Urgent monkeypox warning for pregnant women and new mums
Louisa Sherlock
Contributing EditorBabies and children are more at risk of getting seriously ill from the virus.
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Pregnant women will be advised to have a caesarean section if they test positive for monkeypox, according to new advice issued this week.
The guidelines, published in the Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynaecology journal, also recommends new mums should avoid breastfeeding their baby if they have the virus.
The new advice comes as the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) revealed the number of cases of monkeypox in the UK has now risen to 321. While the figure is low, experts are calling for people to be vigilant and look out for any unusual rashes.
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Early signs of monkeypox include a temperature, headache, muscle aches and swollen glands. This is followed by a rash which looks similar to chickenpox.
The symptoms usually clear up in a few weeks and cases are mostly mild.
However the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) and the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health – who both contributed to the guidelines – warn monkeypox is more severe in children.
It can also be more dangerous in pregnant women and people with weak immune systems.
The new advice aims to stop babies being infected with monkeypox during birth and after they’re born. It states:
‘The virus can be transmitted via contact with open monkeypox lesions. Given that infants appear to be at the greatest risk of severe monkeypox infection, if lesions are identified, a Caesarean section should be recommended.
'Even if genital lesions cannot be identified in a woman with confirmed or likely monkeypox infection, Caesarean section should be offered.’
Dr Edward Morris, president of RCOG, says:
‘The World Health Organisation states there could be adverse consequences for pregnant women and babies if they become infected including congenital monkeypox, miscarriage or stillbirth, which is why we have provided clear guidance for healthcare professionals in this paper.
‘We are aware infants and children are at greater risk of becoming seriously ill if they do catch monkeypox.
‘Therefore to minimise the risk of a baby contracting the virus, we recommend healthcare professionals discuss the benefits and risks of having a caesarean birth with a pregnant woman or person who has or is suspected of having the virus.’
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