Zika and pregnancy by trimester

Zika virus can pass from a pregnant person to the developing baby. Infection in pregnancy has been linked with differences affecting brain development and other parts of the body. The concern is not limited to one stage of pregnancy, so an exposure should be discussed whether it happened early, midway through pregnancy, or close to delivery.

Many people with Zika do not notice symptoms. A lack of fever, rash, joint pain, or red eyes cannot by itself settle whether an exposure occurred. Your clinician will consider where you travelled, mosquito bites, sexual exposure, symptoms, and the timing of each event.

Contact your maternity team or a clinician promptly and write down travel dates, destinations, symptoms, and possible sexual exposure. Bring details of any previous Zika testing. They can explain whether testing or pregnancy monitoring is appropriate for your individual situation.

Until you have had tailored advice, avoid further travel to places with Zika transmission when possible and use measures that reduce mosquito bites. Discuss barrier protection and travel plans with your clinician, because sexual transmission can be relevant in pregnancy.

Seek urgent medical care for heavy vaginal bleeding, severe abdominal pain, fainting, severe headache, trouble breathing, confusion, or a sudden change in your wellbeing. These symptoms need assessment in pregnancy regardless of whether Zika is suspected.

Arrange non-emergency medical advice promptly after a possible Zika exposure, particularly if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy.

Ask how the dates of travel or sexual exposure relate to your pregnancy, whether testing can answer your question at this point, and what follow-up monitoring may be useful. Also ask which mosquito-bite precautions and sexual-health precautions fit your plans.