During pregnancy, HPV-positive pregnant women should handle human papillomavirus infections depending on the specific situation. When encountering low-risk or persistent infections, terminating the pregnancy is usually recommended to avoid potential risks. In the case of high-risk infections, regular follow-up examinations are necessary to closely monitor the changes in the condition.
In some cases, it is not advisable to continue the pregnancy:
Persistent infections associated with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia or cervical cancer may endanger the health of the fetus, increasing the risks of miscarriage and premature birth.
Low-risk HPV types like 6 and 11 may be transmitted to the fetus through the placenta, causing deformities or affecting normal development.
HPV types 52 and 58 are highly related to cervical cancer; continuing the pregnancy after infection might harm the fetal health, leading to issues like macrosomia or polyhydramnios.
HPV types 16 and 18 are the main culprits of cervical cancer; being infected during pregnancy should be approached cautiously as it may have long-term effects on the mother’s postpartum health.
On the other hand, for those infected with other types of HPV such as HPV 3, HPV 31 to HPV 44, the impact on pregnancy is usually minimal. Maintaining a positive mindset, enhancing local hygiene, and regular monitoring are sufficient.
For individuals with HPV infections, personal hygiene is crucial in daily life, including cleaning the external genital area with water, changing underwear frequently, ensuring adequate rest, avoiding fatigue, and having a balanced diet to boost the immune system, all of which contribute to body recovery and health maintenance.
