Parvovirus Infection during Pregnancy

A parvovirus infection, also called fifth disease, is an illness that is caused by a virus. The virus is contagious and spreads to others by:

• The droplets that are sprayed into the air when an infected person talks, coughs, and sneezes.
• Touching infected saliva or mucus of an ill child.

Many pregnant women have had the infection prior to pregnancy, so they develop resistance (immunity) and cannot become infected with the virus again.

How does this affect me?

Most pregnant women who get parvovirus have only a mild illness from it. In some cases, this condition may not cause any symptoms. However, if you do develop symptoms, you may have:

• Tiredness.
• Sore throat.
• Runny nose.
• Cough.
• Shortness of breath.
• Low-grade fever.
• Upset stomach.

Several days into the illness, you may develop:

• A bright red rash on both cheeks. This is sometimes called a slapped-cheek rash.
• A pink, lacy rash on the body, arms, and legs. This rash may come and go for up to 5 weeks. It may get brighter after you take a warm bath, exercise, or are out in the sun.
• Stiffness and pain in the joints. Usually, the joints in the hands, wrists, and ankles are the ones that are affected. This symptom may also last for weeks.

How does this affect my baby?

Most of the time, babies are not affected when a mother has parvovirus. If you develop this illness during the first half of your pregnancy, there is a small chance that the virus may pass to your unborn baby and cause serious problems. Problems may include:

• A low number of red blood cells (anemia).
• A condition that causes swelling in your unborn baby (hydrops fetalis).
• In rare cases, fetal death.

How is this treated?

Usually, no treatment is necessary if you are in good health. Your health care provider may suggest that you take over-the-counter medicine for your symptoms.

Pregnant women who develop parvovirus may need blood tests or ultrasound exams to monitor how the infection is affecting the developing baby.

People with severe anemia may require a blood transfusion. A person with an immune disorder may need to receive injections of antibodies (immune globulin).

If your unborn baby develops severe anemia, the baby can receive a blood transfusion before being born (in utero), or you may be given medicines to combat the infection.

Follow these instructions at home:

• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
• Drink enough fluid to keep your urine pale yellow.
• Take steps to prevent the spread of the disease while it is still contagious. A parvovirus infection is contagious for about 5–10 days before the rash develops. While it is contagious, keep it from spreading to others by:
  • Avoiding close contact with others.
  • Washing your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer.

Contact a health care provider if:

• Your rash becomes itchy and bothersome.
• You believe you have been exposed to parvovirus.

Get help right away if:

• You seem to be getting worse.
• You develop new symptoms.
• You have severe joint pain, swelling, or stiffness.

Summary

• A parvovirus infection, also called fifth disease, is an illness that is caused by a virus.
• Most pregnant women who get parvovirus have only a mild illness from it, and their babies do not have any problems caused by the infection.
• If you believe you have been exposed to parvovirus during pregnancy, seek care from your health care provider.