Zika virus is a disease caused by mosquitoes, and it can affect both adults and babies. Pregnant women and people who want to become pregnant need to be extra careful, as Zika can sometimes cause serious health problems for babies. Here’s what you should know:
How Can Zika Affect Pregnant Women and Babies? When a pregnant woman gets Zika, she can pass it on to her baby. This can lead to problems like microcephaly, a condition where the baby’s head is smaller than expected. Research shows that the biggest risk of this happening is when a woman gets infected with Zika in the first 3 months of pregnancy.
Some women with Zika may not even feel sick. Only 1 in 4 people show symptoms like mild fever, rash, or red eyes, which happen a few days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.
What Can Pregnant Women Do to Protect Themselves?
Avoid mosquito bites: Wear long sleeves, long pants, and use insect repellent.
Avoid areas with Zika: If you’re pregnant and traveling to places where Zika is common, talk to your doctor first.
Stay away from standing water: Mosquitoes breed in places like puddles or open containers of water.
Can Zika Be Treated? There’s no special medicine or vaccine for Zika. If you catch it, the treatment is only to help with symptoms like fever or pain. Pregnant women should visit their doctor regularly to make sure everything is going well with their pregnancy.
What is Microcephaly? Microcephaly is when a baby’s head is smaller than usual at birth. This can happen because of Zika or other health problems. Babies with microcephaly might also have delays in development, trouble eating, or other problems. It’s important for doctors to check the baby regularly to help them grow as healthy as possible.
Can Zika Be Passed from Mom to Baby During Birth? There isn’t a lot of information on how Zika spreads from moms to babies during birth. But it’s possible, and doctors are still learning more. If a pregnant woman has symptoms of Zika, she should be checked carefully by her doctor.
What is PAHO Doing? PAHO (Pan American Health Organization) is working with countries like Brazil to study the link between Zika and birth defects. They’re trying to understand more about how Zika affects babies, and they’re teaching people about how to stay safe.
Remember:
Pregnant women should always check in with their doctor to make sure they’re safe.
Protect yourself from mosquitoes by using repellent and covering up.
If you have any questions or concerns, your doctor is the best person to help you stay informed.
Stay safe and take care!
The information provided is for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult with a healthcare professional or your doctor for personalized guidance and recommendations regarding Zika virus and pregnancy.