Monkeypox is a viral disease similar to smallpox, and it has become a growing concern in recent years. While many people can get monkeypox, pregnant women need to be especially careful because of the risks it can pose to both them and their unborn babies.
What is Monkeypox?
Monkeypox virus which belongs to the same family of viruses as smallpox is the cause of monkeypox disease. In 1958, it was seen in monkeys only, humans can contract it as well. The virus can spread to people through contact with infected animals or through close contact with an infected person. The virus spreads through bodily fluids, respiratory droplets, or by touching objects that an infected person has used.
Symptoms of Monkeypox
After someone is exposed to the monkeypox virus, it usually takes 5 to 21 days for symptoms to appear. At first, the symptoms might seem like the flu, including fever, headache, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes. After a few days, a rash develops. This rash starts as flat red spots, which then become raised bumps and eventually turn into blisters filled with fluid. These blisters can turn into sores that form scabs and fall off as the person starts to get better.
One key symptom that helps doctors tell monkeypox apart from other diseases is swollen lymph nodes. The rash usually begins on the face and then spreads to other parts of the body, including the hands and feet.
How Does Monkeypox Affect Pregnant Women?
More severe symptoms
If a pregnant woman gets monkeypox, her symptoms are worse because her immune system is different during pregnancy, she might have a stronger reaction to the virus, leading to a higher fever, more pain, and greater fatigue. The rash can also lead to other infections, which could make the situation even more serious.
Risk to the Baby
One of the biggest concerns is that the virus might be passed from the mother to the baby. This is called vertical transmission. If the virus is passed to the baby, it can cause serious problems, like stillbirth (when the baby dies before birth), preterm birth (when the baby is born too early), or the baby might not survive after birth.
Pregnancy complications
In addition to directly affecting the baby, monkeypox can also cause problems with the pregnancy itself. These problems can include miscarriage (when the pregnancy ends early), preterm birth, or having a baby with a low birth weight. The illness and stress from monkeypox can make it harder for the body to keep the pregnancy healthy.
How Can Pregnant Women Protect Themselves?
As monkeypox can be dangerous for pregnant women, it’s important to take steps to avoid getting the virus. Pregnant women should stay away from people who have monkeypox or who might have been exposed to the virus. In hospitals or clinics, pregnant healthcare workers should be especially careful and follow strict safety guidelines.
Vaccination is another way to protect against monkeypox. There is a smallpox vaccine that also protects against monkeypox. However, if a pregnant woman is thinking about getting the vaccine, she should talk to her doctor to weigh the benefits and any possible risks.