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Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection During Pregnancy

A pregnant woman who has human papillomavirus (HPV) is more likely to develop genital warts than a woman with HPV who is not pregnant.

  • Genital warts may increase in size, bleed, or become infected with bacteria.
  • In rare cases, genital warts may affect the birth canal. In these cases, a cesarean delivery, or C-section, may be necessary to prevent bleeding that could result from tearing the warts during a vaginal delivery.

Treatment may be recommended to prevent complications during the pregnancy. The following treatments are safe for a pregnant woman with genital warts:

  • Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and bichloroacetic acid (BCA)
  • Cryotherapy
  • Laser therapy
  • Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP)
  • Surgical removal by electrocautery or excision

During a vaginal delivery, a woman can transmit the HPV infection to her baby, although this is very rare. The baby may develop growths in his or her throat (laryngeal papillomas) rather than genital warts. Because HPV can be present but not active (latent), it is possible for warts that were transmitted during delivery to appear up to 3 years after the baby's birth.

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer Sarah Anne Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Jeanne Marrazzo, MD, MPH - Infectious Disease
Last Revised June 28, 2010

Last Revised: June 28, 2010

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Sarah Anne Marshall, MD - Family Medicine & Jeanne Marrazzo, MD, MPH - Infectious Disease

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