Zika virus and planning pregnancy

CDC updated recommendations regarding Zika transmission.

On September 30, 2016, CDC updated its recommendations about pregnancy timing for couples who want to get pregnant, and updated recommendations regarding prevention of Zika virus transmission through sexual contact.

If you are planning a pregnancy utilizing insemination or IVF, you may have questions regarding timing. The updated recommendations for people who want to get pregnant depend on circumstances. The guidelines for couples trying to conceive include recommendations for men and women with possible exposure to Zika virus who do not have symptoms, and men and women who have symptoms of Zika virus infection.

What are the symptoms of Zika virus infection?

Symptoms include onset of fever, rash, joint pain, or conjunctivitis. If you or your partner think you may have been exposed to this virus and have these symptoms, the current recommendation is to get tested for Zika.

Men who have been exposed to Zika and are planning a pregnancy should wait at least 6 months.

CDC now recommends all men with possible Zika virus exposure who are considering attempting conception wait at least 6 months after symptom onset or last possible Zika virus exposure if they have no symptoms.

Recommendations for women planning to conceive remain unchanged from CDC’s release in April. Women with possible Zika virus exposure are recommended to wait at least 8 weeks after symptom onset or last possible Zika virus exposure if they have no symptoms, before attempting to get pregnant.

These recommendations are updated based on recently evaluated pregnancy outcomes.

- Dr. Waud