Zika Virus & Pregnancy: When Aren't Mosquitoes A-holes?

We already had plenty of reasons to hate mosquitoes, but now we have Zika virus to worry about, especially if you're pregnant or planning to be. So let's talk about what you need to know.

What's the Big Deal About Zika, Anyway?

We've known about this mosquito-borne party pooper since the 1950s. For your average person, Zika causes symptoms like fever, rash, joint pain, and red eyes – basically a bad week that you'll get over. But for pregnant women? That's where things get serious.

Zika can cause microcephaly in babies – that's when a baby's brain stops developing properly, resulting in an abnormally small head. And unfortunately, the first trimester seems to be the most dicey time for exposure.

Frequency and Timing of Birth Defects

Here are some stats:

Not every fetus exposed to Zika will develop birth defects, but the risk is significantly increased.
Estimates suggest about 5 - 15% of infants born to women infected with Zika during pregnancy show Zika-related complications.
The risk is highest if infection occurs during the first or second trimester of pregnancy.

Symptoms of Zika Virus Infection

The extra-frustrating thing about Zika is:

Most adults infected with Zika have mild symptoms or none at all.
Common symptoms include fever, rash, joint pain, and red, itchy eyes.
Because symptoms are often absent, pregnant women may not even realize they are infected.

How This Virus Spreads

Mosquito bites (of course)
Sex (it can be sexually transmitted – vaginal, anal, or oral)
From mom to baby during pregnancy
Blood (rarely through transfusions)

There's currently no vaccine. So avoiding those virus-carrying mosquitoes is your best defense.

Where These Jerks Are Hanging Out

Zika has basically gone on a world tour, showing up in:

Africa
Asia
The Caribbean
Central America
North America
South America
Pacific Islands

The CDC has issued a Level 2 warning for many popular vacation destinations, including:

The Caribbean: Practically everywhere you'd want to go for a beach vacation – Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Barbados, Aruba...

Central America: Costa Rica, Belize, Panama, Guatemala, Honduras...

Mexico: Yes, the entire country.

South America: Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, Peru...

And for those wondering what a "Level 2 warning" means, here's the unofficial translation:

Level 1: Don't be stupid while traveling.
Level 2: There are some sketchy health risks here, so maybe reconsider if you're pregnant.
Level 3: Seriously, don't go unless you enjoy being featured in cautionary news stories.

How to Protect Yourself If You Travel (or Live in a Zika Area)

Cover up: Long sleeves and pants, always a winner in sunny locations. Bleh.
Slather on bug spray: Use EPA-registered repellents that are pregnancy-safe (containing DEET, picaridin, or IR3535).
Stay indoors: Preferably somewhere with air conditioning and window screens.
Eliminate standing water: No mosquito nurseries in your flower pots, please.
Practice safe sex: Use condoms during pregnancy if your partner has been to a Zika area, or abstain altogether.

When to Call Your Doctor

If you or your partner traveled to a Zika-infested area
If you develop symptoms like fever, rash, joint pain, or red eyes

Your doctor might recommend testing if you have symptoms or if an ultrasound shows potential issues.

The Bottom Line

The best way to protect your baby from Zika is to avoid getting infected in the first place, especially during the first trimester. Yeah, I know, super helpful advice. But at least this gives you a bit of background and one more reason to hate mosquitoes.

Also check out: Can I Fly While Pregnant?