Quick read
Key points
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Parvovirus B19, which causes slapped cheek syndrome (fifth disease), is a common childhood viral infection that spreads easily through respiratory droplets. Most adults are already immune from childhood exposure, but if you're not immune and are infected during pregnancy, there is a small risk of it affecting the baby, particularly causing severe anaemia.
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Topic-specific prevention and risk reduction will be added during the article-specific evidence audit.
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You've been in contact with someone with slapped cheek syndrome and aren't sure of your immunity
01 · Know
What is Parvovirus (Slapped Cheek Disease) and Pregnancy?
Parvovirus B19, which causes slapped cheek syndrome (fifth disease), is a common childhood viral infection that spreads easily through respiratory droplets. Most adults are already immune from childhood exposure, but if you're not immune and are infected during pregnancy, there is a small risk of it affecting the baby, particularly causing severe anaemia.
Symptoms in adults, if they occur at all, are often mild — a rash, joint pain, or flu-like symptoms — but the risk to the baby means it's worth mentioning any exposure or symptoms to your maternity team, especially if you work with young children.
02 · Understand
Clinical context
Most adults are already immune
Many adults were exposed to parvovirus B19 in childhood and are immune, which can be confirmed with a blood test if there's uncertainty after exposure during pregnancy.
03 · Act
When to Contact Your Maternity Team
- 1You've been in contact with someone with slapped cheek syndrome and aren't sure of your immunity
- 2You develop a rash, joint pain, or flu-like symptoms during pregnancy
- 3You work closely with young children and there's a known outbreak in your area
04 · Prevent & manage
Practical steps
Report Exposure Even Without Symptoms
Because parvovirus B19 infection can be mild or symptom-free in adults, it's worth telling your maternity team about any known exposure, even if you feel completely well.
- 1Contact your maternity team after any known exposure.A blood test can check your immunity status and guide any follow-up monitoring needed.
- 2Rest and manage symptoms simply if you become unwell.Paracetamol can help with joint pain or fever — check with your pharmacist for pregnancy-appropriate use.
- 3Attend any recommended follow-up scans.If infection is confirmed, extra scans may be arranged to monitor the baby's wellbeing.
- 4Practice good hand hygiene.This reduces the risk of picking up the virus, particularly if you're around young children regularly.
Medical information notice
Health education, not individual medical advice
BarnMD Health Library provides general health education for public health literacy. Reading this article does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and this information is not a diagnosis, prescription, or personalised treatment plan. If you have symptoms or concerns about your health, seek appropriate advice from a qualified healthcare professional. If you develop emergency warning signs, seek urgent or emergency medical attention.
BarnMD Bottom Line
Most pregnancies affected by parvovirus B19 proceed without complications, especially with prompt monitoring where needed.
If you're not sure whether you're immune and have been exposed, a simple blood test can clarify this quickly.