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.
Pregnant woman wearing scrubs and holding her belly with a doctor in a white coat sits in the background at the computer

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.

Keep Reading: Preventing Parvovirus B19

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.

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