HPV in pregnancy is a sexually transmitted infection characterized by the appearance of warts in the genital region, which can cause discomfort for women. Warts normally appear as a consequence of hormonal changes typical of this period and decreased immunity.
Treatment for HPV during pregnancy must be guided by the obstetrician and is normally carried out when several warts are identified and/or when the warts are very large, with acid being applied to the area or cryotherapy, for example.
Although it is not very common, the baby can be infected with HPV at the time of birth, however it is unlikely that he will develop symptoms of the disease, as the body can naturally eliminate this virus.
Main symptoms
The main symptoms of HPV in pregnancy are:
- Genital warts, which can be large or small, and can also vary in quantity according to the woman’s general health;
- Itching in the region;
- Burning at the site of the warts.
HPV symptoms may appear due to hormonal changes, reduced immunity and increased vascularity in the region, which are typical of this period.
How the treatment is carried out
Treatment for HPV during pregnancy must be carried out until the 34th week of pregnancy, according to the obstetrician’s instructions, and is indicated when it causes discomfort and there is a risk of transmitting the virus to the baby during normal birth. Therefore, it is essential to promote the healing of warts before childbirth.
Treatment recommended by your doctor may involve:
- Application of trichloroacetic acid: serves to dissolve warts and must be done once a week, for 4 weeks;
- Electrocauterization: uses an electric current to remove isolated warts on the skin and, therefore, is done with local anesthesia;
- Cryotherapy: application of cold to freeze the warts with liquid nitrogen, causing the lesion to fall off within a few days.
These treatments can cause pain, which is generally tolerated, and must be carried out in the gynecologist’s office, allowing the pregnant woman to return home without special care.
How is childbirth in case of HPV?
Normally, HPV is not a contraindication for natural birth, but when genital warts are very large, a cesarean section or surgery to remove the warts may be indicated.
Although there is a risk of the mother transmitting the HPV virus to the baby during birth, it is not common for the baby to become infected, as the baby’s immune system is capable of promoting the elimination of the virus. However, when the baby becomes infected, he may develop warts in the 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 birth. However, this is not common and even if the baby contracts HPV at the time of birth, most of the time, it does not manifest the disease. However, when the baby is infected, she can develop warts in the oral, genital, ocular and laryngeal region, which must be properly treated.
After the birth of the baby, it is recommended that the woman be examined again to check whether or not the HPV virus exists and continue treatment, if necessary. It is also important for women to know that postpartum HPV treatment does not prevent breastfeeding, as it does not pass into breast milk.
Signs of HPV improvement
Signs of improvement in HPV during pregnancy are a decrease in the size and number of warts, while signs of worsening are an increase in the number of warts, their size and the affected areas, and it is recommended to consult your doctor to adapt the treatment. See how HPV has a cure.
