Pregnancy brings great joy, but it also raises concerns about immunity and health. A recent concern is a respiratory virus called Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV). This virus causes cold-like symptoms in people, but can also cause severe complications in vulnerable people, including expectant mothers. Pregnant women should understand their symptoms, risks and take necessary precautions to ensure the baby and the mother are safe. Continue reading to know everything about HMPV and HMPV during pregnancy
HMPV (Human metapneumovirus) is a virus that affects the respiratory system and was identified by Dutch researchers in 2001. Despite it being a recent discovery, the virus may have existed for decades. It is part of the Pneumoviridae family, which includes RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) and other such respiratory pathogens. HMPV affects individuals of all age groups; however, it severely affects certain groups, like the elderly, expectant mothers, etc.
This respiratory virus spreads like other viruses through respiratory droplets when an infected individual sneezes or coughs. It can remain on the surface for a short time, so hand hygiene is essential to stop transmission. The incubation period of this virus is 3-6 days, during which the individual may show no signs of it but may be contagious. So containing it is challenging, especially in crowded places.
As mentioned earlier, HMPV affects people of all ages, but it presents a higher risk to
Pregnant women: It affects the mother’s health and fetal development. Expectant mothers with HMPV are at a greater risk of complications.
Young children: Mainly toddlers and infants
Older adults: Especially those people over the age of 65
Immunocompromised: Those with weak immunity or chronic conditions
HMPV is a respiratory virus, and its symptoms are similar to those of any other respiratory illness, making diagnosis challenging. Common signs of HMPV are:
● Nasal congestion
● Sore throat
● Fever
● Cough
● Shortness of breath
For most people, the symptoms resolve in a week or two if they are mild. But in some severe cases, especially those in at-risk people, it may cause:
Bronchitis: It is an inflammation of the larger airways that leads to a persistent cough and mucus
Bronchiolitis: Characterised by inflammation of the small airways seen in young children, especially infants
Asthma: Increase in existing respiratory illness
Pneumonia: A life-threatening lung infection
Ear infections: Typically seen in children, caused by secondary bacterial infections.
The duration and severity of the symptoms depend on the immunity, overall health and age. Most people recover with no intervention, but are at a higher risk if they have preexisting lung issues. HMPV typically prevails during the cold season of winter or early spring, in line with the seasons of other respiratory illnesses. It is similar to RSV and influenza, but the virus is more dangerous for pregnant women, the elderly, young children and people with a weak immunity.
HMPV poses risks to expectant mothers, who are at a high-risk group due to their suppressed immunity. Pregnancy involves many physiological changes, such as respiratory system adaptations, altered immune functioning, which make the mother and the baby vulnerable to infections.
To protect the growing fetus, certain immune responses of the mother are suppressed during pregnancy. This modulation makes them more prone to infections like HMPV. Knowing the HMPV early pregnancy risks, symptoms, and preventive measures helps reduce the effects. The virus is typically mild, but there can be increased complications because of the physiological demands of pregnancy.
HMPV symptoms during pregnancy are the same as other people, but careful observation is needed, as it can turn into complications. The disease onset involves cold, fever, nasal congestion, cough, wheezing and shortness of breath. These can worsen to lead to complications like:
Respiratory Distress: Severe HMPV can lead to pneumonia or bronchitis, causing respiratory distress. Expectant mothers who have reduced lung capacity find it more challenging to manage symptoms.
Preterm Labour: HMPV infection is associated with a higher risk of preterm labour. HMPV may cause inflammation that could lead to early labour.
Low birth weight: Infections in pregnant women may affect fetal development, potentially causing low fetal birth weight.
Hypoxia: Severe HMPV infections may decrease oxygen levels in the expectant mother, in turn affecting fetal oxygen levels, potentially causing complications.
There is no specific treatment for HMPV, and management primarily focuses on reducing symptoms. Some recommended treatments are:
● OTC medications for pain relief and reducing fever. To improve breathing and ease congestion, saline sprays and nasal decongestants can be used
● Oxygen therapy for severe breathing issues.
● Use room humidifiers to soothe inflamed airways and to add moisture.
● Antibiotics for secondary infections, like ear infections
● Bronchodilators are used to reduce shortness of breath or wheezing by opening the airways.
● Stay hydrated and take rest to recover.
There is no HMPV vaccine; however, taking influenza and other vaccines protects against respiratory issues. If you have respiratory symptoms when pregnant, consult your doctor as early intervention prevents complications:
● Have a fever that does not respond to medicines
● Persistent chest pain or cough
● Decreased fetal movement
● Breathing issues
● Washing your hands often for 20 seconds with soap is a safe way to prevent the spread of HMPV.
● To avoid infection from a contaminated surface, avoid touching your nose, eyes or mouth with unwashed hands.
● Regularly sterilise frequently used surfaces.
Consume a well-balanced diet that includes fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains and lean protein. Rest is also important for immune function, so take adequate rest. Do pregnancy-safe exercises to stay active. Lastly, hydrate properly as it boosts overall health.
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your elbow while sneezing or coughing to prevent droplets from spreading. Wear a mask in poorly ventilated or crowded places, especially in peak illness seasons. Stay away from congested areas and maintain a safe distance from those who are ill to prevent transmission. Stay home when sick to stop infecting at-risk individuals.
Ensure that your house has good ventilation by opening windows. Install air purifiers to reduce airborne viruses.
There are no specific vaccinations for the HMPV virus during pregnancy. However, stay updated on pneumococcal and influenza vaccines to reduce respiratory infections.
HMPV is typically mild, but during pregnancy, proper attention is needed due to its potential for creating complications for the mother and the baby. By following a healthy lifestyle, adopting preventive measures, and getting early medical intervention, expectant mothers can reduce risks.