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938326 tn?1300878804

fifths disease and pregnancy

Hi,
I am freaking out, my baby has a rash consistent with fifths....slapped cheak and rash on her legs. I am 27 weeks pregnant. I see the dr. tomorrow but until then can anyone put my mind at ease?
She started symptoms of the rash last tuesday. Also there was cases of it at my childrens school
3 Responses
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1454858 tn?1306784378
My daughter had that a few years ago.

I'm sorry to say that I don't know how or if it can affect your unborn.  I would think probablly like chicken pox????  Fifths disease is a viral infection.

I would think that you may be more prone to infection & flu like stuff, but thats prob it.  Watch yourself & your child for fever.  This may last for about 2 weeks.  It can can "go away"  and then "re-appear" a few days later.  

My sisters had chicken pox when my mom was pregnant with me & I NEVER got them.  I told my doc this because I am pregnant again, but we cannot be vaccanated against these illnesses, because the vaccine is a live virus.  I'm now 33 yrs old.  Maybe I had them in the womb.
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1454858 tn?1306784378
oh, let us know what the doc says!
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598319 tn?1282102140
I have the same concern, my daughter has a rash consistent with Fifths and I am 8 weeks pregnant.  I've been trying to gather info and this has made me feel a little better:  

1) 60% of adults are immune to Fifths because of exposure in childhood.
2) Only a small fraction of fetuses exposed to Fifths will become infected.
3) Only 2-9% of THAT small fraction will suffer serious complications or die from it.  (this is from March of Dimes)

So yes, there is a risk, but it's a very very small one.  You definitely need to let your doc know you've been exposed so if you do end up getting sick, he can monitor your baby closely for signs of anemia.  And maybe ask your mom is she remembers you ever having Fifths/Slapped Cheek disease!
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