Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a very common sexually transmitted infection that affects both men and women. It is transmitted through sexual contact and there are many different types of HPV.

While most people with HPV may not experience any symptoms, some may develop genital warts, while others may develop cancer.

But did you know that HPV has also been linked to premature birth in pregnant women?.

What is premature birth?

Before we talk about the link between HPV and premature birth, let’s first understand what premature birth is.

Premature birth, also known as preterm birth, is when a baby is born before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Normally, a pregnancy lasts for around 40 weeks, and during this time the fetus develops and grows inside the womb.

Premature birth is associated with several health problems for the baby, including respiratory distress syndrome, infections, and neurological disabilities. The risk of these problems increases as the length of the pregnancy decreases.

How is HPV linked to premature birth?

Several studies have shown that pregnant women who have HPV are at a higher risk of giving birth prematurely. Research has also shown that women with HPV are more likely to have preterm labor and premature rupture of membranes (PROM).

One study conducted in 2013 found that women with high-risk HPV were almost three times more likely to give birth prematurely than women who tested negative for HPV.

Another study conducted in 2017 found that symptomatic HPV infection during pregnancy was associated with higher odds of preterm delivery, especially in women who were infected with both high-risk and low-risk HPV.

Researchers are still trying to understand why HPV is linked to premature birth. Some theories suggest that HPV infection causes an inflammatory response in the uterus, which can trigger labor.

Others suggest that the virus can damage the cervical tissue, which can lead to cervical incompetence and premature labor.

It’s important to note that not all women with HPV will give birth prematurely, and many women who give birth prematurely do not have HPV.

While there is a correlation between the two, more research is needed to establish a causal relationship and a better understanding of the mechanisms behind it.

How can HPV affect a pregnancy?

HPV can affect a pregnancy in different ways. In addition to increasing the risk of premature birth, the virus can also cause other complications such as:.

: 1. Cervical dysplasia

HPV infection can cause abnormal cell growth in the cervix, which can lead to cervical dysplasia. Cervical dysplasia is a precancerous condition that can progress to cervical cancer if left untreated.

Pregnant women with cervical dysplasia may need to undergo specific cervical exams during pregnancy to monitor the condition.

: 2. Childbirth complications

Women with genital warts caused by HPV may experience difficulties during childbirth. Large warts can obstruct the birth canal, making it harder for the baby to pass through.

In some cases, a cesarean section (C-section) may be necessary to facilitate delivery.

: 3. Transmission to the baby

It is rare, but it is possible for a mother to transmit HPV to her baby during delivery. This can cause warts in the baby’s upper respiratory system, which can be a serious complication.

However, most babies born to mothers with HPV do not develop any related problems.

Diagnosis and treatment of HPV during pregnancy

If you are pregnant and suspect you may have HPV, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider. They may recommend a Pap test, which can detect abnormal cell growth in the cervix.

Alternatively, they may perform an HPV test, which can detect the presence of the virus itself.

If you are diagnosed with HPV during pregnancy, your healthcare provider will work with you to create a care plan that is appropriate for your specific situation.

Treatment for HPV during pregnancy will depend on the severity of your infection and whether you are experiencing any symptoms.

If you have no symptoms or mild symptoms, your healthcare provider may recommend waiting until after delivery to treat the infection. This is because many HPV infections resolve on their own over time, and there is no cure for the virus itself.

However, they may recommend monitoring your condition more closely to ensure that it does not worsen during pregnancy.

If you have severe symptoms or a high-grade cervical lesion, your healthcare provider may recommend treatment during pregnancy. This may include a procedure to remove the abnormal cells in the cervix, or antiviral medications to control the infection.

Your healthcare provider will carefully weigh the risks and benefits of any treatment during pregnancy to ensure the health and safety of both you and your baby.

Preventing HPV during pregnancy

The best way to prevent HPV during pregnancy is to practice safe sex and reduce your risk of contracting the virus.

This includes using condoms during sexual activity, limiting your number of sexual partners, and getting regular Pap tests to screen for abnormal cell growth.

If you are planning to become pregnant, it’s a good idea to get screened for HPV beforehand to ensure that you are not carrying the virus.

This can help you and your healthcare provider take appropriate measures to reduce your risk of complications during pregnancy.

Conclusion

HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection that can affect both men and women. It has been linked to a higher risk of premature birth in pregnant women, although the exact mechanisms behind this link are still not fully understood.

Women with HPV may also experience other complications during pregnancy, such as cervical dysplasia, childbirth complications, and transmission of the virus to the baby. If you suspect you may have HPV during pregnancy, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider about treatment options and ways to prevent further complications.