From the Guidelines
Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) during pregnancy is generally not dangerous for pregnant women, though it can cause uncomfortable symptoms. The main concern is if the infection occurs shortly before delivery, as there is a small risk of transmitting the virus to the newborn. Treatment focuses on symptom management with acetaminophen (Tylenol) for pain and fever (follow package dosing instructions), staying hydrated, and using saltwater gargles for mouth sores. Most pregnant women recover completely within 7-10 days without complications. The virus rarely causes serious problems for the developing baby, with no established link to birth defects. If you're pregnant with HFMD, contact your healthcare provider, rest, maintain good hygiene to prevent spreading the infection, and avoid close contact with others, especially children. HFMD is caused by enteroviruses (commonly Coxsackievirus A16 or Enterovirus 71) that spread through respiratory droplets or contact with infected fluids, and pregnant women have no increased susceptibility compared to non-pregnant individuals, as seen in other viral infections such as covid-19, where data do not show increased risk of miscarriage, early pregnancy loss, or teratogenicity 1. Some key points to consider include:
- The infection is self-limiting and typically resolves on its own
- Supportive care is the mainstay of treatment
- Prevention of transmission to others is crucial, especially in the perinatal period
- There is no specific antiviral treatment for HFMD, and management is focused on alleviating symptoms. It's essential to note that while the provided study 1 discusses covid-19 and pregnancy, the general principles of viral infections during pregnancy can be applied to HFMD, emphasizing the importance of symptom management and prevention of transmission.
From the Research
Hand Foot Mouth Disease in Pregnant Women
- The provided studies do not specifically address the severity of hand foot mouth disease in pregnant women 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- However, it is known that hand foot mouth disease is caused by human enteroviruses and coxsackieviruses, and is commonly seen in patients younger than 10 years 2.
- The disease is transmitted by fecal-oral, oral-oral, and respiratory droplet contact, and patients present with a low-grade fever, a maculopapular or papulovesicular rash on the hands and soles of the feet, and painful oral ulcerations 2.
- In rare cases, patients may have neurologic or cardiopulmonary complications, but the studies do not mention any specific risks associated with pregnant women 2.
- Treatment for hand foot mouth disease is supportive and directed toward hydration and pain relief as needed with acetaminophen or ibuprofen, and antiviral treatment is not available 2.
- Some studies suggest that acyclovir may be beneficial in treating hand foot mouth disease, but this is not specifically related to pregnant women 5, 6.