Pregnancy is a time when a woman's body is more vulnerable due to a weakened immune system, which increases the risk of illness and can also affect the fetus. Contracting mumps during pregnancy may lead to serious complications.
1. How dangerous is mumps for pregnant women?
In general, mumps is relatively mild and rarely causes serious complications if treated and managed promptly and appropriately. However, in pregnant women, contracting mumps poses greater risks to both maternal and fetal health.
Contracting mumps at any stage of pregnancy poses significant risks to the health and survival of the fetus.
If a woman contracts mumps in the first trimester, there is an increased risk of fetal malformation or miscarriage. If contracted in the third trimester, it raises the risk of stillbirth or premature delivery.
The immune system of pregnant women is generally weaker, so when they contract mumps, the symptoms tend to progress more rapidly and become more severe compared to non-pregnant individuals.
After contracting the virus, pregnant women may initially experience high fever (39–40°C), headache, fatigue, sore throat, and swollen tonsils. Notably, chewing and swallowing become difficult, with one or both cheeks may swell.
There is currently no research to suggest that the mumps virus is teratogenic, meaning it causes changes in the fetus. However, a few cases (rare) have reported newborns with mothers who had mumps during pregnancy had congenital parotitis.
2. How to prevent mumps in pregnant women
Pregnant women with symptoms of fever accompanied by swelling of the jaw should go to the doctor immediately to determine exactly whether they have mumps or another disease. The doctor will help reduce uncomfortable symptoms such as fever, cough, and swollen jaw for the mother.
To ensure the safety of both mother and baby, after the symptoms have subsided, the mother should have regular check-ups at weeks 12, 22, 32,... as prescribed by the doctor to screen for the disease and any potential complications caused by the disease.
In fact, many pregnant women who contract mumps quickly think abortion due to concerns about birth defects. However, there is currently no indication of pregnancy termination due to mumps, but it is still advisable to be cautious and closely monitored by medical specialists.
Even after recovering from mumps, pregnant women should continue regular prenatal check-ups to monitor the normal development of the fetus and identify any potential complications. Implementing proper prenatal screening measures will help detect risks that may negatively impact the fetus.
Pregnant women who contract mumps can still have a healthy baby if properly monitored and treated, so there is no need for excessive worry.
To prevent mumps during pregnancy, health experts recommend getting vaccinated when planning to get pregnant. It is not advisable to get the mumps vaccine while pregnant, as the vaccine contains live viruses that can potentially harm the fetus when the mother’s immune system is weak.
Pregnant women with symptoms of fever accompanied by swelling of the jaw should go to the doctor immediately to determine exactly whether they have mumps or another disease. The doctor will help reduce uncomfortable symptoms such as fever, cough, and swollen jaw for the mother.
To ensure the safety of both mother and baby, after the symptoms have subsided, the mother should have regular check-ups at weeks 12, 22, 32,... as prescribed by the doctor to screen for the disease and any potential complications caused by the disease.
In fact, many pregnant women who contract mumps quickly think abortion due to concerns about birth defects. However, there is currently no indication of pregnancy termination due to mumps, but it is still advisable to be cautious and closely monitored by medical specialists.
Even after recovering from mumps, pregnant women should continue regular prenatal check-ups to monitor the normal development of the fetus and identify any potential complications. Implementing proper prenatal screening measures will help detect risks that may negatively impact the fetus.
Pregnant women who contract mumps can still have a healthy baby if properly monitored and treated, so there is no need for excessive worry.
To prevent mumps during pregnancy, health experts recommend getting vaccinated when planning to get pregnant. It is not advisable to get the mumps vaccine while pregnant, as the vaccine contains live viruses that can potentially harm the fetus when the mother’s immune system is weak.
In addition, when contracting mumps during pregnancy, pregnant women should not use medication on their own, especially antibiotics. Pregnant women need to go for examination and treatment according to the doctor's regimen and use medication as prescribed. This will both help early recovery and be safe for the fetus.
In addition to proactively getting vaccinated, pregnant women also need to limit contact with people who are infected or suspected of contracting mumps as well as other infectious diseases.
To arrange an appointment, please call HOTLINE or make your reservation directly HERE. You may also download the MyVinmec app to schedule appointments faster and manage your reservations more conveniently.
