HPV, or human papillomavirus, is a sexually transmitted infection that can cause genital warts or precancerous cell changes, depending on the particular strain of the virus. While the body can often keep the virus well controlled, during pregnancy, changes in the immune system sometimes cause a flareup.
Blockage
On occasion, warts in the vaginal canal can grow so large that a vaginal birth is not feasible. A cesarean section can then be scheduled for the delivery.
Delivery
If there are small warts in the vagina when the baby is due, a vaginal delivery can still be performed. However, there is a 0.04 percent chance that the baby will catch HPV during the delivery, in which case the baby could get a condition called laryngeal papillomatosis. If caught early, it can be easily treated and can go into full remission.
Treatment
Genital warts can be treated during pregnancy. Doctors often prefer to remove warts surgically during pregnancy rather than using other methods. The fear is that topical treatments or freezing off the warts could increase the likelihood of a miscarriage.
Precancerous Cells
Some strains of HPV cause precancerous changes to cells, particularly on the cervix, and can eventually lead to cancer. If you've had a history of HPV, it's important to let your doctor know, because hormonal and immune factors can cause the tissue to change more quickly during pregnancy.
Reassurance
It's best to be concerned but not worry. The majority of HPV cases during pregnancy result in no harm to the mother or child.
Tags: during pregnancy