What Pregnant Women Need to Know About Zika Virus in 2024?

Pregnancy is a beautiful journey, which invites a sense of excitement and anticipation among the close ones right? Times have changed now. As we adults have been worried about the Zika virus in recent times, it is revealed that it adversely targets infants as well. 

Zika, this mosquito-borne illness has recently stirred the social media realm with numerous death rates. While adults face mild fever and temporary rashes, the virus gives lifelong side effects for pregnant ladies and their developing babies. 

Seeing news about Zika Virus is scary, especially when you are carrying your precious one in your belly. But knowledge is power, right? After thorough research, I have concluded information that could help you escape this disease and save your little ones.

How Does Zika Affect Pregnancy?

Zika during birth spreads various defects which include microcephaly,  hearing loss, seizures, eyesight issues, and the list goes on. The risk associated with congenital malformations is estimated to be somewhere around 5-15%. This answers our queries related to “How Common are Zika-Related Birth Defects?”

A key takeaway from research Ezinne C. Chibueze, V. Tirado, Katharina da Silva Lopes summarizes the concept of Zika Virus in these words about the Zika virus’s spread in Pregnant women, “Maternal Zika virus infection can cause fetal and newborn complications, with knowledge gaps indicating a need for further research and effective management strategies.”

Complications caused by Zika Virus:

Congenital Malformations:

During pregnancy, the child may suffer severe defects which primarily affect the child's dead structure. their heads are smaller than expected, and this can lead to seizures, hearing loss, struggle with hearing, and their body development delays more than usual. Other congenital abnormalities involve limb contractures and high muscle tone. 

Miscarriage:

Zika infection is more likely to result in pregnancy complications like stillbirth, fetal loss, and preterm birth as well. The exact reason behind it is still under investigation, but the recently sorted research reveals that the ward will get birth defects if the mother is infected with the disease at the early stages of pregnancy, which is by the first trimester. Placental Damage The Zika Virus can infect the placenta, which is the organ that nourishes the developing baby. This may harm their nutrient and the flow of oxygen to the fetus which leads to miscarriage. Other Causes of Miscarriage happen as well. 

There is some research that reveals the fact that a woman with Zika virus can raise a healthy baby. Is that true?

It is true to some extent, that the risk associated with birth defects and Zika virus is higher at the first trimester in the pregnancy cycle. So this also verifies the answer that if you are pregnant and if you are infected with the Zika Virus within the first trimester, then the child will develop a lot of issues.

The first trimester is the span where the baby's vital organs are formed.  And the chances of complications are comparatively lesser in the later cycle of trimesters. The exact and detailed risks related to the complications from the Zika Virus during pregnancy are still being studied.

Is there any treatment after getting affected by Zika in the first trimester?

Sadly at the moment, there are no specific treatments available to eliminate Zika's infection. This includes everyone including pregnant women, there are several ways to minimize the risks.

However supportive care from the doctors can relieve the symptoms like joint pain, rash, and ever. They use medicines like (acetaminophen) Tylenol and fluids as well. To recover the necessary natural treatment is nothing but rest. 

CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) provides more updated insights on Zika's current updates.

Case Study:

Let's take a real-life life experience of Maria Rios, a mother who opened up about her daughter's struggles with Zika. By that, Maria was just 20 years old, and her ward was born with Zika-related microcephaly, where the victim had a smaller head. This more likely causes an imbalance in the child's development. But besides the limitations, such as financial strains and so on, Maria Rios had deep faith to maintain hope in her ward Aryanna's wellness, In an interview she said “I just want her to be OK.” 

She believed that her positive thinking could alter the way she perceived things. She understood that living in fear and uncertainty can never lead to a happy future with her daughter.

She practiced gratitude regularly, knowing the positive aspects of her life. With constant practice she embraced the present moment, allowing herself to seek hope despite the challenges she met. 

What treatments are available after Zika exposure in the first trimester?

There is limited research related to this question in particular. And as of now, scientists haven’t invented any vaccine for Zika.

Preventing methods to control Zika

Insect repellents such as DEET can even be used by pregnant women to repel Zika-causing mosquitoes. As the proverb says “Prevention is better than cure” It is better to prevent the entry of mosquitoes. By this I mean, that if you install a mosquito net in your living zone, you can reduce any infections caused by mosquitos. This is totally a general tip, to beware of stagnant water or stagnant grounds near your surroundings. 

What doctors might perform for an effective cure?

Zika virus is not an ant bite to ignore, being exposed to this virus invites numerous health hazards. Skipping the advice of healthcare or going for a medical consultation is never encouraged. The healthcare provider you consult will provide you with ultrasounds to monitor your fetal development, and they will offer prenatal care visits as well. Regular ultrasounds allow the doctor to check for any hidden or potential signs of Zika-related birth defects.

It is our human nature to procrastinate things, If you believe or suspect Zika’s symptoms, never procrastinate reaching out to a medical supervisor and discussing this in detail

How can Support Groups for Mothers-to-be help you fight Zika?

Connecting with other pregnant woman who faces similar issues with Zika can be incredibly beneficial, as this develops a mindset that you are not alone in this suffering. These groups help you fight isolation and the fear of loneliness, this reduces your stressful pregnancy.

There are a few benefits associated with the support groups:

• This serves as a coping mechanism, and the truth is you can directly ask questions to other mothers as they can easily empathize and relate with what you suffer.
• With the sense of agency, your anxiety gets reduced and this empowers you to make some informed decisions about your pregnancy.
• As you learn how others cope, you can also find a coping mechanism from their experiences.
• This fosters a sense of belonging and signifies hope and a sense of belonging.