U.S. CDC issues advice on pregnancy timing after Zika exposure

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued updated guidelines on Friday related to timing of pregnancy after Zika exposure as well as prevention of sexual transmission of the mosquito-borne virus.

The new advice, which reflects new understanding about the Zika virus, said "mounting evidence" supports a link between Zika and microcephaly, a birth defect that is a sign of incomplete brain development, and possibly other problems such as miscarriage and stillbirth, though the rate of these complications is still unknown.

As a result, the guidance recommended women wait at least eight weeks after their symptoms first appeared before trying to get pregnant, while men wait at least six months after their symptoms first appeared to have unprotected sex.

For men and women without symptoms but who had possible exposure to Zika from recent travel or sexual contact, the U.S. agency recommended that these patients should wait at least eight weeks after their possible exposure before trying to get pregnant in order to minimize risk.

In making these recommendations, the CDC said it "considered the longest known risk period for these categories" and then allowed for three times the known period of time.

Couples who live in an area with active Zika transmission should talk with their doctors about their pregnancy plans, the potential risks of Zika, and how they can prevent Zika virus infection

"These are very complex, deeply personal decisions," the CDC said. "Some women and their partners residing in areas with active Zika virus transmission may decide to delay pregnancy."

To prevent the sexual transmission of the Zika virus as well as protect pregnant women, the CDC has previously recommended that men with a pregnant partner should use condoms every time they have sex or not have sex for the duration of the pregnancy.

Now, the agency went further to say that couples with men who have confirmed Zika or symptoms of Zika should consider using condoms or not having sex for at least six months after symptoms begin.

Couples with men who traveled to an area with Zika but did not develop symptoms of Zika should consider using condoms or not having sex for at least eight weeks after their return in order to minimize risk.

In addition, couples with men who live in an area with Zika but have not developed symptoms might consider using condoms or not having sex while there is active Zika transmission in the area, it said. Endit