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HPV in pregnancy is a sexually transmitted infection whose symptoms can be manifested during pregnancy due to hormonal changes, low immunity and increased vascularization in the region, which are typical of this period. Thus, if the woman has had contact with the virus, it is possible to check for the presence of genital warts that can be large or small, in addition to also varying in quantity according to the woman's general health.
Although not very common, the baby can be infected with HPV at the time of delivery, especially when the woman has large genital warts or in large quantities. If there is contamination, the baby may develop some warts in the eyes, mouth, larynx and genital region, however this is rare.
How to treat HPV in pregnancy
Treatment for HPV in pregnancy should be done until the 34th week of pregnancy, according to the guidance of the obstetrician, this is because it is important to promote the healing of warts before delivery to prevent transmission of the virus to the baby. Thus, the doctor may recommend:
- Application of trichloroacetic acid: serves to dissolve warts and should be done once a week, for 4 weeks;
- Electrocauterization: uses an electric current to remove isolated warts on the skin and, therefore, is done under local anesthesia;
- Cryotherapy: application of cold to freeze warts with liquid nitrogen, causing the lesion to fall within a few days.
These treatments can cause pain, which is generally tolerated, and must be done in the gynecologist's office, and the pregnant woman can return home without special care.
How is delivery in case of HPV
Normally, HPV is not a contraindication for normal childbirth, but when genital warts are very large, cesarean section or surgery to remove the warts may be indicated.
Although there is a risk that the mother will transmit the HPV virus to the baby during delivery, it is not common for the baby to become infected. However, when the baby becomes infected, he may have warts on his mouth, throat, eyes or genital area.
Risks of HPV in pregnancy
The risks of HPV in pregnancy are related to the fact that the mother can transmit the virus to the baby during delivery. However, this is not common and even if the baby contracts HPV at the time of delivery, in most cases, it does not manifest the disease. However, when the baby is infected, warts may develop on the oral, genital, ocular and laryngeal regions, which must be properly treated.
After the baby is born, it is advised that the woman be reexamined to check for the existence or not of the HPV virus and to continue treatment, if necessary. It is also important for the woman to know that postpartum HPV treatment does not prevent breastfeeding, as it does not pass into breast milk.
Signs of HPV improvement
The signs of improvement in HPV in pregnancy are the decrease in the size and number of warts, while the signs of worsening are the increase in the number of warts, their size and the affected regions, and it is recommended to consult the doctor to adjust the treatment.
See how HPV is curable.
Understand better and in a simple way what it is and how to treat this disease by watching the following video: