Preventing Transmission of Zika Virus in Labor & Delivery

Because patients with Zika virus infection may be asymptomatic, Standard Precautions should be in place at all times, regardless of whether the infection is suspected or confirmed.  The implementation of Standard Precautions in labor and delivery settings can help prevent the transmission of Zika virus infection, according to recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Although there are no reports of transmission of Zika virus from infected patients to health care personnel or other patients, minimizing exposures to body fluids is important to reduce the possibility of such transmission. CDC recommends Standard Precautions in all health care settings, including:

• Hand hygiene.

• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

• Respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette.

• Safe injection practices.

• Safe handling of potentially contaminated equipment or surfaces in the patient environment.

Relationship between signs and symptoms of early pregnancy and pregnancy loss

Vaginal bleeding is associated with increased incidence of early pregnancy loss, with more severe bleeding and bleeding accompanied by lower abdominal cramping associated with greater incidence of loss; conversely, vomiting is associated with decreased incidence of early pregnancy loss, even in the setting of vaginal bleeding, while nausea alone is not.

Human Reproduction, 03/04/2016Sapra KJ, et al.