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What is Fifth's Disease and how does it affect me if I am pregnant?
Fifth's disease is a virus that often affects children in the form of a rash on the cheeks that looks like they have been slapped in the face. It also consists of a "lace-like" rash that spreads down the arm and legs. It can cause flu-like symptoms and a low grade fever.
There is no treatment for this because, as my pediatrician told me, it is harmless in children and is just one of those childhood hurdles that they all must leap. He was more concerned with me when treating my daughter because of the implications for pregnant moms.
If you are in your first trimester and you know you have been exposed you must seek treatment immediately as it can be fatal for the fetus at that time. Luckily, I am in my third trimester and I only had to submit to a small amount of blood being drawn for testing. Most women have been exposed and carry the antibodies needed to fight it off during pregnancy. Only about 30% of women who do test positive pass it to the baby.
If you are farther along, like myself then you will be required to see your doctor more often and have a few more sonograms to monitor the baby and make sure that the virus has not affected his organs or his growth.
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