| The Human Parvo Virus B19 Infection is present in | | | | to know the medical situation of the pregnant |
| almost every place. One of the diseases it produces | | | | woman with regards to the B19 parvovirus infection. |
| is called the 'Fifth disease", a common infection | | | | The blood test will reveal one of the following: |
| experienced during childhood or adolescence. Thus, | | | | · The pregnant woman is already immune to the |
| the National Center for Infectious Diseases has | | | | B19 parvovirus and her body is not suffering any |
| estimated that approximately 50% of all adults have | | | | infection - This means that she has nothing to worry |
| experienced the fifth disease. After recovering from | | | | about the presence of the virus. Her immune system |
| the disease, a person will most likely have developed | | | | can easily handle the B19 parvovirus. |
| immunity against further attacks of the B19 | | | | · The pregnant woman had a recent infection, |
| parvovirus. | | | | most probably within the last three months - This |
| A woman who is pregnant can be attacked by the | | | | means that the pregnancy must be closely |
| B19 parvovirus. This occurrence is usually not | | | | monitored. There are no specific steps established to |
| life-threatening since many pregnant women are | | | | monitor a pregnant woman who recently had a B19 |
| already immune to the virus. This immunity will also | | | | parvovirus infection, but the doctor can perform |
| protect the unborn child. But sometimes, the | | | | ultrasound examinations and more blood tests to |
| pregnant woman will be easily fatigued and have | | | | make sure that the unborn baby is developing as he |
| mucous discharges from her nose. Aside from this, | | | | she should be. |
| there are no serious human parvovirus symptoms | | | | · The pregnant woman has no B19 parvovirus |
| that could endanger the lives of both mother and | | | | infection but she has no immunity against it - This |
| child. The B19 was never linked to mental retardation | | | | means that the woman must avoid exposure to the |
| or any birth defects. | | | | B19 parvovirus. There is no vaccine yet against the |
| But there are a few cases of pregnant women who, | | | | B19 infection. |
| after being infected by the B19 parvovirus, suffered | | | | If the blood results revealed that the pregnant |
| miscarriage in the first half of pregnancy. The cause | | | | woman has no immunity against the B19 parvovirus |
| of the miscarriage is the severe anemia that happens | | | | infection, and she believes that she has been |
| to the unborn baby. The National Center for | | | | exposed to this virus, the doctor cannot provide |
| Infectious Diseases estimated these few cases to be | | | | medications to stop the infection. All the doctor and |
| about 5% of all B19-infected pregnant women. | | | | the pregnant woman can do is to weather the |
| If a pregnant woman has been known to be | | | | infection, which could last for one to two weeks. The |
| exposed to the B19 parvovirus, she should | | | | unborn baby will be frequently examined for any |
| immediately inform her personal doctor about it. | | | | signs of anemia. |
| Usually, the physician will perform blood tests in order | | | | |