Fifths Disease

Daisy1127 · July 2012

Hi Ladies,

Anyone had experience with fifths disease during pregnancy? I work in a daycare and one of the teachers noticed a rash on the arms of one of our kids. We sent him to the nurse. I spoke with her afterward and she said it may have been fifth's, but she wasn't sure. He went to the doctor and came back with a note the next day that said the rash wasn't contagious and he could return. This set my mind at ease for a while.

Until I realized that once a rash was present the disease wasn't contagious. I'm not sure if it's just my normal pregnancy anxiety getting the best of me, but now I'm worried I may have come in contact with the disease.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

SunshineShades · July 2012

My understanding is most adults have an immunity because they likely had it as a child. There is a blood test you can get to test you for the immunity.

Mrs&Dr2b · July 2012

There is a blood test that your doctor can check your immunity level at. If you think you have been exposed to Fifths disease you should certainly call and have them check your titer. I wouldn't be too worried though. The reason it is called fifths disease is that only 1/5 of people actually display symptoms.

mgade001 · July 2012

This same question came up regarding taxoplasmosis. I caution you about getting the titer. Be sure to ask if it can differentiate a recent exposure with an old one. A positive could mean that you were exposed a long time ago, but I am not familiar with that specific titer so I don't know for sure. Ask the MD.

Also, babies exposed to these kinds of teratogenic infections generally show signs that something is wrong. You would probably know on subsequent u/s imaging or by symptoms.

I am sure it's all good. Update on what your OB says GL

jg1011 · July 2012

I'm a teacher and was exposed quite a few times between April and June. My doctor did the blood test and I did not carry the titre indicating I've never had it. I was told to stay home for 7 days. This usually was enough time to see if anyone else would get it. Only 7 days because it was in the school but not in my own classroom.

It is true that once the rash is out, the contagious period is over. The incubation before the rash is out is between 14-21 days, although doctors say typically around 14.

I ended up returning after the 7 days each time, but had a weekly blood test to be sure I hadnt been exposed. Used a lot of sick days I wish I had for maternity. It was a long end to the school year for me!

luvindanimals · July 2012

As many others have said you can check to see if you are immune which they may have done and not have told you because you are immune. If it makes you feel better I was exposed to it when I was in my second month ( and not immune) and was fine. Also I did not research this but someone once told me the first tri is when it is the most dangerous time to be exposed. I just took her word never looked up the facts!

WiscoMom67 · August 2012

I had a good friend who got fifth's during pregnancy. She had to have weekly ultrasounds and see a perinatologist for 6-8 weeks to ensure that the baby did not contract the virus from the mother. They said it can be very harmful to the baby.

I would at least get a call in to your doc and go from there.

SummerOH · August 2012

This just happened to me two weeks ago - a co-worker had it. I researched it a bit and was a little freaked out because it can lead to fetal death. My doctor had me come in for a blood test. About 60% of the adult population have had it, some without evening knowing it, and have an immunity. My blood test showed that I've never had it and thankfully don't now, so they told me to be extra cautious about washing my hands. Apparently it's going around.

My doctor did say it leads to fetal death in "only" 3% of cases and usually they can manage it by treating the symptoms and weekly ultrasounds. The riskiest time for a pregnant woman to contract it is between 16-20 weeks - for some reason, that's the greatest risk period for your baby to have problems. If you think there's ANY chance you've been exposed, call your doctor and get your blood tested.

lauraliz24 · August 2012

As a preschool teacher, I'd recommend getting your titers checked. You are very likely immune, but then you'll know for sure. That's what I did, and I'm so thankful I did. I work in family practice and just yesterday I walked into a room and diagnosed a little one with fifth's disease, and I didn't have to panic at all.

Daisy1127 · August 2012

Thanks so much for all of the advice! I called my ob and she said they hadn't tested for this in my initial bloodwork, but to call my regular doctor to see if it was in my chart. I called my regular doctor, and they hadn't checked either so I am goign in Tuesday to have my blood checked. Better safe thean sorry I guess! The nurse at my ob's office didn't seem to concerned, just saying that if my numbers came up low I wo uld come in for extra ultrasounds.

Thanks again :-)

Fifths Disease

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