Zika while pregnant

Zika is an infection transmitted chiefly by certain mosquitoes; sexual transmission can also occur. In pregnancy, the virus may be passed to the fetus and may affect brain development. That is why clinicians look closely at exposure history, even when there has been no illness. A rash, fever, headache, joint aches and red eyes can occur with Zika, but these features also occur with other infections and do not confirm the cause.

Your care team may discuss the timing and location of travel, a partner's travel, and symptoms in either person. They can explain what testing is available and whether extra scans or specialist input suit your circumstances.

Call your obstetrician, midwife or GP after travel to a place with Zika transmission, a mosquito bite in such an area, or sex with an exposed partner. Keep a simple record of travel locations, return date, symptoms and dates of possible sexual exposure. Bring it to your review.

Until you have advice, focus on preventing mosquito bites and follow the pregnancy team's guidance on travel and sexual precautions. Check before using any over-the-counter medicine for fever or pain, as suitability depends on pregnancy and your medical history.

Contact a clinician promptly if you develop fever, rash, red eyes, headache or joint pain after possible exposure. Get urgent care for heavy bleeding, intense abdominal pain, collapse, breathing difficulty, sudden swelling of the face or tongue, or severe headache with neurological symptoms. These are urgent symptoms regardless of the underlying cause.

Ask what details of your exposure matter, whether a test can answer the question at this stage, and how results would change pregnancy follow-up. It may also help to ask about plans for upcoming trips and how your partner can reduce exposure risk.