Exclusive: What Happens If You Get Zika Virus In Pregnancy? Expert Shares Insight Related To Risks, Treatments

Add as a preferred source on Google

One of the most worrying issues regarding the Zika virus is its effect on pregnancy. Whenever a pregnant woman gets infected with it, the Zika virus is capable of passing through the placental barrier and getting into the unborn child.

A disease that is transmitted this way is what causes the variety of grave disorders seen in cases like this; these are referred to as "congenital Zika syndrome" because they all result from infection during pregnancy.

The most notorious one among them is microcephaly; this entails an infant whose head size appears extremely tiny because brain development stopped.

In an exclusive interview with Boldsky, Dr Harika Uppalapati, Consultant- General Physician, Manipal Hospital Vijayawada shares how zika virus affect pregnant women, risks and solutions that one must be aware of.

'Zika virus can be transmitted from pregnant people to their fetuses, potentially leading to congenital Zika syndrome and other birth defects. The risk is highest with infections during the first and second trimesters. Babies with congenital Zika virus infection may experience difficulty swallowing, seizures, hearing loss, muscle stiffness, and brain development problems. Unfortunately, there are no vaccines for the Zika virus yet,' says Dr Uppalapati.

So, it's important to understand the symptoms as the majority of people who become infected with the Zika virus exhibit minor symptoms or stay non-symptomatic altogether. Some of the major symptoms are:

1. Fever - commonly low-grade
2. Maculopapular rash - a red flat area studded with small bumps
3. Joint pain - especially in the hands and feet
4. Conjunctivitis - red eyes that are not purulent
5. Muscle aches accompanied by headache - non-specific general malaises/fatigue
Symptoms generally appear 2 to 7 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito and can last for about a week.

Risks Associated With Zika Virus During Pregnancy

Expectant mothers also face other problems such as congenital malformations in their unborn babies like microcephaly. Some of the major risk factors are:

a. Babies born with disorders such including underdevelopment (all interlinking) damage while growing inside the mother's womb also result in a congenital infection called Zika disease; these babies have smaller heads compared to body size due to damaged brain tissue and also ears look like cauliflower due to hearing problem.

b. Many pregnancies that fail during especially the first trimester (12 weeks) are because they end in miscarriages.

c. Birth defects are the other reason why some children might not walk properly at all signifying foot ailment whereas some kids turn out to have stiff or floppy (hyperextended) joints making them look like puppets this condition is called Arthrogryposis also myoclonic jerks may be absent in young infants.

'The risk is especially high if the mother contracts the virus during the first trimester, but complications can arise at any stage of pregnancy,' she said.

"In the past 10 years, Zika Virus has become recognized as a critical public health problem transmitted mainly by day-biting Aedes mosquitoes.
It carries dire consequences when pregnant women become infected, such as Congenital Zika Syndrome and Microcephaly,' she adds.

Treatments For Zika Virus During Pregnancy

There is no treatment specifically for Zika virus infection at the moment. Shakira's management focuses on symptom relief and ensures quick recovery. These include:

a. Rest: Allowing the body to recover and conserve energy.
b. Hydration: Drinking plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration, especially in cases of fever.
c. Analgesics and Antipyretics: Using medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to relieve pain and reduce fever. Aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) should be avoided until dengue virus infection has been ruled out to reduce the risk of hemorrhage.
Patients are advised to seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or if they develop signs of severe complications.

Prevention And Precaution

Emphasizing the urgent necessity for preventive actions and sensitization, Dr Uppalapati says, "Preventing Zika virus infection is crucial, particularly for pregnant women and individuals living in or traveling to areas with active transmission." Some of the key preventive strategies include:

a. Screening Pregnant Women: Pregnant women should be screened for Zika virus, especially if they have traveled to areas with active Zika virus transmission or if they exhibit symptoms.

b. Using EPA-Registered Insect Repellents: Insect repellents that are registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are proven to be effective and safe for use during pregnancy. Repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, and oil of lemon eucalyptus are recommended.

c. Wearing Long-Sleeved Clothing: Covering exposed skin with long-sleeved shirts and long pants can reduce the risk of mosquito bites.

d. Controlling Mosquito Populations: Implementing measures to control mosquito populations both indoors and outdoors is essential. This includes using window screens, air conditioning, and mosquito nets, as well as eliminating standing water where mosquitoes breed.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.