Can the fetus be retained if the pregnant woman contracts mumps?

Today, many people frequently stay up late for work or study, which exerts significant negative effects on their health—lowering immunity and disrupting endocrine and exocrine functions. Mumps is a relatively common condition resulting from such lifestyle factors. So, can a pregnant woman continue her pregnancy if she develops mumps?

Can a pregnant woman continue her pregnancy if she develops mumps?

A pregnant woman with mumps may continue her pregnancy; however, mumps poses several risks to both mother and fetus. First, the mumps virus can damage ovarian cells. Second, it may cross the placenta and infect the fetus. Consequently, mumps infection during pregnancy may lead to fetal death or congenital malformations. Therefore, pregnant women should consider prophylactic administration of gamma globulin. The mumps virus is a “cytolytic” virus capable of affecting the ovaries, triggering oophoritis, and even causing ovarian cell damage. Moreover, it can cross the placenta and cause fetal infection.

Initial symptoms of mumps include fever, headache, fatigue, and loss of appetite. Typically, swelling begins in one parotid gland, centered around the earlobe, causing indistinct borders of the mandible. The overlying skin appears shiny, with marked swelling, tenderness, and hypersensitivity. The area feels warm but is not erythematous. Pain intensifies when consuming acidic foods; thus, patients should avoid highly stimulating or acidic foods.

Women diagnosed with mumps are advised to postpone conception until full recovery. We hope this information is helpful to you.