Mpox during pregnancy: causes, symptoms and treatment

The appearance of mpox cases has raised concerns about the virus being passed from an infected mum to her baby. Let's learn about mpox in pregnancy, its signs and how to prevent it!

Signs

The signs and symptoms of mpox infection in pregnant people are similar to those in non-pregnant people infected with mpox, including prodromal symptoms (for example: fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes, malaise, sore throat and cough) and a rash.

How it spreads

• Respiratory secretions passed on through kissing, cuddling, sex or prolonged face-to-face contact.

• Direct contact with an infected person's body fluids, scabs or rash, or with objects that have touched their body fluids.

• Through the placenta from an infected pregnant person to the baby, or through close contact during and after birth.

Treatment

There is currently no treatment specifically approved for mpox infection. However, antiviral medicines have been developed for use in mpox patients. These include: tecovirimat, cidofovir and brincidofovir, intravenous Vaccinia Immune Globulin (VIGIV), vaccines, …

Prevention guidance

There should be no direct contact between a patient in isolation and a newborn. Separating a mum infected with mpox from her newborn is the best way to prevent transmission. The treating doctor should advise the patient about the risk of transmission and the potential consequences of severe illness in the newborn.

If the patient chooses to have contact with the newborn during their infectious period, the following precautions should be taken:

• No direct skin-to-skin contact
• The newborn should be fully clothed or swaddled, and after contact the clothes or blanket must be changed.
• The patient must always wear gloves and a fresh gown covering all visible skin below the neck.
• Sterilise and change the bed sheets.
• Wear a medical mask during contact.
• Breastfeeding should also be postponed until the isolation period ends.

That is all the information about mpox during pregnancy. Leave your questions in the "Share" section or use the "Ask a Doctor" feature if you need anything answered! Content reviewed by Dr NGUYEN THI KIEU TRINH - Medical Adviser - Former Head of Obstetrics, Quang Nam General Hospital.

References:

Tu Du Hospital

Health & Life newspaper (Suc khoe va Doi song)