12. Chikungunya and Pregnancy: Navigating Through the Tangle of Concerns
Chikungunya doesn’t discriminate and pregnant women are among those it affects, spiraling concerns not only for maternal health but also for the nascent life within. The acute phase in pregnancy mirrors the general population with fever, arthralgia, and rash, yet the implications teeter beyond the immediate. Herein lies a detailed discussion about how the acute symptoms might influence the ongoing pregnancy, potential complications, and maternal-fetal transmission risk.
The possibility of vertical transmission, wherein the virus is transmitted from the infected mother to the fetus, introduces a myriad of potential outcomes, some benign and others significantly concerning. Instances of miscarriages, neonatal chikungunya, and other potential postnatal implications weave a detailed narrative that intertwines virology, immunology, and perinatal medicine into a critical discussion about safeguarding fetal and neonatal health.
The journey doesn’t end at birth for mothers affected by chikungunya during pregnancy. From evaluating the newborn for potential consequences of maternal infection to navigating through breastfeeding when the virus might still be present, the postnatal period is intricately navigated. This section explores the immediate postnatal period, understanding potential neonatal consequences, and forging a path that supports both maternal recovery and neonatal well-being. (12)
