Can Hand Foot And Mouth Affect Pregnancy? Key Facts

Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common viral illness that mostly affects young children. If you are pregnant and have a child in daycare or school, you may be worried about catching it. The short answer is that pregnant women can get HFMD, but serious complications for the mother or baby are rare. Most cases are mild and pass within a week or two.

What Is Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease?

HFMD is a viral infection caused most often by coxsackievirus A16 or enterovirus 71. It is not the same as foot-and-mouth disease, which affects livestock and is caused by a different virus entirely. HFMD is a human illness.

The infection causes sores in the mouth and a rash on the hands, feet, and sometimes the buttocks. It spreads through close contact with saliva, nasal mucus, blister fluid, or stool from an infected person. Children under age 5 are most likely to get it, but adults can catch it too.

Outbreaks commonly happen in childcare centers and schools. The virus can survive on surfaces for hours to days, which is why it spreads so easily in group settings.

Can Hand Foot And Mouth Affect Pregnancy?

Yes, pregnant women can become infected with HFMD. Pregnancy does not make you immune to the virus. However, the illness itself is usually not more severe in pregnancy than in other healthy adults.

Most pregnant women who get HFMD recover fully without any harm to the pregnancy. The main concerns are dehydration from mouth sores and, in rare cases, more serious complications.

There is no evidence that HFMD causes birth defects. The viruses that cause HFMD are not known to cross the placenta and damage fetal development in the way that some other infections can.

Is HFMD Dangerous During Pregnancy?

For most pregnant women, HFMD is uncomfortable but not dangerous. The symptoms — fever, sore throat, mouth sores, and rash — typically last 7 to 10 days.

The bigger risk is dehydration. Mouth sores can make it painful to eat or drink. If you cannot keep fluids down, you may need medical care to avoid dehydration, which can be serious during pregnancy.

Rare complications have been reported. Some case reports describe pregnant women with enterovirus 71 infection developing severe neurological symptoms, but these are uncommon. Enterovirus 71 is more common in parts of Asia and is associated with more severe disease than other HFMD viruses.

There is limited research on whether HFMD increases the risk of miscarriage or preterm labor. Some studies suggest a possible link between first-trimester enterovirus infection and miscarriage, but the evidence is not strong enough to draw firm conclusions. If you are pregnant and concerned, talk to your doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of HFMD?

Symptoms usually appear 3 to 6 days after exposure. Early signs include fever, sore throat, and feeling tired. Then painful sores may develop in the mouth — on the tongue, gums, and inside the cheeks.

A rash follows, typically on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. It may also appear on the buttocks or genital area. The rash can be flat or raised and may blister.

Not everyone gets all symptoms. Some people, especially adults, may have mild symptoms or none at all. This means you could be infected and not know it.

How Is HFMD Treated During Pregnancy?

There is no antiviral treatment for HFMD. Care focuses on managing symptoms and preventing dehydration.

Rest and drink plenty of fluids. Cold drinks, ice pops, and soft foods can soothe mouth pain. Avoid acidic or salty foods that irritate sores.

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is generally considered safe during pregnancy for pain and fever. Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) is not recommended during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester, unless your doctor says otherwise. Always check with your healthcare provider before taking any medication.

If you cannot drink enough fluids or if symptoms get worse, contact your doctor. Severe dehydration may require IV fluids.

How Can You Prevent HFMD?

Prevention is about good hygiene. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after changing diapers or touching a sick child.

Clean and disinfect surfaces and toys that may be contaminated. Avoid sharing cups, utensils, or towels with someone who has HFMD.

If you are pregnant and your child has HFMD, try to limit close contact. This can be hard, but it may reduce your risk. Ask another caregiver to help with diaper changes and feeding if possible.

There is no vaccine for HFMD in the United States. Vaccines for enterovirus 71 are available in China but not approved elsewhere.

Should You Worry About HFMD in Late Pregnancy?

If you get HFMD near your due date, tell your doctor. There is a small chance the virus could be passed to your newborn during delivery, but this is rare.

Newborns are more vulnerable to severe illness from enteroviruses. If you have active HFMD at the time of delivery, your medical team may take extra precautions.

Most women who have HFMD during pregnancy deliver healthy babies. The key is monitoring for complications and staying hydrated.

What Does the Evidence Say About HFMD and Pregnancy Outcomes?

Research on HFMD in pregnancy is limited. Most studies are small or based on case reports. This means we cannot say with certainty that there is no risk, only that serious outcomes appear rare.

A study published in the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases looked at pregnant women with enterovirus 71 and found that severe maternal illness was rare but possible. The study did not find a clear link to birth defects.

Other research suggests that enteroviruses in general may be associated with a slightly higher risk of miscarriage, but the evidence is mixed. More studies are needed.

If you are pregnant and have symptoms of HFMD, contact your doctor. They can assess your situation and provide guidance based on your health history.