Fifth Disease?

[becca_howell]

So, DS (23m) out of nowhere, after eating foods all common to his diet, broke out in a red, hot, tender rash on his face. I posted it to facebook, and people are freaking me out saying it looks like fifth disease. Not because of him, although I hate seeing my babies not feeling well, but I'm 26 weeks pregnant. I'm not the type to run to the doctor for everything, but it seems to me like I should go ahead and get checked by my OB, yes?

[no5no5]

You can get a blood test to see if you are immune, and if you are then your worries are over.  If not, you'll probably need some extra monitoring, though I think the risk is much less that far along in your pregnancy. 

[hannybanany]

Have your Dr check your titres. More than likely you have immunity from a previous exposure. If you have had a recent infection your Dr may or may not want to do some extra monitoring, since you're pretty far along. It's much less dangerous if you were exposed after 20 weeks.

At 22 weeks blood tests showed that I had a recent fifth disease infection. The perinatologist my doctor and midwife consulted recommended weekly ultrasounds, to check for hydrops, for 12 weeks following the positive blood result.

I think like 60-80% of the adult population has been exposed and has immunity, though, so I'm sure you're fine!