Human parvovirus B19 is a virus responsible for slapped cheek syndrome, or Fifth disease.
The most obvious symptom is a rash on the face that looks like you have 'slapped cheeks'.
The Human Parvovirus B19 is most common in children. Infected people do not always show symptoms while they are contagious so it is difficult to avoid coming into contact with the virus.
It is estimated that 60% of adults have been infected with parvovirus B19 at some point in their lives, but haven't shown any symptoms. When you become infected, your body produces antibodies to fight off the disease. These antibodies remain in your body so you are immune to it for the rest of your life. It is extremely unlikely that you will catch it more than once.
If you catch parvovirus B19 in the first 20 weeks of your pregnancy, there is an increased risk of miscarriage. If you are infected in weeks 9-20, there is also a 3% risk that your baby will develop foetal hydrops. Although this is very rare, it is a serious condition which could lead to heart failure and anaemia.
There is no routine screening test for parvovirus B19 in pregnancy. However, the majority of pregnant women infected by parvovirus B19 go on to have healthy babies.
If you think you have come into contact with parvovirus B19 while you are pregnant you should see you GP immediately for a blood test to see if you are immune. If you have been infected but you are immune and your antibodies are reactivated, there is no increased risk of causing harm to your baby.
If you test positive for parvovirus B19 in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy, you will have ultrasound scans throughout your pregnancy to monitor your baby. There is a chance your baby will develop foetal hydrops (abnormal fluid in the development of the baby) and they may need a blood transfusion to improve their chances of survival.
May 2011 | 
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