Treatment of Viral Infections During Pregnancy

Abstract

Viral infections are common complications of pregnancy. Although some infections have maternal sequelae, many viral infections can be perinatally transmitted to cause congenital or chronic infection in fetuses or infants. Treatments of such infections are geared toward reducing maternal symptoms and complications and toward preventing maternal-to-child transmission of viruses. This article reviews the treatment of herpes simplex virus, cytomegalovirus, hepatitis B and C viruses, and human immunodeficiency virus during pregnancy.

Keywords: Antiviral therapy; Cytomegalovirus; Herpes simplex virus; Human immunodeficiency virus; Maternal-to-child transmission; Pregnancy; Viral hepatitis; Viral infections.