Ringworm is usually considered a harmless childhood disease. But what about ringworm during pregnancy? You can find all the information about this topic in this article!
Table of contents
What Is Ringworm?
Ringworm is one of the most common childhood diseases, along with scarlet fever, chickenpox, measles, and rubella. The trigger for this infection is parvovirus B19. In medical terminology, ringworm is also called “erythema infectiosum”.
This disease is considered one of the most common viral diseases worldwide. However, they have nothing to do with the equally widespread rubella, even if the name suggests that.
About three-quarters of the population is already ill with ringworm in childhood. If this is also the case with you, you are immune to a renewed infection. There is no vaccination against the viral disease.
What Are The Symptoms After Infection?
About two to five days after infection, a red rash on the cheeks usually becomes noticeable. A few days later, severe itching may also occur, which can extend over the entire body.
Often the itchy rash is accompanied by fever, fatigue, malaise, or joint inflammation. However, the intensity of the symptoms is different for each person. In some cases, it is even possible for affected individuals to have no symptoms of the disease at all.
How Can I Avoid Infection With Ringworm During Pregnancy?
Ringworm pathogens are transmitted by droplet infection. The virus can therefore be transmitted by sneezing, coughing, and talking, as well as from objects to which the pathogens can adhere.
Simple but effective: Avoid close contact with people who have contracted ringworm.
Suspected Of Having Ringworm During Pregnancy? What To Do?
If your doctor suspects that the highly contagious B19 virus is in your body, your pregnancy and your baby’s health should be monitored regularly.
Most doctors recommend that you have an ultrasound scan of your baby about once a week. The most important thing to look for is the first signs of anemia. Water retention is considered an indicator of this.
Ringworm In Pregnancy – Is There A Danger?
If a pregnant woman contracts ringworm during pregnancy, there is a risk that the virus can be transmitted to the unborn child. However, this also applies if you yourself do not suffer from any symptoms of the disease.
The contagious virus can also cause great harm to your unborn baby. How is this possible? The virus enters the bloodstream via the placenta. This can massively disturb the development of the child, as your baby is no longer supplied with sufficient oxygen and nutrients.
The reduced blood volume can cause fluid to leak from the blood vessels into cavities such as the chest. Generalized water retention can form due to these circumstances. In addition, cardiac output may be affected by the virus. In the worst case, this can lead to a miscarriage.
What Is The Course Of Treatment For My Baby?
If the first signs of anemia are detected during an examination, your doctor will take immediate action. In this case, your baby will receive blood units.
Your baby’s umbilical cord will be connected to an infusion with the help of a needle. In some cases, it is even necessary to connect the heart or a vein of the body directly to the infusion. This procedure is only done in a hospital or special facility.
For most mothers, this is not a nice idea. However, with the help of a blood transfusion, the worst can be prevented.
Facts And Figures: This Is How High The Danger To Your Baby Really Is
How high the danger depends on the phase of pregnancy in which you become infected with ringworm. Initial infection with the pathogen is usually worse if you contract the virus at the beginning of your pregnancy.
Ringworm In Pregnancy: When Is It Most Dangerous?
Basically, the earlier the worse. Ringworm infection is most dangerous up to the 20th week of pregnancy. In about 4 to 17% of pregnant women, damage to their baby could be detected. If the infection was not detected early enough or if appropriate measures were not initiated in time, a miscarriage can occur.
However, we can reassure you somewhat. Overall, the probability that you will contract ringworm during pregnancy is very low. It is estimated that two-thirds of all women are already immune to the ringworm pathogen.
Ringworm In Pregnancy – The Most Important Facts At A Glance
Infections during pregnancy can endanger your baby. This also applies to ringworm during pregnancy. In the worst case, it can end with premature birth or miscarriage. An infection with the ringworm pathogen is particularly dangerous up to the 20th week of pregnancy.
Since you can contract the ringworm virus through droplet infection, you should avoid close contact with infected persons. The virus can be spread by sneezing, coughing, or talking. Transmission of the pathogen via the blood is also possible.
Good To Know:
Approximately 7 to 21 days pass between infection and the appearance of the first signs of illness. This period is also known as the incubation period.
The risk of infection is highest when the affected person is not yet aware of the infection. As soon as the rash appears, the risk of infection is over. Even if the infection progresses without visible symptoms of illness, adults and children are still contagious.
Sources:
https://www.netdoktor.de/krankheiten/ringelroeteln/schwangerschaft/
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