Mumps and pregnancy: what should you know?

Mumps is a viral infection that can cause swelling near the cheeks or jaw, fever, headache and tiredness. Pregnancy makes it especially useful to confirm the illness and review your general health rather than relying on symptoms alone. A fever or swollen glands may have several causes, and the presence of either does not by itself prove mumps.

Tell the clinician how far along the pregnancy is, when symptoms or contact began, whether you have had MMR vaccination, and whether you have other conditions or take medicines. Do not start a new medicine or arrange vaccination without pregnancy-specific advice.

Call your GP, midwife or maternity team before attending in person and explain that mumps is possible. Rest, drink fluids and monitor your temperature. Avoid close contact, shared cups and utensils, especially with infants and people who may be pregnant. Use only fever or pain treatments approved for you by your maternity team or pharmacist. If you have been exposed but feel well, still report the contact so your care team can advise you.

Seek prompt advice for jaw swelling, fever, severe headache, persistent vomiting or reduced fluid intake. Get urgent help for difficulty breathing, confusion, a seizure, severe abdominal pain, fainting or signs of dehydration. Contact your maternity service urgently for concerns about fetal movement, vaginal bleeding, fluid loss or contractions, following their local instructions.

Ask whether you need examination or testing, how to control fever safely in pregnancy, how long to limit contact with others, and whether your vaccination history changes follow-up after exposure.