Published at 11:59, Friday, 20 June 2008

A HEARTBROKEN mum who lost her baby to a common virus is calling for greater awareness of the disease.

By Jo Halpin

Jemma Nicholls’ unborn child contracted parvovirus B19, commonly known as ‘slapped cheek syndrome’, while in the womb.

Miss Nicholls, 27, lost her baby on May 20 after being exposed to the virus – which causes a rash and flu-like symptoms in young children – at her son’s school, Dalton St Mary’s CofE Primary.

She knew nothing of the risks because, in the majority of cases, slapped cheek syndrome does not lead to complications and most pregnant women are already immune.

Tragically, Miss Nicholls’ baby was one of the minority to develop foetal hydrops, and this led to her having a miscarriage.

Her pregnancy went smoothly until a check-up, just five days before she lost the baby.

Although there was a heartbeat, Miss Nicholls said her midwife raised concerns about the size of the baby, so she was referred for a scan.

“All she said is she felt the baby was a bit bigger than three months, so she wanted me to go for a scan and, because my partner is a twin, we had it in our minds that it could be twins,” explained Miss Nicholls, of Loweswater Terrace, Dalton.

“When she put the monitor on, I knew straight away because there was no heartbeat. They said it was foetal hydrops, which causes the baby to swell.”

Blood tests can identify antibodies for slapped cheek syndrome from a current or previous infection.

If parvovirus B19 is diagnosed, the chances of the baby’s survival can be improved with a blood transfusion directly into the baby.

Unfortunately, Miss Nicholls is the three per cent statistic in which foetal hydrops leads to the loss of the baby after infection.

“I wasn’t aware that this was a threat to me while pregnant,” said Miss Nicholls, who has four other children.

“I was unfortunate in that I didn’t know I had it.

“I’m not blaming the school in any way, because they can’t know everything, but I think every school should know the risks.

“All my other pregnancies have been fine.

“If women are concerned that they’ve been in touch with someone with a rash, they should see their doctor, but I wasn’t aware there could be a problem, so I didn’t think to go to my doctor.

“I understand it’s only a small percentage who develop complications but who else is going to be in the other small per centage?

“I want to make other mums aware that if they’re pregnant and if they’re worried, they should get a check-up.

“It’s a precious thing when you’re pregnant.

“You’ve got to hold on to it and take care of your bump.”

Cumbria public health expert, Dr Nigel Calvert, said: “It’s a sad business, because it does happen from time to time.

“The highest risk is probably in early pregnancy, usually during the first 20 weeks.

“For most people who catch the virus, the outcome will be fine.

“Nurseries quite often have little outbreaks of slapped cheek syndrome.

“In itself it’s a mild enough condition, but to unborn children it can cause problems.

“Most adults are immune and if you get it when you’re pregnant and have already been exposed to it, it won’t be a problem.

“If you’re concerned, it’s important to seek advice from your GP or midwife, who could probably refer you on for a scan.

“The people it’s most important to be aware of this are women of childbearing age who work with other kids.”

For more information consult the NHS Direct website www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk or call them on 0845 4647.

Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk