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Though severe complications are uncommon, mpox during pregnancy may pose risks such as preterm birth or, in rare cases, transmission to the baby. Early diagnosis and supportive care reduce these risks.
What is Mpox?
Mpox is a viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus, which belongs to the same family as the smallpox virus. First identified in humans in 1970, it’s a zoonotic infection, meaning it can spread from animals to people. There are two main types: Clade I and Clade II. Mpox typically lasts two to four weeks and can be more serious for people with weakened immune systems, including pregnant individuals and newborns.India has reported sporadic mpox cases, primarily linked to international travel. While there is no widespread risk, isolated cases can still occur.
How Mpox Spreads to Pregnant Individuals
Mpox spreads in different ways. Knowing how it spreads helps you stay safe, especially during pregnancy when your body is more vulnerable to infections.- Direct contact: Touching skin lesions, body fluids, or respiratory droplets of an infected person, such as through hugging, kissing, or sexual activity.
- Contaminated objects: Using items like bedding, towels, or clothing that have been in contact with an infected person.
- Animal contact: In rare cases, mpox can come from bites, scratches, or handling infected animals, though this is unlikely from pets.
- Parent-to-baby transmission: If you’re pregnant, the virus can pass to your baby through the placenta during pregnancy or through close contact after birth, such as during breastfeeding or skin-to-skin contact.
Symptoms of Mpox in Pregnant Individuals
The symptoms of mpox are similar to those in other people if you’re pregnant, but they can be trickier to detect because pregnancy itself can cause skin changes or other symptoms.- Rash: This is the most common sign of mpox. It starts as pimples or blisters, often on your face, mouth, hands, feet, torso, or genital area. These can be painful or itchy and eventually form scabs. Since rashes are common in pregnancy (like eczema or polymorphic eruption of pregnancy), don’t panic, but do check with your doctor if you’re concerned.
- Flu-like symptoms: Before or after the rash, you might feel fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness, or swollen lymph nodes.
- Respiratory issues: Some individuals experience a sore throat, dry cough, or breathing difficulties.
- Other symptoms: Chills, back pain, or general exhaustion can also occur.
Risks of Mpox During Pregnancy
Mpox is uncommon in pregnant individuals, but it can pose serious risks to you and your baby. Limited research makes it hard to know exactly how vulnerable pregnant individuals are, but the virus is thought to be more severe during pregnancy due to changes in your immune system. The potential risks may include:- Severe illness in pregnant parents: Pregnancy weakens your immune system, which may make you more likely to experience serious symptoms if infected.
- Transmission to the baby: The virus can cross the placenta and infect your baby during pregnancy. After birth, close contact, like breastfeeding or cuddling, can also pass the virus to your newborn.
- Adverse pregnancy outcomes: Mpox has been linked to complications such as miscarriage, stillbirth, preterm delivery, low birth weight, or congenital mpox in newborns.
- High fever risks: A high fever early in pregnancy caused by mpox may lead to serious health issues for your baby.
Why Mpox is a Concern Compared to Smallpox
Mpox is related to smallpox, a much more severe disease that was eradicated in 1980. Smallpox caused worse symptoms and higher rates of complications during pregnancy, including severe illness and foetal harm. While mpox is generally milder, its similarity to smallpox raises concerns about its potential impact on pregnancy. The limited data on mpox means doctors rely on smallpox research to guide care. But rest assured, mpox is less severe, and taking precautions can lower your risk.You’re better equipped to protect yourself and your baby by understanding how mpox spreads, its symptoms, and the risks it poses. Stay vigilant, keep an eye out for symptoms, and reach out to your healthcare professional if you’re worried about possible exposure.
FAQs on Understanding Mpox During Pregnancy: Risks, Symptoms, and Transmission
- How does mpox spread to pregnant individuals?
Mpox spreads through direct contact with infected skin, fluids, respiratory droplets, or contaminated objects. It can also pass from parent to baby during pregnancy or after birth. - How soon do mpox symptoms appear after exposure?
Symptoms usually show up within 5 to 21 days after exposure and last about two to four weeks.