[Ten questions about viral infections in pregnancy]

Abstract

In the Netherlands, all pregnant persons are screened for hiv, hepatitis B and syphilis at 10 weeks' gestation. Treatment of these infections both promote maternal health and prevent perinatal transmission. Other viral infections may also impair maternal and fetal health, but screening for these infections is not a routine in pregnancy. Sometimes opportunistic screening is done in presumed high-risk groups such as in child- and healthcare workers or viral diagnostic tests are done in case of illness or in the presence of fetal anomalies. We aim to discuss these viral illnesses with maternal and fetal consequences.