Guidance

Viral rash in pregnancy

Information on the investigation, diagnosis and management of a pregnant woman who has, or is exposed to, viral rash illness.

Applies to England

Documents

Guidance on the investigation, diagnosis and management of viral illness (plus syphilis), or exposure to viral rash illness, in pregnancy

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Rash in pregnancy: quick reference for health professionals leaflet (print version)

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Details

This document covers rash illnesses caused by parvovirus B19 (B19V), measles, rubella and chickenpox (varicella), where intervention can prevent or reduce the potential for adverse outcomes.

Characteristic features and incidence of the following rash illnesses are also discussed:

  • human herpesvirus type 6 and 7 (HHV-6/7)
  • enteroviruses
  • Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)
  • cytomegalovirus (CMV)

Rash in pregnancy: quick reference for health professionals

This guidance document is for healthcare professionals (mainly in primary care) of pregnant women with a rash or exposed to a rash. It acts as a reminder of the risk assessment and initial management of pregnant women including reporting.

Copies of this leaflet are available free to order using product code 2903600A.

Zika virus: interim algorithm for assessing pregnant women with a history of travel contains additional information.

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Published 1 January 2011
Last updated 28 November 2023 + show all updates
  1. Updated 'Guidance on the investigation, diagnosis and management of viral illness (plus syphilis), or exposure to viral rash illness, in pregnancy' to include syphilis and mpox.

  2. Updated 'Investigation, diagnosis and management of viral illness, or exposure to viral rash illness, in pregnancy' and the quick reference guide.

  3. Added new quick reference guide for health professionals.

  4. Updated 'Investigation, diagnosis and management of exposure to viral rash illness in pregnancy' document.

  5. Added link to information on Zika virus and diagnostic algorithm.

  6. First published.