Mumps during pregnancy: what to know

Mumps is a contagious viral infection that often causes painful swelling near the cheeks or jaw. A person may also have fever, headache, tiredness, reduced appetite or discomfort when chewing. A pregnant person with these symptoms may need assessment to distinguish mumps from other infections and to discuss pregnancy-specific care.

Contact with someone who has mumps does not prove that you have it. Symptoms can take time to appear, and some people have mild illness. Avoid close contact while seeking advice, especially with people who are pregnant, very young or medically vulnerable.

Call a GP or maternity team before attending in person so the service can reduce exposure to others. Rest, drink fluids, and choose soft foods if chewing is uncomfortable. Use only medicines that your pregnancy clinician or pharmacist has confirmed are appropriate; do not start leftover antibiotics, because antibiotics do not treat a viral infection.

Do not arrange an MMR vaccination during pregnancy. Ask your clinician to check your vaccination history and explain planning after pregnancy. A household contact can seek advice about MMR vaccination separately.

Seek urgent medical help for severe headache, neck stiffness, confusion, fainting, breathing difficulty, inability to keep fluids down, severe abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, or reduced fetal movement later in pregnancy. Contact your maternity team promptly if fever continues or you feel significantly unwell.

Ask whether testing is needed, how long to avoid close contact, which fever or pain medicine is suitable for you, and whether your maternity team should monitor you or the pregnancy.