Parvovirus / Slapped Cheek Syndrome
With cases of parvovirus on the rise, we are trying to raise awareness of the potential risks of parvovirus in pregnancy, if a mother is not immune. We would very much appreciate if you could share the following information on your social media channels.
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Cases of Parvovirus, also known as ‘slapped cheek syndrome’, are on the rise. Most adults are immune, but if you are not immune and catch parvovirus in pregnancy, it can pose a risk to the baby, especially before 20 weeks.
Contact your GP or midwife if you are pregnant and you develop a rash and mild flu-like symptoms, or if you think you may have been exposed to someone who has parvovirus. Your booking bloods can then be tested to see if you have immunity to the potential virus. Exposure is defined as face-to-face contact or being in the same room for more than 15 minutes.
The risk of passing the virus to your baby is low, and most people who have confirmed parvovirus will have healthy babies. If you do develop the virus, you will be offered extra monitoring throughout your pregnancy.
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Booking in with a midwife
We are keen to encourage women to book as soon as possible for maternity care, once they find out they are pregnant. Please use these resources to share the message on your social media channels.
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Just found out you’re pregnant? Please make sure you book your first midwife appointment as soon as possible, using the online self-referral form.
After you have completed the form, a midwife will contact you at around 9 weeks of pregnancy, to arrange your first appointment.
Find out more and book your appointment here – https://www.gloshospitals.nhs.uk/our-services/services-we-offer/maternity/your-first-midwife-appointment/
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Movements Matter
The #MovementsMatter campaign from Gloucestershire Local Maternity and Neonatal System aims to encourage those who are pregnant, and their family and friends, to call Maternity Triage if they have any concerns about their baby’s movements.
The campaign web page is www.gloshospitals.nhs.uk/movements-matter
Please use these resources to share the key messages on your social media channels.
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Keep on moving – Once your baby starts to move, you should start to recognise a pattern. If the movements slow down or change, or you are worried for any reason, call Maternity Triage on 0300 422 5541.
Visit www.gloshospitals.nhs.uk/movements-matter for more information. |
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Pick up the phone – If you know a pregnant person who is worried about their baby’s movements, please reassure them that we would rather they call and get checked, rather than keep their worries to themselves. So if you’re not sure, call Maternity Triage now on 0300 422 5541.
Visit www.gloshospitals.nhs.uk/movements-matter for more information. |
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Do not use a home doppler – Home doppler tests aren’t reliable. Even if you detect a heartbeat on the doppler, it doesn’t mean your baby is well. If your baby’s movements have changed, call Maternity Triage on 0300 422 5541.
Visit www.gloshospitals.nhs.uk/movements-matter for more information. |
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Further information
For more information on any of these campaigns, please contact glicb.gloucestershirelms@nhs.net