Parovirus and Pregnancy

Parovirus B19 is an extremely common virus in humans, with over 50% of the world’s population infected at some point during childhood or adolescence. While parovirus strains exist for many different species, the B19 version is unique to humans. This means that a person cannot contract parovirus from a household pet or other animal.

Even though it is very common, Parovirus B19 is not often serious in its symptoms. The most common occurrences include mild rashes on the face, trunk, and limbs that usually disappear in a week to ten days. After recovery, the child develops immunity to the virus, protecting against infections in the future.

When an adult who was not exposed to Parovirus during youth contracts the disease, he or she may experience swelling, rashes, and joint pain. All of these typically resolve without intervention in two to four weeks.

There is a 50 percent change that a pregnant or nursing woman who is exposed to “fifth disease” (the common term for parovirus infections) will already be immune from infection in childhood. Moreover, even if she has not developed immunity, complications are usually fairly mild and exclusive to the parent.

Unfortunately, in some rare cases (less than five percent) of Parovirus contraction during pregnancy, the infection may result in severe anemia for the child or miscarriage. These complications generally arise within the first half of a pregnancy.

Contact Us

If you or someone you know is pregnant and has been exposed to Parovirus, contact the experienced team of Philadelphia birth injury lawyers at the offices of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. today by calling 215-238-1130 for more information.