Living with Fetal parvovirus syndrome
Problems in a baby before birth that can happen when a pregnant woman is infected with parvovirus B19, including anemia and fluid buildup.
Understanding Fetal parvovirus syndrome
In adults, the virus causes fifth disease ("slapped cheek" rash) and flu-like symptoms with joint pain, which usually do not call for prenatal testing. In the fetus it can cause fluid buildup (hydrops fetalis), anemia, and low platelets. It is seen during pregnancy and in newborns.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Fluid buildup in the fetus (hydrops fetalis)
- Fluid in the belly (ascites)
- Low red blood cells (anemia)
- Low platelet count (thrombocytopenia)
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include ear, nose, and throat specialists and genetic specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
- 4Connect with expert centers
World Craniofacial Foundation may keep lists of experts for this condition.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Ear, nose, and throat specialists (otolaryngologists); Genetic specialists (geneticists)
- Expert care
- Expert lists: World Craniofacial Foundation
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with World Craniofacial Foundation and other patient organizations
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
It is caused when a pregnant woman is infected with parvovirus B19.
Also known as: foetal parvovirus syndrome; human parvovirus b19 caused infectious embryofetopathy; human parvovirus b19 infectious embryofetopathy; mother-to-child transmission of parvovirus syndrome; parvovirus antenatal infection
Patient organizations
- World Craniofacial FoundationCraniofacial anomalies · United States
- Children's Craniofacial AssociationCraniofacial anomalies · United States
- FACES: The National Craniofacial AssociationCraniofacial anomalies · United States
- myFaceCraniofacial anomalies · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Fetal parvovirus syndrome.
Explore research for Fetal parvovirus syndrome
Explore actively recruiting Fetal parvovirus syndrome studies with HealthSpark.
Find actively recruiting studies for Fetal parvovirus syndrome with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.
- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
- Share your city to look for research near you
- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper
I can help you find recruiting Fetal parvovirus syndrome studies. Enter a ZIP code, address or city below and I'll look within 50 miles.
Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
Get Signals for Fetal parvovirus syndrome
Stay in the loop with community stories and updates from medical researchers.
Create a living journal that talks back
HealthStory evolves private journaling with a living AI journal that talks back and asks thoughtful questions, helping you capture your Fetal parvovirus syndrome experiences more deeply and prepare for better conversations with your doctors and care team.
Your journal is private. Sharing your story publicly is a separate choice, made with Share your story above.