The sexually transmitted human papillomavirus (HPV) manifests in genital warts. During pregnancy, a woman's immune system is suppressed which can cause the virus to spread. As a result, wants can grow larger and even bleed; doctors advocate their removal. Fortunately, pregnant women have many options for genital wart treatment during pregnancy.
Medications for Wart Removal
Pregnant women can get small warts removed safely at the doctor's office with trichloroacetic acid (TSA) or bichloroacetic acid, according to the Dr. Spock website. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends practitioners dab only a small amount to the warts and allow it to air dry. If too much is applied, use liquid soap, talcum powder of baking soda to cover the area and remove any acid that has not reacted by turning white. Repeat this treatment weekly if necessary.
The CDC states that imiquimod, podophyllin and podofilox are not safe for use during pregnancy.
Laser Treatment
The CDC recommends carbon dioxide laser treatment for larger genital warts during pregnancy. This option requires a woman be numbed using either general anesthesia or an epidural. Laser treatment is also a second line of defense when wart removal medications fail to work.
Surgical Options
When medications and/or laser treatments fail to work or the spread of warts is vast, surgery is a last resort. Although surgery usually eliminates warts after the first attempt, the CDC warns that it is more invasive and requires greater surgical expertise. Options include excision with surgical scissors or a razor, or electrocautery. Electrocautery removes warts using a low-voltage electric probe. Local anesthesia, as well as a longer doctor's visit, is required with all three options.
Non-Treatment Concerns
Although rare, genital warts can cause a respiratory version of HPV, known as respiratory papillomatosis in infants and children, according to the Women's Health website. While the route of transmission is unknown, and the benefits of Cesarean delivery are unclear, many doctors recommend wart removal as a preventative measure.
