Zika Virus Concerns in Pregnancy
Medically reviewed by Dr. Lisa Okafor, MD, FACOG · Board-Certified OB-GYN
Content reviewed against published CDC, ACOG, WHO guidelines
Last reviewed:
Your health matters just as much as your baby's. If you are dealing with zika virus concerns in pregnancy, here is what you need to know.
The short answer
Zika virus infection during pregnancy can cause serious birth defects including microcephaly. The virus is primarily spread through mosquito bites in affected regions and through sexual transmission. Pregnant people should avoid travel to areas with active Zika transmission, use insect repellent containing DEET (safe in pregnancy), and practice safe sex if a partner has traveled to a Zika-affected area.
Key takeaways
- Zika virus infection during pregnancy can cause serious birth defects including microcephaly. The virus is primarily spread through mosquito bites in affected regions and through sexual transmission. Pregnant people should avoid travel to areas with active Zika transmission, use insect repellent containing DEET (safe in pregnancy), and practice safe sex if a partner has traveled to a Zika-affected area.
- Usually normal when: Taking preventive measures against mosquito bites during pregnancy
- Call your doctor if: You test positive for Zika during pregnancy - specialist referral and additional monitoring are needed
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
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What Parents Should Know
According to CDC, ACOG, WHO guidelines, zika virus infection during pregnancy can cause serious birth defects including microcephaly. The virus is primarily spread through mosquito bites in affected regions and through sexual transmission. Pregnant people should avoid travel to areas with active Zika transmission, use insect repellent containing DEET (safe in pregnancy), and practice safe sex if a partner has traveled to a Zika-affected area. At First trimester, zika infection in the first trimester appears to carry the highest risk for microcephaly and other congenital abnormalities. Avoid travel to areas with Zika transmission. If travel is unavoidable, take strict mosquito prevention measures. DEET-containing insect repellents are safe and recommended during pregnancy. It is generally considered normal when taking preventive measures against mosquito bites during pregnancy. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if you test positive for Zika during pregnancy - specialist referral and additional monitoring are needed.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
First trimester
Zika infection in the first trimester appears to carry the highest risk for microcephaly and other congenital abnormalities. Avoid travel to areas with Zika transmission. If travel is unavoidable, take strict mosquito prevention measures. DEET-containing insect repellents are safe and recommended during pregnancy.
Second trimester
Zika can cause harm at any stage of pregnancy. Continue to avoid endemic areas and use mosquito prevention. If your partner has traveled to a Zika area, use condoms or abstain from sex for the duration of pregnancy, as Zika can remain in semen for months.
Third trimester
Same precautions apply. If you traveled to or live in a Zika area and develop symptoms (fever, rash, joint pain, red eyes), get tested. Even without symptoms, testing may be recommended based on exposure. Additional ultrasounds may be offered to monitor for Zika-related findings.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed zika virus concerns in pregnancy and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if you live in or have traveled to a Zika-affected area.
- Mention if your partner has traveled to a Zika area.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Taking preventive measures against mosquito bites during pregnancy
- Avoiding travel to Zika-endemic areas
- You live in or have traveled to a Zika-affected area
- Your partner has traveled to a Zika area
- You develop Zika-like symptoms (fever, rash, joint pain)
- You test positive for Zika during pregnancy - specialist referral and additional monitoring are needed
- Ultrasound findings suggestive of Zika-related abnormalities
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice zika virus concerns in pregnancy — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that taking preventive measures against mosquito bites during pregnancy — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At First trimester, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
- Prioritize your own rest and nutrition. Accept help when offered, and do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider.
- While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if you test positive for Zika during pregnancy - specialist referral and additional monitoring are needed.
Related Conditions
Related Resources
Postpartum Recovery Guide
Week-by-week postpartum recovery timeline and warning signs.
Month-by-Month Development
Detailed monthly development guides from birth through 24 months.
When to Call the Doctor
General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.
Frequently asked questions
Is zika virus concerns in pregnancy normal?
When should I call the doctor about zika virus concerns in pregnancy?
When is zika virus concerns in pregnancy normal?
What causes zika virus concerns in pregnancy?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about zika virus concerns in pregnancy?
Is zika virus concerns in pregnancy normal at First trimester?
Is zika virus concerns in pregnancy normal at Second trimester?
Should I go to the ER for zika virus concerns in pregnancy?
Does zika virus concerns in pregnancy go away on its own?
References
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Zika Virus Concerns in Pregnancy.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed zika virus concerns in pregnancy and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if you live in or have traveled to a Zika-affected area.
- Mention if your partner has traveled to a Zika area.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- You live in or have traveled to a Zika-affected area
- Your partner has traveled to a Zika area
- You develop Zika-like symptoms (fever, rash, joint pain)
Urgent signs to report immediately
- You test positive for Zika during pregnancy - specialist referral and additional monitoring are needed
- Ultrasound findings suggestive of Zika-related abnormalities
My notes
From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members
Related Resources
Bottom line
Most cases of zika virus concerns in pregnancy are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if you test positive for zika during pregnancy - specialist referral and additional monitoring are needed.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.
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