Understanding Zika Virus and Pregnancy
Zika is a virus that a person can catch through the bite of an infected mosquito. Outbreaks of the virus have happened throughout the world, particularly in tropical areas where certain types of mosquitoes live. Women who are pregnant — or who are considering becoming pregnant — may be worried about the Zika virus, and for good reason.
The virus causes a serious birth defect called microcephaly, which is when a baby has a small head and brain. Zika also has been linked to other serious problems in babies, such as eye problems, hearing loss, and seizures. There is currently no vaccine or treatment for Zika, making prevention through avoiding exposure the most important strategy.
Many people who get infected with Zika do not get sick at all and do not even know that they are infected. Those who do get sick usually get mildly ill with symptoms such as fever, rash, joint pain, and red eyes. The virus can be passed from mothers to babies during pregnancy, which is why understanding prevention and testing is so important.
Pregnant Women Should Not Travel to Areas with Zika Outbreaks
The CDC monitors countries where Zika virus outbreaks occur. Pregnant women and women trying to get pregnant should avoid traveling to these areas to protect themselves and their developing babies from Zika infection.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continuously monitors countries and regions where Zika virus outbreaks are occurring. These areas are typically tropical and subtropical regions where certain types of mosquitoes that carry Zika virus live.
Zika virus can cause serious birth defects, including microcephaly, which is when a baby has a small head and brain. This condition can lead to developmental delays, intellectual disabilities, and other lifelong challenges.
Zika has also been linked to other serious problems in babies, such as eye problems, hearing loss, and seizures. These complications can significantly impact a child's quality of life.
There is currently no vaccine or specific treatment for Zika virus, making prevention through avoiding exposure the most important strategy.
If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, check the CDC website for the most current list of areas with active Zika transmission before making any travel plans.
If travel to a Zika-affected area is absolutely necessary, discuss the risks thoroughly with your healthcare provider. They can help you understand the potential consequences and may recommend postponing travel if possible.
Practical Tips:
- Check CDC travel advisories before planning any trips during pregnancy
- Consider postponing non-essential travel to Zika-affected areas
- If travel is necessary, discuss comprehensive prevention strategies with your doctor
- Stay informed about Zika outbreaks in your destination country
- Have a plan for what to do if you develop symptoms after travel
Postpone Pregnancy and Use Protection After Travel to Zika Areas
If you or your partner have traveled to areas where Zika virus is active, it's important to take precautions. Consider postponing pregnancy, and use condoms to prevent sexual transmission of the virus.
Zika virus can be spread through sex, not just mosquito bites. This means that even if a woman hasn't traveled to a Zika-affected area, she can still become infected if her male partner has been exposed to the virus.
If you travel to countries where the Zika virus is most active, consider postponing becoming pregnant until you can be sure you haven't been infected. The virus can remain in the body for several weeks after infection.
If you are already pregnant and your partner has lived in or traveled to an area with Zika virus, use condoms during sex throughout the entire pregnancy or do not have sex during the pregnancy. This protects both you and your developing baby.
This precaution applies even if the woman has not traveled to a Zika-affected area herself. Sexual transmission can occur from an infected male partner to his pregnant partner, putting the baby at risk.
Even couples who are not pregnant or not trying to get pregnant should use condoms during sex for at least 3 months after one of the partners has traveled to a Zika-infested area. This helps reduce the spread of the virus.
The 3-month period is recommended because Zika virus can remain in semen longer than in other body fluids. Using condoms consistently during this time helps prevent transmission.
If you're planning to become pregnant after travel to a Zika-affected area, wait until you can be tested and cleared by your healthcare provider, or wait the recommended time period before trying to conceive.
Practical Tips:
- Use condoms consistently if your partner has traveled to Zika-affected areas
- Wait at least 3 months after travel before trying to conceive
- Discuss Zika testing with your healthcare provider if you've traveled
- Consider alternative conception methods if one partner has been exposed
- Stay informed about Zika transmission timelines and recommendations
Avoid Mosquito Bites in Zika-Affected Areas
If you live in or must travel to countries where Zika virus is active, taking steps to avoid mosquito bites is crucial. Use multiple prevention strategies to protect yourself from infection.
The primary way Zika virus spreads is through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito. These mosquitoes are most active during daytime hours, especially during early morning and late afternoon.
Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants to cover exposed skin. Light-colored, loose-fitting clothing provides better protection than dark, tight-fitting clothes.
Stay in homes that have air conditioning or window screens to keep mosquitoes out. If screens are damaged, repair them promptly. Use mosquito nets over beds if sleeping areas are not fully enclosed.
Wear mosquito repellent that is safe for pregnant women. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has information on repellents that are safe to use during pregnancy.
EPA-registered insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus are generally considered safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women when used as directed.
Apply repellent to exposed skin and clothing, but avoid applying it under clothing. Reapply as directed on the product label, especially if you're sweating or swimming.
Dump standing water around your home, as this is where mosquitoes breed. Common sources include children's swimming pools, rainwater in flower pots, old tires, bird baths, and any containers that can hold water.
Check your property regularly for standing water and eliminate it. Even small amounts of water can serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
Use mosquito nets when sleeping, especially if you're in an area without air conditioning or proper window screens.
Consider using permethrin-treated clothing and gear for additional protection, especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors.
Practical Tips:
- Apply EPA-registered insect repellent to exposed skin and clothing
- Wear long sleeves and pants, especially during peak mosquito hours
- Use air conditioning or window screens to keep mosquitoes out
- Eliminate standing water around your home weekly
- Sleep under mosquito nets if screens are not available
- Reapply repellent according to product instructions
- Choose light-colored, loose-fitting clothing
- Avoid outdoor activities during peak mosquito hours when possible
Get Tested for Zika If You're Pregnant and Have Traveled
If you are pregnant and have traveled to areas where Zika is active, or if you live in Zika-affected areas, getting tested is important. Know when and why Zika testing is recommended.
If you are pregnant and have traveled to areas where Zika is active, get a Zika test if you have symptoms of Zika. Symptoms may include fever, rash, joint pain, red eyes (conjunctivitis), muscle pain, and headache.
Many people who get infected with Zika do not get sick at all and do not even know that they are infected. This makes testing important even if you don't have symptoms.
Get a Zika test if an ultrasound shows any problems related to Zika, such as microcephaly or other brain abnormalities. Early detection can help with planning and management.
If your male partner has lived in or traveled to Zika-affected areas, get tested even if you haven't traveled yourself, due to the risk of sexual transmission.
If you live in or frequently travel to areas where Zika is active, get a Zika test anytime you have symptoms, at your first prenatal care visit, and at two more times at regular prenatal care visits.
Regular testing throughout pregnancy is important because Zika infection can occur at any time, and the timing of infection during pregnancy affects the risk to the baby.
Zika testing typically involves blood and urine tests. Your healthcare provider will determine the appropriate tests based on your situation and when you may have been exposed.
If you test positive for Zika, your healthcare provider will monitor your pregnancy more closely with additional ultrasounds to check your baby's development.
Early detection allows for better planning and management of potential complications. Your healthcare team can provide specialized care if needed.
Practical Tips:
- Get tested if you have Zika symptoms and have traveled to affected areas
- Request testing if your partner has been to Zika-affected areas
- Follow your healthcare provider's testing schedule if you live in Zika areas
- Get tested at your first prenatal visit if you've traveled to Zika areas
- Inform your doctor about all recent travel history
- Be aware that Zika symptoms may be mild or absent
- Follow up with additional testing as recommended by your provider
Talk with Your Doctor About Zika and Pregnancy
Planning to have a baby is personal and your circumstances are unique. Talk to your healthcare provider about any concerns regarding Zika and pregnancy. Stay informed about the latest guidelines and recommendations.
Planning to have a baby is personal and your circumstances are unique. Your healthcare provider can help you understand your individual risk and make informed decisions about travel, conception timing, and prevention strategies.
Health experts are continuously studying the impact of Zika on mothers and their babies. As more information becomes known, guidelines and recommendations may change.
Check the CDC's website regularly for the most current updates on Zika virus, travel advisories, testing recommendations, and prevention strategies.
If you have concerns about Zika and pregnancy, don't hesitate to discuss them with your healthcare provider. They can provide personalized guidance based on your specific situation.
Your doctor can help you understand the risks, benefits, and alternatives related to travel, testing, and pregnancy planning in the context of Zika virus.
If you're planning to become pregnant and have questions about Zika, discuss your travel history and any potential exposures with your healthcare provider before trying to conceive.
For women who are already pregnant, regular prenatal care visits are essential. Use these visits to discuss any concerns about Zika and to stay updated on testing recommendations.
If you develop symptoms that could be related to Zika (fever, rash, joint pain, red eyes), contact your healthcare provider immediately, especially if you've traveled to Zika-affected areas.
Remember that healthcare guidelines evolve as scientists learn more about Zika virus. Your provider will have access to the most current recommendations from health organizations.
Don't rely solely on internet sources or outdated information. Your healthcare provider can give you the most accurate, up-to-date advice tailored to your situation.
Practical Tips:
- Schedule a preconception consultation if planning pregnancy after Zika exposure
- Discuss all travel history with your healthcare provider
- Ask about current Zika testing recommendations
- Stay informed through CDC and WHO websites
- Bring a list of questions to your prenatal visits
- Don't hesitate to seek a second opinion if needed
- Keep records of your travel history and any Zika testing
- Follow your provider's recommendations for monitoring and care
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zika virus and how does it affect pregnancy?
Zika is a virus spread primarily through mosquito bites. In pregnancy, Zika can cause serious birth defects including microcephaly (small head and brain), eye problems, hearing loss, and seizures. There is no vaccine or treatment for Zika, making prevention crucial.
Can Zika be spread through sex?
Yes, Zika virus can be spread through sexual contact. If your partner has traveled to or lived in a Zika-affected area, use condoms throughout pregnancy or abstain from sex. Even couples not trying to conceive should use condoms for at least 3 months after travel to Zika-affected areas.
What are the symptoms of Zika virus?
Many people infected with Zika have no symptoms. Those who do get sick usually experience mild symptoms including fever, rash, joint pain, red eyes (conjunctivitis), muscle pain, and headache. Symptoms typically last several days to a week.
Is it safe to use mosquito repellent during pregnancy?
Yes, EPA-registered insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus are generally considered safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women when used as directed. Always follow product instructions and apply to exposed skin and clothing.
When should I get tested for Zika during pregnancy?
Get tested if you have Zika symptoms and have traveled to affected areas, if an ultrasound shows problems, or if your partner has been to Zika-affected areas. If you live in Zika-affected areas, get tested at your first prenatal visit and at regular intervals as recommended by your healthcare provider.
Can I travel to Zika-affected areas if I'm pregnant?
Pregnant women should avoid non-essential travel to areas with Zika outbreaks. If travel is absolutely necessary, discuss the risks thoroughly with your healthcare provider and take comprehensive prevention measures including mosquito bite prevention and safe sex practices.
How long should I wait to get pregnant after traveling to a Zika-affected area?
Consider postponing pregnancy for at least 3 months after travel to Zika-affected areas. This allows time for the virus to clear from your system. Discuss testing and timing with your healthcare provider before trying to conceive.
What should I do if I think I've been exposed to Zika during pregnancy?
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you develop symptoms or believe you've been exposed to Zika. They can arrange for testing and provide guidance on monitoring your pregnancy. Early detection and monitoring are important for managing potential complications.
Key Takeaways
Prevention Is Key
Avoiding mosquito bites and preventing sexual transmission are the most important ways to protect yourself and your baby from Zika virus.
Travel Carefully
Check CDC travel advisories and avoid non-essential travel to Zika-affected areas during pregnancy or when planning pregnancy.
Get Tested
If you've traveled to Zika-affected areas or have symptoms, talk to your healthcare provider about testing options.
Stay Informed
Zika guidelines evolve as research continues. Consult your healthcare provider and check CDC updates regularly for current recommendations.
Important Medical Disclaimer
The information provided on this page is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your healthcare provider or obstetrician for personalized guidance regarding Zika virus, pregnancy concerns, travel decisions, and any questions you may have.
If you have urgent medical concerns or believe you may have been exposed to Zika virus, seek immediate medical attention. Health experts are continuously studying the impact of Zika on mothers and their babies, and guidelines may change as more information becomes available. Check the CDC's website for the most current updates on Zika virus recommendations.