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What impact does influenza A have on the fetus if a pregnant woman contracts it?

Mar 09, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Ren Yi
Introduction
Pregnant women with untreated or delayed treatment of influenza A may experience various effects on the fetus, such as developmental delays, threatened abortion, intrauterine distress, abnormal development, and premature birth. Therefore, once influenza A is diagnosed, timely and targeted treatment is necessary to prevent worsening of the condition and reduce harm to the fetus. However, it is also important to maintain an optimistic mindset during treatment and avoid excessive anxiety.

Generally speaking, "Avian Flu" refers to Influenza A. If a pregnant woman contracts Influenza A, it may affect the fetus, potentially causing developmental delays, threatened miscarriage, fetal distress in utero, abnormal development, preterm birth, and other complications. If experiencing any discomfort, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Fetal Developmental Delay

After contracting Influenza A, the virus remains in the pregnant woman's body and may affect her immune system and nutrient absorption from food. If the fetus does not receive sufficient nutrition, its development may be affected, leading to growth restriction.

2. Threatened Miscarriage

The Influenza A virus may repeatedly stimulate the pregnant woman's body, potentially causing symptoms such as high fever and fatigue. When the discomfort is severe, it may stimulate the uterus, leading to contractions and increasing the risk of threatened miscarriage.

3. Fetal Distress In Utero

If a pregnant woman develops persistent high fever after contracting Influenza A, it may lead to fetal hypoxia (oxygen deficiency) in the uterus. If oxygen supply cannot be restored promptly, it may cause fetal distress and even intrauterine fetal death.

4. Abnormal Development

The Influenza A virus can pass through the placenta and infect the fetus, thereby affecting normal development. It may even impact the neural tube, leading to neural tube defects. As a result, the baby may be born with congenital deficiencies such as limb abnormalities, cardiac or renal structural anomalies.

5. Preterm Birth

Severe Influenza A may threaten the health of the pregnant woman herself and be detrimental to fetal development, thus increasing the risk of preterm birth. This may result in underdeveloped organs in the newborn and may even affect brain development and intellectual function.

It should be noted that not all pregnant women who contract Influenza A will experience these complications. With timely treatment, the condition usually resolves within a short period, so there is no need for excessive concern.

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