Genital warts during pregnancy can be a major source of concern for expectant mothers. There is a slight chance that genital warts during pregnancy can be passed along to newborn infants during birth. Genital wart treatment options for pregnant women are different than those that are available for other women.
Pregnant women who have genital warts often find that their genital warts symptoms get worse during pregnancy. This is because your immune system is naturally suppressed during this time, making you more vulnerable to viruses and infections. As a result you may find that your warts grow larger.
Genital warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). The majority of pregnant women with a past history of HPV and genital warts have healthy pregnancies and birthing experiences. However, HPV can be transmitted both before and possibly, during birth in women who have an active case of genital warts. Moreover, genital warts can hinder a woman's ability to have a vaginal birth.
Pregnant women should not use any over the counter treatment for treating genital warts without consulting their physician. Many of the over the counter products for genital warts contain salicylic acid, which can be dangerous to the unborn child. There are also certain prescription medications that should not be used by pregnant women. Podofilox, a prescription medication used to treat genital warts, should not be used by pregnant women because it is absorbed through the skin and may cause birth defects. Check with your doctor before taking any medication while you are pregnant.
Pregnant women who are infected with HPV and suffer from genital warts are likely to be concerned about passing this extremely common sexually transmitted disease on to their child. Although it is not curable, genital warts do not generally pose a major threat to your child's health during pregnancy.
In some cases pregnant women have genital warts so large that they block the birth canal and make a vaginal birth impossible. There is also the risk that the warts may begin to bleed as the baby passes through the birth canal. In some instances, it may be necessary for a woman to have a cesarean section either if the warts completely block the birth canal or if the warts are at risk of bleeding excessively during birth.
If your baby becomes infected with HPV, the child may develop warts on the genitals or in the throat. Although it is rare for a child to develop warts laser surgery is usually needed to remove them so that they do not obstruct breathing. Genital warts symptoms in children can remain dormant for up to three years after birth.
Your obstetrician is your best source of information on how to deal with genital warts during pregnancy. Your doctor knows your medical history and can help you develop a treatment plan that is safe and effective. Bear in mind that thousands of women who have had genital warts during pregnancy have delivered full-term healthy babies with no HPV infection.