It is known that pregnant women have a higher susceptibility to the effects of viral infections than the general population. Therefore, there is cause for alarm because many viral infections are more dangerous when contracted in the later stages of pregnancy, when a woman’s immune system has already been weakened. It’s natural to have questions about monkeypox and what it means for your pregnancy. While experts stress that this illness is not COVID-19, there are a few things that are important to know about monkeypox and its potential impact on pregnant women. Here you have everything you need to know about MonkeyPox and Pregnancy. Ready? Let’s begin.
MonkeyPox and Pregnancy. Here is What you Need to Know.
John Brooks, MD, chief medical officer for the CDC’s Division of HIV Prevention, provided more information on July 23 at a panel discussion on advancements in monkeypox testing and treatment for the Infectious Diseases Society of America. According to him, only one American pregnant woman has been positively identified by the CDC as having delivered a baby with monkeypox. He observed that although while placental transmission of the virus is theoretically feasible, it did not occur in this pregnancy. The mother and child are doing OK.
Concern at the arrival of another virus, so soon after the COVID-19 pandemic, is understandable. Especially for expectant mothers. People may feel confused about how to be safe and whether or not new treatment and vaccination recommendations apply to them when new information is released. So, let’s get into what you need to know about MonkeyPox and Pregnancy.
Can a Pregnancy be Affected by MonkeyPox?
Like all viruses that have just come out there are more questions than answers, and the monkeypox and its effects during pregnancy is no exception. But recent studies have shown that. The monkeypox virus is capable of penetrating the placenta and infecting the developing fetus. The virus is also capable of being transmitted to a newborn before, during childbirth or after birth. There have been other studies that relate monkeypox to other complications during pregnancy including:
- Premature delivery or preterm labor.
- Miscarriage.
- Stillbirth.
To have a better understanding of how monkeypox affects people when they are pregnant, more research is required. The researchers are putting forth their best efforts to collect as much additional information as rapidly as they can.
What Symptoms are Associated with MonkeyPox During Pregnancy?
The symptoms that are associated with monkeypox when it occurs during pregnancy are:
- Fever.
- Enlarged lymph nodes.
- Exhaustion, sore throat.
- Headache,
- Muscular discomfort.
- Rash.
Additionally, the rash could present itself in a few distinct manifestations all at once. When a woman is pregnant, she may develop new blisters even when she already has earlier blisters that have scabs. Always consider talking with your doctor right away if you experience signs of monkeypox.
Is There any Treatment for MonkeyPox During Pregnancy?
Taking antiviral medicine provides the body with assistance in its battle against the monkeypox virus. This drug is safe to use before, during, and after pregnancy, as well as during nursing. Children who are breastfed and have monkeypox should also be given treatment. There are no specific treatments for monkeypox, Dr. Cackovic notes, and most people get better on their own without treatment. However, the CDC recommends using an antiviral drug called tecovirimat (TPOXX) as a “first-line” treatment “if treatment is indicated” during pregnancy. Tecovirimat is also considered the go-to drug for non-pregnant people with monkeypox.
Can a Pregnant Woman be Vaccinated for MonkeyPox?
The two vaccines being used in the U.S. to prevent monkeypox at this moment are ACAM2000 and JYNNEOS, only the last one could be considered safe for pregnant people, though human data is limited. ACAM2000 is not recommended due to risk of pregnancy loss, congenital defects, and other adverse effects, as per the CDC. Always check with your doctor if you suspect any signs of monkeypox before getting any treatment or vaccine.
Good News is that the Majority of People have a Low Risk of Contracting an Infection.
Although the possibility of contracting monkeypox while pregnant is unsettling, medical professionals want people to understand that it is still a very uncommon virus.
According to Dr. Kuritzkes, “those who are pregnant are at an incredibly low risk of obtaining monkeypox right now in the United States.”. This is due to the fact that the transmission of monkeypox has virtually exclusively occurred among males who have had intercourse with other men. “Someone who is pregnant and having several sex partners might be at danger, but if you’re not having multiple sex partners, the likelihood of that happening is considerably lower.” It’s not something that the vast majority of people should be concerned about.”
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How to Take Care of my Baby if I get Infected with MonkeyPox?
- If you have monkeypox but your baby does not, it is in your infant’s best interest to avoid direct contact with you until you are healthy enough to do so again. This will help prevent the spread of the disease.
- While you and your infant are staying in the hospital or birth center, your health care team may advise that you put your baby down for the night in the nursery rather than in the room you are staying in.
- When you get discharged from the hospital, you are going to require assistance with taking care of the baby so that you can avoid coming into touch with your baby.
- It is best to refrain from breastfeeding, but only for as long as the symptoms persist (blisters are gone, scabs have fallen off, and new skin has formed). Infant formula or breast milk from a human donor can be given to your child in the interim as you prepare to begin or resume nursing.
- Keep in mind that these are just stopping points. In most cases, recovery from monkey pox takes between two and four weeks. Once you have regained your health, you will be able to nurse and hold your child. Talk to your obstetrician about mental health resources like Postpartum Support International that may be able to assist you in getting through this period in your life. Your gynecologist may also be able to provide you with recommendations for breastfeeding support providers, like as lactation counselors.
Is it Possible for a Newborn to Contract MonkeyPox via Their Mother’s Breast Milk?
It is still unknown if the monkeypox virus may be transmitted from a mother to her child through breast milk. If you have been diagnosed with monkeypox and are quarantined, you should pump your breast milk and dispose of it until the symptoms of monkeypox have subsided. Your child might be given infant formula or human donor breast milk to consume by a caregiver. Have a conversation with your obstetrician about the appropriate time to resume breastfeeding or the feeding of pumped breast milk.
Can a Woman be Vaccinated Against MonkeyPox During Pregnancy? Is it Safe?
Getting the two-dose immunization while pregnant is recommended for optimal protection. Initial research indicates that this vaccination is unlikely to cause any damage to a developing fetus. If you are pregnant or nursing, you should not use the vaccination that only requires a single dose. The vaccination administered in a single dose is associated with an increased risk of miscarriage, fetal abnormalities, and infection in the infant.
If a woman receives a single dose of the vaccine without being pregnant, they are advised to wait four weeks before becoming pregnant. Additionally, they should wait at least four weeks following immunization before having any interaction with a pregnant or nursing member of their household.
MonkeyPox Prevention Tips for Pregnant Women.
- The best approach to protect a pregnant woman from getting monkeypox is to take precautions to avoid coming into contact with the virus.
- It is essential to stay away from people or animals that are infected with the virus. And you should also be sure to stay away from anyone who has a rash that has not been properly identified.
- The transmission of monkeypox can be reduced by regularly washing one’s hands and engaging in safe sexual behavior. Both of which are good ideas regardless of whether or not one is pregnant.
At this time, catching monkeypox while pregnant is rather rare, but if you want to reduce your chances of contracting it, adopting these preventative steps can help. In the event that you do have monkeypox. However, your healthcare practitioner will be able to discuss the many treatment options with you, as well as the potential effects on your labor and delivery, as well as what to anticipate if you intend to nurse your child.
Related Posts you might want to read!
Kick Counts During Pregnancy. How to do it and Why is Important.
All About Vaginal Discharge During Pregnancy.
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25 Most Common Pregnancy Questions Answered.
Final thoughts about MonkeyPox and Pregnancy.
When a newly discovered virus begins to spread and fresh cases are verified in increasingly close proximity to your location, it is natural to feel anxious, especially during pregnancy. It is important for pregnant women to understand that the chance of catching monkeypox is still rather low, according to the experts. Talk to your healthcare professional if you have any concerns about the virus or a possible exposure if you think you may have been exposed to it.
Zadi, xo
Disclaimer: The medical information on this post is for educational and entertainment use only. Under no circumstances, this information is to replace your doctor’s advice or to treat any disease. For proper care, always visit your doctor.
