Pregnancy is a delicate and vital time in a woman's life. It's essential to prioritise the health and well-being of both mother and child to prevent complications. There’s always the chance of unexpected health challenges during pregnancy, including the risk of viral infections like mpox. This zoonotic viral disease spreads from animals to humans, causing serious health complications, especially in pregnant women who may be particularly vulnerable to the effects of mpox. This article explores risks of mpox during pregnancy and offers guidance on how to protect yourself and your baby from infection.
Mpox (previously called Monkey Pox) is a viral disease caused by the zootonic virus, which belongs to the same family of viruses that cause smallpox. This virus spreads from animals to humans and can be transmitted from one person to another through close contact. The infection lasts over 2 weeks and may get serious for children or people with weakened immune systems. Pregnant women may fall seriously ill when affected by mpox disease.
This viral disease spreads to pregnant women in several ways, including skin-skin contact, kissing, and sexual intercourse with the infected person. The virus also spreads through saliva, respiratory droplets and other body fluids.
Pregnant women may notice certain symptoms when affected by mpox viral disease. Rashes are the most evident symptoms of this disease in pregnant women. You may also notice bumps, pimples and blister-like rashes on the face, mouth and other parts of the body. Other notable symptoms are:
● Headache
● Fever
● Chills
● Body ache
● Tiredness
● Respiratory issues
● Swollen lymph nodes
● Dry cough
● Sore throat
● Muscle pain
● Back pain
It is vital to understand the effects of mpox on pregnancy, as the risk of contracting the virus by pregnant women is high. The infection makes the pregnant women seriously sick. There is also a high chance that the mpox virus affects the baby inside the womb as the virus gets transmitted through the placenta. You may also spread the infection to your baby after birth through close contact or breastfeeding.
Mpox infections, though rare, can lead to serious complications during pregnancy. In some cases, it may increase the risk of miscarriage. While the chances are low, there is also a possibility of the baby developing congenital health issues due to the infection. Additional pregnancy complications associated with mpox include:
● Preterm delivery
● Stillbirth
● Newborns infected with mpox
● Low birth weight
High fever due to mpox in early pregnancy may cause serious health conditions for newborns.
If you believe you may have been exposed to the mpox virus, monitor yourself for symptoms in the following weeks.
● Check your temperature daily.
● If you develop a fever or a rash, isolate yourself.
● If you experience swollen lymph nodes, seek immediate medical attention.
Don't hesitate to consult your healthcare provider if you notice any symptoms of mpox.
Your doctor will ask for your symptoms to diagnose the infection. Your rashes or blisters will be examined to ensure they are caused by the mpox disease. You will be asked to go for lab tests to confirm the presence of the mpox virus. Your doctor will monitor the growth of your baby if the infection is confirmed.
Prompt treatment of mpox infections is crucial during pregnancy to minimise potential health risks to both mother and baby. For mild cases, your doctor may recommend increasing fluid intake and ensuring adequate rest. Early treatment can help prevent the transmission of the infection to the fetus. Antiviral medications like Tecovirmat, Cidofovir, and Brincidofovir may be prescribed to treat the infection in pregnant women. Tecovirmat, specifically, works by inhibiting the virus's ability to replicate, reducing the severity of the illness. The U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention currently recommend Tecovirmat for the treatment of mpox in pregnant women. It's important to consult with your healthcare provider for personalised guidance and treatment recommendations.
It is crucial for pregnant women to take steps to protect themselves from mpox infections. By following these preventive measures, the risk of contracting the virus can be significantly reduced. Here’s what you should do to safeguard yourself and your unborn child:
● Stay away from people who have rashes or blisters on their body.
● Avoid close contact with people who are exposed to mpox virus.
● Never share items used by people infected with mpox virus.
● Mpox vaccination in pregnancy is useful in preventing the occurrence of the disease in pregnant women.
Mpox vaccination is crucial in preventing infection in expectant moms and their babies. It also decreases the chance of serious complications when affected by mpox. Here are a few facts that you need to know:
● The mpox vaccine must be administered to pregnant women within a few days after exposure to infected people. This vaccine can be given to adults over 18 years who are exposed to the infection.
● The JYNNEOS vaccine is the most effective mpox vaccine administered to pregnant or breastfeeding women. Two doses of the vaccine are to be administered. It is a safe vaccine approved by the FDA.
● The MVA-BN vaccine is considered safe for breastfeeding mothers and can help prevent the transmission of the disease to their babies.
Pregnant women are more vulnerable to infections, including mpox. This viral disease can have severe consequences for both mother and child. Promptly recognising symptoms and seeking medical care is essential for minimising pregnancy risks associated with mpox. Prevention measures, such as vaccinations and precautionary steps, can significantly reduce the likelihood of contracting mpox during pregnancy.
Mpox is primarily transmitted from animals to humans through bites, scratches, or handling infected animals. However, it can also spread from person to person through close contact with lesions, respiratory droplets, or sexual activity.
Yes, mpox during pregnancy can be dangerous for both the pregnant mom and her baby. It can cause serious complications, including:
● Miscarriage
● Stillbirth
● Preterm delivery
● Fetal distress
Pregnant women must take the following precautionary measures to avoid mpox:
● Stay away from people affected by mpox.
● Avoid close contact with people who have developed rashes or lesions on their body.
● If you’re exposed to the mpox virus, you can get an mpox vaccination to prevent infections.
