for you to have a blood test to confirm if you have been infected with parvovirus B19.

2. Blood Tests and Monitoring

If your doctor suspects that you have fifth disease, they may recommend blood tests to check for the presence of the virus. The blood test will confirm if you have been exposed to parvovirus B19 and whether you have developed immunity. If you’re not immune, further tests may be done to monitor the health of your baby.

In the event of an infection, your doctor may arrange for regular ultrasounds to check for signs of complications like hydrops fetalis or anaemia in the baby.

3. Follow the Advice of Your Antenatal Care Provider

Based on the results of your tests and your stage of pregnancy, your antenatal care provider will advise on the next steps. In many cases, if you have fifth disease, the virus will resolve on its own, and your pregnancy will continue normally. However, in more severe cases, additional monitoring or treatments may be required.

Preventing Fifth Disease During Pregnancy

While it may not be possible to completely avoid exposure to fifth disease, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk during pregnancy:

1. Avoid Close Contact with Infected Individuals

Since fifth disease is contagious, it’s important to avoid close contact with individuals who are sick, particularly children who are most likely to have the virus. If you are around someone who has symptoms of fifth disease, it’s essential to practise good hygiene, such as washing your hands frequently and covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.

2. Monitor Your Symptoms

If you start noticing symptoms of fifth disease during pregnancy, contact your antenatal care provider immediately. Early detection is key to ensuring that any complications are addressed promptly.

3. Stay Up-to-Date with Antenatal Care

Regular antenatal checkups are crucial during pregnancy, not just for monitoring the progress of your baby’s growth but also for identifying potential issues that may arise, such as infections like fifth disease. Antenatal appointments provide an opportunity for you to discuss any concerns and receive professional advice to ensure a healthy pregnancy.

Conclusion

While contracting fifth disease during pregnancy can present risks, it’s important to remember that the majority of women who contract the virus during pregnancy will go on to have healthy pregnancies and babies. The risks of miscarriage, hydrops fetalis, or anaemia are low, and antenatal care plays a key role in monitoring and managing these risks.

If you suspect that you have been exposed to fifth disease, or if you develop symptoms, it’s important to contact your antenatal care provider immediately for advice and further testing. By following your healthcare provider’s guidance and attending antenatal appointments, you can help ensure the health and safety of both yourself and your baby during pregnancy.