Fifth Disease During Pregnancy
Many complications can occur during pregnancy. One, although rare is called Fifth Disease. This got its name because it was the fifth to be found among a group of diseases that cause fever and skin rash in children. The paravovirus B19 triggers this illness. This is often mild but can be easily passed to others.
Symptoms of Fifth Disease
Rash that starts on the cheeks and is later found on the backs, arms and legs
Can cause joint pain
Most adults are immune to this disease because they have built up antibodies to it due to exposure. If you are pregnant and are infected with fifth disease you will have a higher risk of a miscarriage during the first 3-4 months. If the infection occurs later in pregnancy, it can cause anemia in the baby and may require treatment. During the course of the disease your baby will be closely watched by ultrasound.
If you have been exposed to Fifth Disease and are pregnant it is very important that you inform your physician. If symptoms occur visit your health care professional immediately.
*image courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net
*Disclosure: this article is meant for informational purposes only. We are not licenced physicians and can not diagnose or treat your illness. If you suspect you may have a serious health issue please seek professional medical treatment immediately. This article first appeared on The Healthy Moms Magazine in 2008.
Symptoms of Fifth Disease
Rash that starts on the cheeks and is later found on the backs, arms and legs
Can cause joint pain
Most adults are immune to this disease because they have built up antibodies to it due to exposure. If you are pregnant and are infected with fifth disease you will have a higher risk of a miscarriage during the first 3-4 months. If the infection occurs later in pregnancy, it can cause anemia in the baby and may require treatment. During the course of the disease your baby will be closely watched by ultrasound.
If you have been exposed to Fifth Disease and are pregnant it is very important that you inform your physician. If symptoms occur visit your health care professional immediately.
*image courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net
*Disclosure: this article is meant for informational purposes only. We are not licenced physicians and can not diagnose or treat your illness. If you suspect you may have a serious health issue please seek professional medical treatment immediately. This article first appeared on The Healthy Moms Magazine in 2008.
More posts from
