Infectious erythema in pregnancy

Infectious erythema in pregnancy – how does infection occur?

Contagious erythema is a viral disease caused by parvovirus B19. It is classified as an infectious disease appearing especially in preschool children. The incubation period ranges from 4 to 14 days. Infection occurs via the droplet route. The greatest infectivity is before the baby develops a rash. The virus can also cross the placenta and cause dangerous consequences in the fetus.

Symptoms of infectious erythema in pregnancy

Symptoms of erythema contagiosum in children are mainly a rash, appearing initially on the face (erythema – hence the name of the disease) and then on the rest of the trunk, as well as an unremitting fever. Cough, runny nose and other symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections may also occur. In adults, the disease is often asymptomatic, so pregnant women may not be aware that they have undergone erythema contagiosum. 

Infectious erythema in pregnancy – complications

Although the disease is not dangerous to children, it causes serious complications of pregnancy. If the mother-to-be contracts erythema contagiosum, fetal anemia, swelling and even intrauterine death can occur. This is because parvovirus damages erythrocyte precursor cells in the bone marrow.

Signs of infection in the fetus include abnormalities in ultrasound images. Edema (fluid in the body cavities) appears, and the maximum systolic velocity in the middle cerebral artery (MCA PSV) increases.

Infectious erythema in pregnancy – management

In case of contact with a person infected with parvovirus B19, it is necessary to observe the mother-to-be and the well-being of the fetus by performing regular ultrasound examinations. The gynecologist monitors flows in the middle cerebral artery, which can indicate the development of anemia in the baby. A pregnant woman can also take a parvovirus antibody test to determine if she has recently undergone an asymptomatic infection. If fetal anemia and edema develops, intrauterine treatment is required, i.e. a post-fetal blood transfusion at a perinatal medicine center.