Chikungunya in Pregnancy

Chikungunya Virus Infection during Pregnancy.

What is Chikungunya?

Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne viral infection that causes severe joint pain, fever, and discomfort.

For details of Chikungunya visit , https://qazihe.com/chikungunya

Risks During Pregnancy:

Pregnant women if infected with Chikungunya, they are at risk for:

1. Maternal morbidity, means they are ill and have severe symptoms like fever and joint pain.

2. Preterm labor, means Increased risk of premature birth ( birth before full term of pregnancy ) which leads to many disorders of baby.

3. Low birth weight,  Baby may be born underweight , if baby born with low weight there may be need of incubator ( commonly known as shisha )

4. Fetal distress, Baby may experience distress during pregnancy which is a risk of baby death.

5. Vertical transmission, Up to 50% risk of passing the infection to baby during delivery.

Pregnancy Complications:

1. Spontaneous abortion, Increased risk of miscarriage ( matlab bacha zaya hojaeyga khud bakhud)

2. Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR):, Baby's growth may be restricted ( baby not receiving proper nutrition and blood from mother so baby become small from actual age ) 

3. Preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM), Increased risk of premature water break ( water leak from baby bag )

Prevention:

1. Wear protective clothing, Cover whole body with long-sleeved shirts and pants.

2. Apply insect repellent, Use DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus ( kiry makory machar bahgany wali spray wghera )

3. Eliminate standing water,  Prevent mosquito breeding ( khara pani khatm karin machar pyda hi ni hungy )

4. Use mosquito nets, Protect woman and new coming baby.

Symptoms:

1. Sudden onset of fever

2. Joint pain and swelling ( starting from small joints )

3. Headache

4. Muscle pain

5. Rashes with body itching

6. Back pain ( back pain is very common during pregnancy while chikungunya elevate it )

What to Do If Infected:

1. Seek medical attention: Consult with Qualified and registered healthcare provider.

2. Rest and hydrate: Drink plenty of fluids.

3. Take medication: Acetaminophen for fever and pain relief.

For details of Chikungunya visit , https://qazihe.com/chikungunya

Pregnancy-Specific Precautions:

1. Avoid NSAIDs and corticosteroids,  Consult with Qualified and registered healthcare provider.

2. Monitor liver function and platelet count, Regular blood tests ( LFTS, CBC)

Stay Informed:

1. World Health Organization (WHO)

2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

3. DR QAZI FAHIM SHEZAD YouTube channel. 

Share this information with pregnant women and families to raise awareness about Chikungunya risks and prevention.

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