High Risk HPV & Pregnancy

HPV, or the human papillomavirus, is a widespread disease that infects the skin and mucous membranes. This disease is spread by skin-to-skin contact, with around 30 types spread only during direct genital contact, according to Thehpvtest.com.

Types

• These genital types of HPV include a high-risk type and a low-risk type. The high-risk type can cause different types of cancer, but most frequently, cervical cancer.

HPV and Pregnancy

• According to Babycenter.com, HPV is not likely to have an effect on your pregnancy or your baby's health.

HPV Transmission

• Although rare, HPV can be transmitted to you baby during childbirth. If contracted, your baby will probably rid himself of the disease without any issues.

Rare Complication

• An extremely rare complication is when your baby contracts HPV from you and then develops "warts on his vocal cords and other areas sometime in infancy or childhood," according to Babycenter.com. This situation is called "recurrent respiratory papillomatosis" and is a serious condition.

Expert Insight

• According to Cancerhelp.org.uk, there is no proof that pregnancy increases the risk of cervical cancer. However, irregularities in the cervix may become more noticeable during pregnancy. This also makes it easier to be diagnosed.