Infection in pregnancy

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Congenital abnormalities

• Chickenpox

• Rubella

• Cytomegalovirus

Rubella and Chickenpox can only cause congenital abnormalities if they occur before 20 weeks of gestation.

 

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Missed abortion

• Chickenpox

• Rubella

• Cytomegalovirus

• Measles

• Parvovirus B 19

Infection with Rubella or Parvovirus after 20 weeks of gestation is not considered to cause serious problems.

 

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Investigation

From the mother- clotted blood for

CMV IgM,

Rubella IgM,

Measles IgM,

Parvovirus IgM or

Alternatively test for evidence of seroconversions from IgG negative status to positive status.

 

From the unborn or Newborn baby- clotted blood for IgM and/or blood in EDTA for PCR

 Virus can be isolated from urine, respiratory secretions or tissues.

 

 Appropriate tests for IUGR (PDF)