Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a common viral infection. For those who become pregnant, questions often arise regarding how HPV might influence their pregnancy journey. For most pregnant individuals, HPV does not lead to significant complications. It typically does not alter the course of pregnancy or pose substantial risks to the developing baby.
HPV’s Impact on the Mother During Pregnancy
Pregnancy can sometimes influence the manifestation of HPV in the mother. Hormonal shifts and increased vaginal discharge during pregnancy may lead to genital warts growing larger or increasing in number. This growth is generally manageable and does not pose a direct danger to the pregnant individual. These changes frequently improve or resolve on their own after delivery.
Routine cervical cancer screenings, such as Pap tests, might reveal abnormal results (dysplasia) during pregnancy. These abnormal cells indicate changes in cervical tissue, often caused by HPV. While severe dysplasia or cancerous changes are rare during pregnancy, any identified abnormalities are typically monitored closely rather than treated aggressively. Treatment for such changes is often postponed until after childbirth, as many minor cellular alterations can revert to normal spontaneously following delivery.
Potential Effects on the Baby
A primary concern for pregnant individuals with HPV is the potential for transmission to the baby. The risk of HPV transmission from mother to baby during vaginal birth is generally low. Most infants who acquire HPV during birth will clear the virus on their own, often without experiencing long-term problems.
In very rare instances, HPV can lead to a condition in infants called Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis (RRP). This condition involves the growth of warts in the baby’s airway, most commonly on the larynx or vocal cords. HPV types 6 and 11 are the most common causes of RRP.
While RRP is a serious condition that may require multiple surgeries to manage, it is an uncommon complication. HPV does not typically cause birth defects or directly impact fetal development within the uterus. Some research suggests a possible association between maternal HPV infection and a slightly increased risk of complications like low birth weight, premature rupture of membranes, or preterm birth.
Managing HPV During Pregnancy and Delivery
For most HPV infections, specific treatment is not required during pregnancy. If genital warts are present and become bothersome due to their size, number, or location, certain treatment options can be considered safely. Cryotherapy, which involves freezing the warts with liquid nitrogen, is often a preferred first-line treatment during pregnancy. Laser therapy is another option that can be used. These methods aim to remove the warts. Many topical medications used for warts are generally not recommended during pregnancy, and treatment is often postponed until after delivery.
Regarding delivery, a Cesarean section (C-section) is typically not necessary solely because of an HPV infection. Vaginal delivery is usually safe for both the mother and the baby, even with the presence of genital warts. A C-section might be considered in rare cases where large warts could obstruct the birth canal, potentially causing bleeding or preventing the baby’s passage. Open and continuous communication with healthcare providers is important to discuss individual circumstances and determine the most appropriate management plan throughout pregnancy and delivery.
HPV Prevention and Postpartum Considerations
The Human Papillomavirus vaccine, such as Gardasil 9, is a primary method for preventing HPV infections. While highly effective, the HPV vaccine is not recommended for administration during pregnancy. Pregnant individuals who inadvertently receive the vaccine or who are found to be pregnant after starting the series are advised to delay further doses until after delivery.
However, the vaccine can be safely administered before pregnancy or in the postpartum period. If HPV-related issues, such as genital warts or abnormal Pap test results, were present during pregnancy, they are typically re-evaluated and managed after childbirth. Often, the hormonal and immune system changes post-delivery can lead to the resolution of these issues without further intervention. Most HPV infections are transient and resolve on their own due to the body’s natural immune response.