Infection during pregnancy

the risk of aquiring parvovirus during pregnancy, averaged over epidemic and non-epidemic years, is about 1/400. The risk of infection for a non-immune mother with a child who has fifth disease is between 50 and 90%, whereas for a child say in a day care with another who is infected, is lower at about 20-30%.

Parvovirus is a danger to the unborn child in two ways. Firstly there is an increased risk of miscarriage if the infection is aquired during the first 20 weeks of pregnancy. The overall risk of miscarriage following parvovirus infection is around 15%, the infection representing an increase of 9%, and being most marked between 9 and 16 weeks gestation.

The other problem parvovirus can cause is an anaemia, or low blood count, in the baby. This leads to a condition known as hydrops fetalis, where the baby, amongst other things, carries a lot of excess water. A fetus is most likely to develop hydrops when a mother has a parvovirus infection between 9 and 20 weeks gestation. Even if it is acquired at this time, there is overall only a 3% chance of hydrops developing. Hydrops doesn't usually develop immediately. A pregnant woman who has confirmed parvovirus infection would be offered scans, which can detect if the baby is becoming anaemic. The interval between infection with parvovirus and development of hydrops varies between 2 and 17 weeks. It seems likely that an early blood transfusion will improve the chances for an affected baby's survival.

Thus, a woman who is pregnant, not knowing her immune status and who is exposed to parvovirus infection between 9-20 weeks has a 0.6% risk of hydrops developing and a 4% increase in risk of miscarriage.

Close contact placing a woman at risk of catching parvovirus includes the following:

* living in a houshold setting with an infected person

* sharing a meal with an infected person

* or being in the same room for over half an hour as an infected person


follow-up of infants who were exposed to parvovirus in the womb has now been reported up to the age of 10 years. It seems that there are no long-term effects from an infection which doesn't cause miscarriage or hydrops (as most do not).

Once a woman has had parvovirus infection, she is not at risk of getting it again, whether it was acquired during pregnancy or not. It is not a cause of recurring miscarriage.

Thanks erin for that info!!!

stacey

No problem. Google is my best friend!

Huh, I have never heard of the parvo in humans. I know my puppy had to get 3 parvo shots b/c it is fatal in animals! I hope this is a different strand and can be treated. I pray that you did not get it. Please let us know what happens!

Love,
megan

Megan, do you know if cats can get it too???? If its that serious to animals, I have 5 cats, plus 3 foster kittens, and 3 more foster kittens coming in today!!!! Haha yeah I know thats a .L.O.T of cats!!!! But the kittens are just fosters for 3-5 weeks. . But I surely don't want them getting sick from this!!!!! Please let me know if its bad on kitties too!!! Iwonder if its the same stran? I know its not as serious on people, or at least that is what I am starting to understand. But would still stink if I had it. I have a drs. Appointment tomorrow, so will let you all know what I find out from him. My sister is getting tested tomorrow and will know if she has it or not. She already has the rash that you get from it, so if she had it, I was with her with it was spreadable.

stacey

hi there i am 16 weeks pregnent and contacted the parvovirus, my unborn child as so contacted it,what is the worst that could happen can my baby have birth problems, brain problem or anything like that please let me know if you know of anyone with this problem or if you have experenced it your self thanks alot.

I dont know if I can help out but my baby Gabriel has hydrop as i am writing this from the Hospital. There is hope for everyone, please contact CHOP (Childrens Hospital if Philadelphia) in Philadelphia PA, they place shunts in my baby boy while still in the womb and now he is on a ventolator. Doctors say it will take a while but he will be fine at the end. This is the best hospital in the country for children and i think the world as well. Please look up CHOP for Hydrops issues or any issues with your children, they do it all here miracles...