Pregnancy warts: what to know

Warts are rough or smooth growths caused by certain types of human papillomavirus in the skin. Hormonal and immune changes during pregnancy may make an existing wart look larger or allow it to become more noticeable, but a changing growth is not automatically a wart. Genital growths need particular care because other conditions can resemble them and because treatment choices differ from those for a wart on a hand or foot. Avoid cutting, burning, or sharing files and towels.

Keep the area clean and covered if it catches on clothing, and wash hands after touching it. Do not start over-the-counter wart acids, freezing kits, or prescription creams without pregnancy-specific advice. A clinician may recommend observation or a procedure based on location, size, discomfort, and whether the diagnosis is certain. Possible clinic treatments include Cryotherapy (Lesion Removal), Electrosurgery, or Wart Removal; Imiquod Treatment is not a treatment to begin without explicit medical guidance.

Book an assessment for a growth that bleeds, ulcerates, becomes painful, changes quickly, spreads widely, or interferes with urination, walking, or sexual activity. Seek prompt review for a genital growth, a lesion with an uneven colour or border, or a growth that has not been diagnosed. Heavy bleeding, fever, or spreading redness needs urgent medical attention.

Ask whether the growth is definitely a wart, whether its location changes the plan, and which treatment is compatible with your pregnancy. Ask how to prevent spread at home and whether a partner or household contact needs assessment.