Because of the close connection between a mother and her unborn child, it is important for an expecting mom to remain as healthy as possible to avoid transmitting a disease to her baby.
However, this is not always possible.
Some disorders, including fifth disease, run the risk of giving an unborn baby birth infections if it is contracting by a mother during her pregnancy.
Fifth disease is also called slapped-cheek disease.
This is because one very obvious symptom of the virus is a flushed face caused by a rash.
This virus is called human parvovirus B19, and it is easily spread by coughing or sneezing.
Therefore, most children catch the sickness when they are young.
Luckily, this means that about half of all women are already immune to the virus due to previous exposure.
It is only if a pregnant soon-to-be-mother has never been in contact with the parvovirus B19 that it can be dangerous.
Fifth disease shows up about four to fourteen days after initial exposure.
It is generally no longer contagious by the time the slapped-face rash appears, but there are other more painful symptoms that can show up as well.
This includes a runny nose, sore throat, and headache.
Adults commonly feel sore joints, which can last for months.
Obviously, fifth disease is easiest to diagnose if a person also develops the characteristic rash.
Because this illness is so common, it is hard for a non-immune pregnant woman to avoid.
Thankfully, it does not always cause problems with the baby, but it can lead to several serious issues with the child.
Human parvovirus B19 prevents the unborn child's body from correctly producing red blood cells.
Without enough blood to carry around oxygen, nutrients, and waste, a baby can develop anemia.
This can lead to heart failure, and in 2-9% of infant infections, miscarriage.
Sadly, there is no exact way to treat fifth disease.
If you believe that you have come into contact with the virus, you can have a blood test to determine exactly whether or not you are infected.
Some doctors choose to let the sickness run its course, while others recommend stepping up doctor's visits and may even perform an ultrasound to look for signs of problems.
There are several ways that you can help prevent yourself, and your unborn child, from contracting human parvovirus B19.
Because it is transmitted through respiratory fluids, you can take care to wash your hands frequently if you are visiting public places like the grocery store or movie theater.
Additionally, since fifth disease tends to hit school-age children, you can avoid elementary schools, daycare centers, and other places that are popular with younger kids.
Lastly, if you are considering becoming pregnant and are worried about fifth disease, you can opt to take a blood test to see if you are already immune to the sickness.
If so, you will pass this extra protection onto your baby.
If not, you should consider following the tips above to help protect the two of you.
Birth infections such as fifth disease can steal your precious newborn from your family.
Sometimes, these birth infections result due to negligence on part of your health care professionals.
If human parvovirus B19 has led to health problems with your baby, you may be entitled to financial compensation.
For more information on fifth disease and other birth injury risks, check out the birth injury law firm of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.
C.
, today.