HPV, or human papillomavirus, is a sexually transmitted disease where certain strains can cause genital warts or cervical cancer in women. According to Dr. Arthur Schoenstadt, author of the eMedTV.com article "HPV and Pregnancy," no research shows an "increased risk for miscarriage, preterm delivery, pre-eclampsia or pregnancy complications." However, some women may have some problems with delivery if they have HPV.
Genital Warts Complications
Women who have genital warts as a result of HPV may have some delivery complications. According to Dr. Arthur Schoenstadt, the hormone shifts during pregnancy cause the genital warts to grow larger and bleed. The increase in size of the genital warts can make it difficult for the woman to urinate. In addition, tissue changes from HPV occur more rapidly during pregnancy. If the genital warts are located in the woman's vagina, it can "make the vagina less elastic or block the birth canal," according to Dr. Schoenstadt. Should the woman's birth canal be blocked by HPV genital warts, then a cesarean section will be performed. However, if the genital warts are no longer present, then this shouldn't be needed.
Transmission
One fear for HPV-infected women is the transmission of HPV to their babies. In rare cases, HPV can be spread to the baby during vaginal delivery; however, the baby's immune system fights and gets rid of the virus. Nevertheless, exposure to HPV can result in serious medical problems for the baby. According to Dr. Arthur Schoenstadt, the baby can develop laryngeal papillomatosis, where warts form on the baby's throat or voice box. Laryngeal papillomatosis can occur up to five years after birth and is potentially life-threatening. Treatment for laryngeal papillomatosis is laser surgery to prevent breathing obstruction.
Pre-term or Low Weight Births
A type of treatment for HPV-related cervical cancer can result in some pregnancy problems. Two strains of HPV, 16 and 18, cause cervical cancer. According to Planned Parenthood, some women may have a large amount of cervical tissue removed to prevent progression of cervical cancer. However, this procedure increases the woman's risk of giving birth to a baby that is preterm or has a low birth weight.
