Fifths disease and pregnancy

[Suzie0224]

Some neighbor kids had fifths disease.  I am now 25 weeks pregnant.  I was tested 4 weeks ago and retested last week.  My numbers for parvovirus b19 have gone up from 6 to 7.5.  Anyone else ever deal with this???  I am to retest on Monday again to see if the numbers are changing
Does anyone know anything about fifths disease and pregnancy.  I can find stats on the internet but nothing really talked about what happens if the numbers are increasing.

[ArmyPrincess819]

I'm not sure. I hope you are able to get some answers. Have you talked with your dr or even his nurse about your concerns. I hope everything works out for you. Best wishes to you and your baby!

Hgus,
AP

[GRose]

I know that the risk is MUCH higher in the first trimester, once you are past 14 weeks there is little chance the the FD will effect the baby. As long as your OB knows what is going on and is monitoring you you should be fine. I'm sure you are scared but try and relax and trust that your doctor will take good care of you.

[jessbbg]

which "numbers" were they?  There are two types of tests for viruses---tests for actual copies of the virus (actual little virus cells, called copies), and tests for antibodies for the virus.

For most diseases, when someone is told they test positive for the virus, it is because they tested positive for specific antibodies to that virus.  

The thing about viruses is that with few exceptions, once they are in your body, they are ALWAYS in your body.  In general, your body defeats them and builds immunity, and you carry them around for the rest of your life.

So you need to ask your doctor which numbers and what he says they mean.  Ask your doctor "does this tell you I have an active infection, or does this tell you I have been exposed before to the virus and am now immune?"

Also, in case you weren't aware (most people aren't), the period of risk for contraction from a person with fifth disease is in the week or so leading up to when they present with the illness.  If they have developed the rash and fever, they are no longer contagious (we often forget that physical signs of being sick are our bodies defenses, not the illness itself).    

I hope that helps reassure you and at least arm you with questions for your doc.  I'm sure you've read all the stats from the cdc and whatnot about how low the risk is even if you were not immune and contract it during pregnancy, etc, so I won't restate all that and bore you even more...

[Suzie0224]

I saw that the contagious period is when there are no symptoms whatsoever - annoying : )I work with children at my daughters school and at a gymnastics program so who knows what kind of exposure I have had!  My dr. was surprised that the numbers went up so he ordered a 3rd test on Monday.  I called the dr. back to see if I should be concerned.  She said that when the 3rd test results come back, we should have a better idea of what to look for.  At worst, I get monitored more closely - like once a week.
We'll see...

[jessbbg]

Suzie---any news?  Prayin' for you and your baby :-)