Genital Warts and Pregnancy

Genital warts and pregnancy is very seldom linked together considering a few cases that are really seen by the people. However, a future mother who has genital warts during pregnancy may get worried because genital warts after all, are caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) which is responsible for many other STDs. However, having genital warts during pregnancy is not something to be overtly concerned with. Such worries usually are psychological instead of physical health.

One of the biggest concerns for women who have genital warts during pregnancy is the risk of passing the HPV to their babies. Actually, genital warts pose a very minimal threat to their babies’ health during pregnancy. Instead, genital warts pose greater complications to the mother especially during childbirth. During pregnancy, the mother’s immune system is suppressed and making them more vulnerable to infections. Genital warts grow larger easier and often making urination painful and difficult. During childbirth, warts that are in the vagina will cause it to be less elastic and even obstructing the baby’s decent. In some cases, a Cesarean birth is required, although it’s not really encouraged.

Complications to baby are not really a case for concern, even on the worries of transmitting HPV to the baby. A worst case scenario would be where genital warts develop in the baby’s throat (laryngeal papillomatosis) and obstructing the breathing passage. In this case, laryngeal papillomatosis is life threatening and requires laser surgeries to remove the warts. However, the case mentioned is extremely rare.

As to the fear of transmitting HPV to babies during pregnancy, it is actually very rare and possesses little threat to them. Sometimes babies don’t have genital warts but are diagnosed with HPV’s antibodies as they still have their mother’s antibodies. In some very rare cases, warts are found inside the baby’s vocal chord which possesses danger to them.

Talking about treatments during pregnancy, some doctors prefer to advice women to ignore the genital warts as they might disappear after pregnancy as their immune system has become stronger. Some doctors would advice mothers to treat the genital warts during pregnancy but attention has to be taken so as not to take medications which possess a threat to foetus. Some medications that are possibly recommended by doctors are Imiguimod and Lomatrex. Imiquimod is a prescription medication that boosts your immune system to help fight HPV. Lomatrex offers quick relief from genital warts.

Psychologically, mothers who have genital warts tend to blame themselves for having them and feel guilty of transmitting the virus to their babies. However, all these negative feelings may be amplified. Mother-to-be should have a positive outlook on their pregnancy and enjoy them and most importantly, taking care of themselves for their baby’s sakes.