What You Should Know About Parvovirus B19

 Posted on January 12, 2023 in Birth Injury

Also known as “fifth disease” or “slapped cheek syndrome,” parvovirus B19 is a virus that mainly affects children but can sometimes affect adults as well. It is commonly spread through contact with saliva or other bodily fluids like mucus or blood. The virus usually causes mild symptoms such as fever, rash, and joint pain in infected individuals. However, if a woman contracts the virus during pregnancy it can lead to serious complications for both her and her unborn child. In today’s blog post, we will discuss some of the risks associated with parvovirus B19 for pregnant mothers.

Risks for Pregnant Mothers

If a pregnant woman contracts parvovirus B19, there are several potential risks she may face including miscarriage, preterm labor, stillbirth, low birth weight, and anemia. Babies born to mothers who have been infected with the virus may suffer from anemia or chronic arthritis due to their weakened immune systems caused by the virus. In some cases, parvovirus B19 can even cause congenital heart defects in newborns, which can be life-threatening if left untreated. In addition to these physical effects of the virus on mother and baby, there are also psychological implications such as anxiety or depression in expecting mothers due to the fear of harm coming to their unborn child.

Diagnosis and Treatment

The best way to diagnose parvovirus B19 in pregnant women is through blood tests that measure antibodies against the virus or detect its genetic material directly in fetal blood samples taken during amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS). There is currently no cure for the virus, but there are treatments available that can help reduce symptoms and decrease the risk of complications for both mother and baby. These include iron supplements for anemic babies and antiviral medications for expecting mothers with severe symptoms from infection. Regular prenatal care is also essential for monitoring any potential changes in fetal health due to infection with parvovirus B19 throughout pregnancy so that any necessary interventions may be made promptly if needed. 

Contact a Chicago Maternal Infection Injury Lawyer

If you suspect that you have been infected with parvovirus B19 while pregnant, it is important for your prenatal doctor to provide the appropriate treatment and monitoring throughout your pregnancy to ensure your baby's health and safety at all times.

However, if you have already suffered complications as the result of a missed diagnosis or substandard prenatal care, contact an experienced Chicago birth injury attorney at Birth Injury Law Alliance, Ltd.. You may be entitled to compensation through a personal injury claim or lawsuit, and we are prepared to help you. Call 312-462-4200 to schedule a free consultation today.  

Sources:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/parvovirus-infection/symptoms-causes/syc-20376085

https://www.cdc.gov/parvovirusb19/about-parvovirus.html