Pregnancy is a vulnerable time for women when it comes to infections and illnesses. By nature, a woman’s immune system is weakened during her pregnancy, so that it doesn’t attack the baby mistaking it to be a threat to the body. This makes her prone to infections like HMPV. While HMPV is not a new virus, one needs to know what symptoms to watch out for and when to call the doctor so that it does not affect the baby or the mother.
Human Metapneumovirus is a virus that causes severe respiratory issues. It affects the lower respiratory tract, mainly in children, as their immunity is low. It can also affect pregnant women due to their suppressed immunity.
The HMPV symptoms are very similar to the common cold - runny nose, sore throat, cough or even wheezing and can be easily mistaken for a harmless cold. In many cases, the infection can be mild and may not cause much harm. However, for children, elderly people and pregnant women whose immune systems are weak, the HMPV can have a severe impact.
HMPVs are more common during the winter and early spring seasons when the weather is cold. The impact of the infection can be severe the first time. Repeated infections may have just a mild impact as the immune system knows how to fight the virus.
There is not enough data on HMPV during pregnancy. Some common symptoms of HMPV during pregnancy are:
There is no specific treatment for HMPV during pregnancy. The doctors will try to treat and manage the symptoms while closely monitoring the baby. Some common treatments doctors can follow are:
Rest – The first advice would be to rest well. An infection such as the HMPV can be very tiring, especially during pregnancy. Getting enough rest can also help you recover faster.
Hydrate – Drinking plenty of fluids and staying hydrated can help the immune system fight more efficiently. Drinking water can also help regulate body temperature and prevent the fever from getting worse.
Oxygen Therapy – In case of breathing difficulty or severe infection, oxygen support may be necessary
Medications – All medications are not safe during pregnancy. So, doctors may not prescribe any strong medications unless really necessary. Oral steroids may be given in case of severe inflammation. Medications will vary according to the severity of the infection.
Inhalers – Doctors may prescribe inhalers temporarily to help with wheezing or breathing difficulties. This may again be a mild dose that is pregnancy-safe.
Hospitalisation – If the infection is severe and may cause complications, doctors prefer hospitalisation and close monitoring of both mother and baby. This can help them modify treatment according to the patient’s reaction and progress.
Pregnant women are prone to various infections, including HMPV, due to their compromised immune systems. If a pregnant woman contracts the HMPV, it can lead to the following complications:
Respiratory Illness - HMPV can cause severe respiratory illness. It can affect both upper and lower respiratory tract. Severe HMPV infection can cause severe lower respiratory tract issues.
Small Baby – HMPV during pregnancy can affect the developing fetus and result in the birth of a baby small for the gestational age.
Response to Medication – The HMPV infection may not respond well to vaccines, anti-influenza medications, or even antibiotics.
Worsen Health Issues – Other underlying or existing health issues can worsen due to the HMPV infection, thus making it harder for pregnant women to recover well from it.
Increased Duration – Pregnant women can suffer longer from HMPV symptoms when compared to post-partum or non-pregnant women.
During pregnancy, it is necessary to call the doctor or rush to the hospital in case of the following symptoms:
During pregnancy, it is better to avoid infections than to treat them. The following tips can help keep HMPV and other infections at bay during pregnancy:
Despite advanced technology and methods to study viruses and their impacts, there is not much data on the impact of HMPV during pregnancy or the effect on the fetus. Early detection and timely intervention can drastically reduce the severity of the infection in pregnant women and reduce the risks of affecting the baby.
