After almost three years of awareness and vigilance around Covid, we are all at (or near) our tolerance for more news about epidemics. When the WHO recently declared monkeypox outbreak as a public health emergency of global concern, many were numb to yet another viral concern.
Monkeypox, however, is worth monitoring – including in the pregnant population. A new meta-analysis from Europe assessed risk in pregnancy, to both mom and fetus. The review found no cases of maternal death, but a high risk of perinatal loss and vertical transmission (passing of virus from mother to fetus in utero). Only 33% of all fetuses of mothers presenting with symptoms and signs of monkeypox survived to birth.
The main pathway of transmission of monkeypox is through intimate, skin-to-skin contact. Men who have sex with men (MSM) are at greatest risk, though transmission is not exclusive to this group. In my clinic I will be flagging any pregnant woman presenting with lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph nodes) and vesiculopustular rash (small blisters, particularly when localised to the genital or perianal region), for further investigation and monitoring.
I hope you have found this helpful, and do let me know if you have any questions!
If you are hungry for more evidence-based information for your fertility or pregnancy journey, visit www.myhealthypregnancyplan.com for free webinars and complete programs.
And if you are a care-provider looking for evidence-based resources for your fertility or pregnancy patients, please get in touch with us at support@myhealthypregnancyplan.com, or visit www.myhealthypregnancyplan.com/ce-courses-for-naturopathic-doctors.
In health,
Dr Jocelyn Land-Murphy, ND
Terra Life
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References:
D’Antonio, F. et al. (2022). Monkeypox infection in pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology.