Pregnancy And The Zika Virus

12 July 2016

Jaime Allen

Zika has been identified in the United States, but it is mostly found in other areas around the globe. Currently, Zika is primarily found in South America, Central America, and Mexico and is transmitted by mosquitoes. This disease usually only causes mild symptoms if any, but the danger to pregnant women is great. If you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant, you need to follow certain recommendations and procedures, even if you live far away from Zika hotspots.

Restrict Travel

Neither you or your partner should travel to areas where the Zika virus is active. You can be infected and never know it. There is no vaccine or effective treatment for the virus. If you have been exposed by travel or by your partner's travel to a Zika region, you should consult your physician for advice on how to proceed even if you show no symptoms. Once someone has been infected, the virus stays in their blood for at least a week if not longer.

Recognize Symptoms

if you develop a fever, rash, joint pain, and/or conjunctivitis after exposure to a Zika region or person who has been to a Zika region, you may have the virus. The symptoms are usually mild and no real treatment exists other than rest, fluids, and mild pain relievers. Your doctor will advise you what symptom relief measures are safe for your pregnancy. Unfortunately, some people develop no symptoms at all, so you can be completely unaware of the danger posed to your unborn child. 

Birth Defect Danger

If you are pregnant and believe you have been exposed to the virus, your OB/GYN needs to know as soon as possible so they can run tests and advise you on your options. Women who contract Zika early in their pregnancies are in danger of their babies developing serious birth defects, one to fifteen percent of these women, in fact. Among these conditions are microcephaly, a condition that causes the brain not to develop correctly. The baby's head is abnormally small as a result. Zika babies may have calcium deposits as well as excess fluid in the brain. They may also have joint problems or a clubfoot. Some of these babies will be severely disadvantaged throughout their lives.

Zika is not widespread as of yet in the US, but if you are pregnant, you need to limit your exposure to mosquitoes. If your yard is a breeding ground for these pests, call in professional pest control experts to treat the area and reduce the population. Wear mosquito repellent recommended by your doctor, avoid travel to certain areas, and make an appointment for more guidance if necessary.

Share

Search