Advice for pregnant women

Scientists believe that there is enough evidence to show that Zika virus infection is a cause of birth defects,including microcephaly (this means the baby will have an abnormally small head and can be associated with abnormal brain development). This is also known as congenital Zika syndrome.

It is therefore recommended that pregnant women should:

• postpone non-essential travelto areas at high risk of Zika virus transmission, and
• consider postponing non-essential travel to areas at moderate risk of Zika virus transmission until after pregnancy

Discuss your travel plans with your GP, practice nurse or a travel clinic. If travel is unavoidable, then you should take extra care to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.

If you and your partner are currently in an area with high or moderate risk of Zika virus transmission, make sure you use condoms during vaginal, anal and oral sex while travelling and for the duration of your pregnancy.

If you are pregnant and have recently returned from an area with active Zika virus transmission, see your GP or midwife and mention where you have been, even if you have not been unwell. Your midwife or hospital doctor will discuss the risk with you and can arrange an ultrasound scan of your baby to monitor growth.

If there are any issues, you will be referred to a specialist foetal medicine service for further monitoring.

Zika virus is most likely to be detected by currently available tests when symptoms are present. If you are currently experiencing Zika symptoms, contact your GP, whowill decide whether investigations are necessary. Investigations might include a blood test and/or an ultrasound test if you are pregnant.