Zika Virus: Information for Pregnant Women
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.
Zika virus is carried by mosquitos. The virus is spread to a human through the bite of an infected mosquito. The virus may also be passed from one person to another through sex. Zika virus may be passed from a mother to her unborn baby. This may cause birth defects such as poor brain development. It may also cause pregnancy loss. There is currently no vaccine to prevent Zika virus infection.
DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Call your doctor if:
- You think you have been exposed to Zika virus.
- You have symptoms of Zika virus.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Prevent mosquito bites:
Do not travel to areas where Zika virus is common. Ask your healthcare provider where it is safe to travel. Prevent mosquito bites to help decrease your risk for Zika virus infection:
- Apply insect repellent. Ask your healthcare provider which insect repellent is right for you. Most insect repellents are safe to use during pregnancy. Follow directions on the insect repellent container. The following is a list of tips for insect repellent use:
- Do not apply insect repellent to skin under clothing.
- Apply sunscreen before you apply insect repellent.
- Wear insect repellent any time you plan to be outside. Wear insect repellent at all times if you travel or live in a high-risk area. Reapply insect repellent as directed.
- Apply insect repellent every day for 3 weeks after you travel to high-risk areas.
- Wear a long-sleeved shirt and pants. This will protect your skin from mosquito bites.
- Use screens and nets. Use a mosquito net around your bed. When you travel, choose a place to stay with screens on all windows and doors. Place screens over windows and doors in your home. Fix holes or tears in screens and nets, or buy new screens and nets.
- Keep doors and windows closed. If possible, use air conditioning to cool your home.
- Apply insect repellent to clothing and gear. This includes boots, pants, socks, and tents. Do this when you camp, hike, or work outside. You can also buy clothing and gear that comes with insect repellent already on it.
- Clean and empty containers of water once a week. Examples are animal bowls, buckets of water, gutters, flower vases, and bird baths. Mosquitoes lay eggs near water. Empty the water and scrub these containers with soap and water. Keep water containers covered with a tight-fitting lid, when possible.
- Use insect sprays inside and outside of your home. Use an insect spray that is safe to use inside of your home. Place a device that sprays mosquitoes outside of your home. Place it in a dark, cool, area. Ask your healthcare provider where to buy these items. Follow directions that come with these products.
Practice safe sex during pregnancy:
The following will decrease your risk for Zika virus. It will also decrease the risk that you will pass Zika virus to your baby.
- Do not have sex with a man or a woman who is infected with Zika virus while you are pregnant. Do not have sex with a man or a woman who has been exposed to Zika virus while you are pregnant. Your partner may be at risk for exposure if he or she has traveled to an area with Zika infection. Sex includes oral, vaginal, and anal sex.
- If you choose to have sex during pregnancy, use a condom or latex barrier every time you have sex. Use protection for all types of sexual contact with a man or woman. This includes oral, vaginal, and anal sex. Use a new condom or latex barrier each time you have sex. Make sure that the condom fits and is put on correctly. If you are allergic to latex, use a nonlatex product such as polyurethane.
For the most up-to-date information on Zika virus:
Knowledge about the Zika virus is changing quickly. Get the most up-to-date information at:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Information on Zika Virus
1600 Clifton Road
Atlanta , GA 30329
Phone: 1- 800 - 232-4636
Web Address: http://www.cdc.gov/zika/index.html
Follow up with your doctor as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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