Zika and Pregnancy

Microcephaly

The biggest concern with Zika virus is the connection to the virus in pregnant women and microcephaly. Microcephaly is a birth defect where a baby's head is smaller than expected when compared to babies of the same sex and age. Babies with microcephaly often have smaller brains that might not have developed properly. Learn more on CDC's website.

CDC is recommending pregnant women avoid travel to affected areas. If women are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant and visit these affected areas, preventing mosquito bites is the best form of protection.

Testing

Women returning from affected areas with concerns about the virus are encouraged to talk with their local physicians. Some testing is available.

Zika virus is new and much is unknown about pregnancy and transmission to unborn children. Not all pregnant women who are infected with Zika virus transmit the virus to the unborn child, nor are all children infected with Zika virus born with microcephaly.