Dealing with Mpox during pregnancy: How to reduce risk and stay healthy

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently declared Mpox a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC). This decision has been taken due to the increasing number of cases in Africa. However, Indian health officials report that the risk of a large-scale outbreak of Mpox within the country is very low. The last case of Mpox was reported in March 2024 in Kerala.


Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a rare and contagious disease that can pose risks to pregnant women and their babies. It is a viral infection that can cause symptoms such as skin lesions, fever, and swollen lymph nodes and can affect the pregnant mother due to weak immunity. This infection can also affect the fetus, increasing the risk of miscarriage, premature delivery, or congenital malformations in the baby. Therefore, pregnant women need to take precautions and protect themselves from Mpox.




Symptoms of MonkeypoxThe symptoms of monkeypox are similar to flu but also include skin rashes and swelling. The main symptoms in pregnant women can be as follows:


● Fever: Sudden high fever is one of the common symptoms of Mpox.
● Body rash: The rash starts on the face and can spread to other parts of the body and form blisters.
● Fatigue: Feeling extremely tired and weak.
● Headaches: Persistent headaches start a few days after exposure to Mpox.
● Muscle and joint pain: Muscle pain and stiffness.
● Swollen lymph nodes: Especially around the neck, armpits, and thighs.


These symptoms of monkeypox usually appear within 7 to 14 days, and the rash gradually dries up and turns into a scab.


Preventive measuresPregnant women should follow the following precautions to prevent Mpox:
● Avoiding crowded places, where contact with infected individuals may occur.
● Taking care of personal hygiene, especially regular washing of hands.
● Wearing a mask and maintaining social distance is extremely important.
● Avoid contact with any animals, especially animals that may be carriers of this virus.



Medical consultation and vaccinationIf a pregnant woman shows symptoms of Mpox, she should immediately contact her doctor. Identification of infection at an early stage and proper treatment can avoid serious consequences. According to the advice of the doctor, vaccination can also protect in some cases, based on the health condition of the pregnant woman.


Mpox is a very serious disease that can harm a person in many ways, once it occurs. Awareness as well as precautions are very important to deal with Mpox during pregnancy. Dealing with a disease like Mpox during pregnancy can cause mental stress. Therefore, support from family and friends is important. Also, yoga, meditation, and positive thinking should be adopted to maintain mental health. By following the advice of doctors, pregnant women can protect themselves and their baby's health.

(Dr. Vanitha Vaishnav, MBBS, MS,OBGYN, Apollo Cradle & Children’s Hospital, Bangalore)
Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Valentine's day wishes, messages and quotes !