Parvovirus B19 in Pregnancy

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Key points

  • Getting a parvovirus B19 infection will not usually impact your pregnancy or your baby.
  • If you do get infected, there is a chance the virus could spread to your developing baby.
  • An infection early in your pregnancy can lead to a small increase in the risk of a miscarriage and blood, heart, or liver problems in your unborn baby.
  • 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 developed immunity (protection). If you are immune, both you and your baby are usually protected from the virus.

However, if you get infected with parvovirus B19 during pregnancy, the virus can be passed to your developing baby. Infection during the first half of pregnancy may lead to severe anemia (drop in blood count) in your baby and in some cases could result in miscarriage.

Even if you do not have immunity, exposure to parvovirus B19 does not always lead to infection. If you do get infected, you will most likely have a mild illness. Mild illness typically does not affect your pregnancy or have a long-term impact on your baby.

Reducing risk

You should follow core prevention strategies to prevent the spread of parvovirus B19.

Healthcare providers should follow recommended infection control practices to help prevent the spread of parvovirus B19. Healthcare providers who are pregnant should know about potential risks and discuss these with their doctor and occupational health provider.

Keep Reading Preventing Parvovirus B19

Testing

A blood test for parvovirus B19 antibodies may show if 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 more prenatal visits, blood tests, and ultrasound scans.

After talking with your doctor, certain specialized procedures might be considered to lower your risk of miscarriage.

Read about complications and recent data on parvovirus B19 activity in the U.S.

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Content Source:
National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases; Coronavirus and Other Respiratory Viruses Division