Pregnancy
What we know
- Zika virus can be passed from a pregnant woman to her fetus.
- Infection during pregnancy can cause certain birth defects
- Zika primarily spreads through infected mosquitoes. You can also get Zika through sex.
- There is no vaccine to prevent or medicine to treat Zika.
What we do not know
- If there’s a safe time during your pregnancy to travel to an area with Zika.
- How likely it is that Zika infection will affect your pregnancy.
- If your baby will have birth defects if you are infected while pregnant.
Zika & Pregnancy in Puerto Rico
Right now, Zika is spreading rapidly in Puerto Rico and pregnant women are at risk for becoming infected with Zika. If current trends continue, at least 1 in 4 people, including women who become pregnant, may become infected with Zika. Since Zika causes microcephaly and other birth defects, it is more important than ever to consider if now is the right time for you to get pregnant. If you decide that now isn’t the right time for you to have a baby, there are contraceptive methods that are safe and effective. If you decide to get pregnant, there are important steps you should take to try to protect yourself from getting Zika.
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PREGNANT WOMEN
Learn how to protect yourself and your pregnancy from Zika. -
TRYING TO BECOME PREGNANT?
Talk to your doctor or other healthcare provider to plan for a healthy and safe pregnancy. -
Preventing Pregnancy
If you decide that now is not the right time to have a baby, talk to your doctor or other healthcare provider.
If you have questions about a possible infection or diagnosis
If families would like to speak to someone about a possible Zika virus infection or diagnosis during pregnancy and risk to the baby, please contact MotherToBaby. MotherToBaby experts are available to answer questions in English or Spanish by phone or chat. The free and confidential service is available Monday-Friday 8am-5pm (local time). To reach MotherToBaby:
- Call 1-866-626-6847
- Chat live or send an email through the MotherToBaby website
- Page last reviewed: August 22, 2016
- Page last updated: August 22, 2016
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