Human B19 parvovirus infection in an obstetric population. A prospective study determining fetal outcome.

In a prospective study of 1,967 pregnant women who were routinely screened for recent human B19 parvovirus infection, 64 (3.3%) were identified as being IgM positive. No adverse effects were documented by ultrasound in any of the fetuses. The outcome of pregnancy was favorable in 95.1% of these women, with no evidence of hydrops fetalis or any congenital abnormalities. Two neonates (3.4%) were small for gestational age, and there was one abortion. Samples of blood obtained from 20 neonates born to women with evidence of recent infection were B19 parvovirus IgM negative. Recent infection with human B19 parvovirus in pregnancy constitutes a low risk for the development of adverse fetal effects; hence, routine antenatal screening is not warranted.