From the Research
Hand, foot, and mouth disease during pregnancy generally poses low risk to both the mother and fetus, with most cases resolving without complications within 7-10 days. The greatest concern is if the infection occurs very close to delivery, as there is a small risk of transmitting the virus to the newborn 1. However, serious complications for the pregnancy are rare, and there is no strong evidence linking hand, foot, and mouth disease to birth defects or miscarriage.
Key Considerations
- The disease is caused by human enteroviruses and coxsackieviruses, and is transmitted by fecal-oral, oral-oral, and respiratory droplet contact 2.
- Treatment focuses on symptom management with acetaminophen (Tylenol) for fever and pain, increased fluid intake, and saltwater gargles for sore throat.
- No specific antiviral medication is needed.
- Pregnant women should contact their healthcare provider if they suspect they have the infection, especially if they have high fever, difficulty swallowing, or dehydration.
- Prevention involves frequent handwashing, avoiding close contact with infected individuals, and disinfecting commonly touched surfaces.
Potential Complications
- In rare cases, patients may have neurologic or cardiopulmonary complications 2.
- Severe pseudomembranous conjunctivitis can occur, as reported in a case study of a pregnant woman with hand, foot, and mouth disease 1.
- However, these complications are rare, and the overall risk to the mother and fetus is low.
Recommendations
- Pregnant women with hand, foot, and mouth disease should be monitored for any signs of complications, such as high fever, difficulty swallowing, or dehydration.
- Healthcare providers should provide guidance on symptom management and prevention of transmission to the newborn.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the risks and complications of hand, foot, and mouth disease during pregnancy, but current evidence suggests that the risk is low 3.