Zika and Pregnancy

Zika virus is primarily spread to people through the bite of a mosquito. The virus can be spread from mother to child, through sexual contact, and through blood transfusions. Symptoms can include fever, rash, joint pain, and red eyes. Most people infected with the virus have mild or no symptoms. However, infection during pregnancy can cause congenital microcephaly and other brain defects. Zika virus has also been linked to other adverse pregnancy outcomes, including miscarriage and stillbirth.

Currently, there is no vaccine or treatment for the Zika virus. Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should not travel to areas with known Zika virus infections. Pregnant women who must travel to an area with Zika virus should follow strict steps to prevent mosquito bites during their travel. Pregnant women with a sex partner who has traveled to or lives in an area with Zika virus should abstain from sex or use condoms every time to prevent infection for the duration of the pregnancy. Healthcare providers should ask pregnant women at every prenatal care visit about the possibility of Zika virus exposure and test according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines.

Zika Basic Facts

• Zika: The Basics of the Virus and How to Protect Against It

Pregnant Women Living in areas with Risk of Zika

• Zika and Sex: Information for Pregnant Women Living in Areas with Risk of Zika
• El Zika y Las Relaciones Sexuales: Informacion Para Mujeres Embarazadas Que Viven en Areas Con Zika

Prevention

• Mosquito Bite Prevention (United States)
• Protejase de las picaduras de mosquitos
• Protect Against Mosquito Bites
• Como Protegerse de las picaduras de mosquitos
• Protect Yourself From Getting Zika From Sex

Pregnant Women and Partners

• Pregnant and Worried About Zika?
• Counseling Travelers