Does having a natural childbirth while infected with HPV 16 affect the baby?

Generally, delivering vaginally when infected with HPV16 can have an impact on the baby. The specific analysis is as follows:

HPV16 is a sexually transmitted infection primarily spread through sexual contact, but it can also be transmitted via other routes, such as mother-to-child transmission. Therefore, maternal HPV16 infection may potentially affect babies delivered vaginally. Most infants infected with HPV16 through vertical transmission will spontaneously recover within a period after birth, meaning their immune systems can clear the virus naturally. However, a small number of children may experience persistent infection, leading to long-term viral presence. In cases of persistent HPV16 infection, certain health issues may arise. For example, laryngeal papillomas—noncancerous growths that develop on the vocal cords or in the throat—can impair the child's voice and breathing functions. These papillomas may also lead to recurrent respiratory papillomatosis, which involves wart-like growths in the airway and similarly affects speech and respiration. In rare cases, laryngeal papillomas may progress into malignant tumors, requiring prompt medical treatment.

To reduce the potential risks of HPV16 infection to newborns delivered vaginally, individuals can receive the HPV vaccine, which effectively prevents infection from multiple HPV types, including HPV16.