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How do viruses get passed to unborn babies? Inside the womb, the blood supply of a mother and her foetus is linked. This means that not only do nutrients and oxygen pass to the baby, but so do both viruses and the antibodies to fight them. If you become infected with most viruses - such as flu and chickenpox - during pregnancy, then they can be passed to your baby. Depending on your own natural immunities, the stage of development of the foetus, and the type of virus, this can sometimes be nothing to worry about, or may potentially have more serious effects.   Article continues below advertisement   Certain treatments are available to help try to prevent viruses being passed to the baby. If a mother carrying the Hepatitis B virus has her baby immunised in the first few hours after birth, it may not develop the infection. Caesarean section or treatment with an antiviral medicine (aciclovir) may prevent the herpes simplex virus from being passed on to the baby of a pregnant woman who has genital herpes lesions. © Crown Copyright  (www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk 25/09/2007)     Risks and Health Concerns During Pregnancy  Alcohol and pregnancy  Smoking in pregnancy  Contact with animals during pregnancy  Rubella and HIV  Which viruses can harm an unborn baby?  more.... Travelling While Pregnant  How can I avoid food poisoning and diarrhoea when travelling?  Can I have vaccinations during pregnancy?  When is it safe to travel by plane?  more.... Pregnancy  Pregnant But Can't Poo?  Perineal massage  Top Tips for Relaxing During Pregnancy  The Usual Signs of Pregnancy  Glossary of Pregnancy Words  more.... Latest Forum Discussions Just can't wait now... back from scan Unengaged? Slightly concerned OMG - worst pain ever!! Only 1 week to go! decided  Dodge Journey  Unborn Babies Affected By Perfume  Babies Recognise Emotions At 4 Months  Read some Pregnancy Features here  Read the Latest Baby and Pregnancy News