If you are pregnant and you’re unsure whether you’ve had exposure or immunisation prior to pregnancy or you think you’ve got symptoms of a common childhood disease such as Slapped Cheek (parvovirus B19 or fifth’s disease), chicken pox, rubella or hand, foot and mouth disease, let your midwife or GP know and they may arrange testing to check your immunity to the virus. Rubella is known to cause serious damage to babies if caught in early pregnancy so you should seek medical advice urgently if you think you have been exposed to it.

We have lots more information on illness in pregnancy, in the Anya app.

What is Rubella (German Measles)?

Rubella, or German measles, is a mild viral disease. Before the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine was used, rubella used to be common in childhood. Symptoms are largely a rash and a mild fever in most children, but of course, always speak to your medical professionals if you have concerns.

What is Hand Foot and Mouth Disease?

Hand, foot and mouth disease is a mild illness caused by a viral infection. Symptoms include mouth ulcers and spots on the tongue, hands and feet, which may turn into raised blisters. A fever is another possible symptom.

The infection has nothing to do with foot and mouth disease which affects cattle, sheep and pigs.

Although it can be uncomfortable it isn’t a serious illness and usually clears up by itself within 7-10 days. Antibiotics won’t help because it’s viral.

What is Slapped Cheek Syndrome (Fifth Disease, Parvo B19)?

Slapped cheek syndrome is caused by the parvo B19 virus – and is also called Fifth Disease. In addition to the red chic appearance, commonly seen, symptoms include a slightly high temperature (fever) of around 38° C, a runny nose, sore throat, headache, an upset, tummy, and feeling generally unwell

Most adults have been exposed to it at some point in their lives and therefore have immunity to it.

Slapped cheek syndrome in adults doesn’t always cause symptoms, so you may not realise you’ve been infected. 

What is Chicken Pox (Varicella)?

Around 95% of adults are immune to chickenpox infection, because so many children encounter it at nursery or school. But if you are pregnant and have never had chickenpox (or you’re unsure if you’ve had it) and you come into contact with a child or adult who does, speak to your GP, obstetrician or midwife immediately. A blood test will find out if you’re immune – if you’ve had chicken pox you’re highly likely to be immune to it, but the virus lies dormant and may flare up, particularly in times of stress or alterations to your immune system as shingles. Fortunately, If you’re pregnant and get shingles, there’s no danger to your pregnancy or baby. But you should be referred to a specialist, as you may need antiviral treatment.

Most people can recognise the classic rash of chickenpox in children, with itchy spots that become blisters, and then scabs. It can be quite irritating for the little one, but there are plenty of home remedies available to manage the discomfort.

What is Cytomegalovirus (CMV)?

There is also a virus called CMV (cytomegalovirus). This is NOT actually a STI (sexually transmitted infection) but it is part of the herpes group, the same as cold sores and chickenpox. 

Often, there can be no sign of illness in toddlers, but it may cause cough and cold symptoms and fever, a rash and fever, or an illness, a bit like glandular fever, where the glands of the neck swell.

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Other symptoms of colds and viruses in babies can include noisy breathing (wheezing), reduced feeds, reduced nappy output, irritability and vomiting after feeding.

Other baby illnesses that need medical attention are:

Bronchiolitis

Bronchiolitis is an inflammation of the airways in the lungs and can cause a harsh noise when breathing in (stridor) and a wheeze when breathing out.

Croup

Croup is an inflammation of the voicebox and can cause a very loud, distinctive “barking” cough.

Whooping Cough

Whooping cough is a bacterial infection of the lungs, which produces a cough that sounds like a “whoop”.

If you suspect your child may have any of these illnesses, contact your medical professionals for assistance.

How to treat common baby illnesses

Home treatments which may help alleviate the symptoms includes keeping baby hydrated (breastfeeding is perfect for this, alternatively offering a sippy cup if baby is already weaned onto solids or offering water rich foods such as cucumber or ice lollies if other methods are unsuccessful); use saline drops for a blocked nose; administer an age appropriate dose of paracetamol for fever; and keep baby upright where possible to keep the lungs open.

You may find that baby may want to breastfeed more for their comfort – this is completely normal and should be allowed where possible. Avoiding exposing baby to any form of smoke is also important.

What symptoms are an emergency in a baby?

*If baby has a fever over 38 ºC, does not produce a wet nappy within 12 hours, takes half of their usual feeds or has very fast breathing, seek swift medical attention – via 111 or the GP if the UK.

*If at any point you feel baby appears to be struggling to breathe, if they are floppy or difficult to wake, pale or slightly blue in colour (or you can check the gums and nail bed in babies with darker skin tones), we would urge that you call for immediate medical assistance – via 999 in the UK.

Does it look like your baby has trouble breathing?

These are all very serious signs and would require emergency medical attention. If you see any of these signs, call the emergency services immediately.

Flaring nostrils isn’t really something that babies do unless they are struggling to breathe.

Other signs that show a baby is working harder to obtain oxygen include making a grunting noise, breathing really fast, sucking in their chest underneath the ribcage and bobbing their head. In situations where the baby is really fighting to breathe, you may see ‘seesaw’ breathing, where the baby’s tummy will expand, followed by their ribs, in a continual cycle. In this scenario, it is likely that the baby may have a blue tone to their skin – in babies of a darker skin tone, it may be noticeable in their nail beds or inside their mouth. They may also be drowsy or have long pauses between their breaths.

These are all very serious signs and would require emergency medical attention. If you see any of these signs, call the emergency services immediately.

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