Papillomas in pregnancy

A benign neoplasm on the human skin caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV) is simply called a papilloma. It is not uncommon for papillomas to be detected during pregnancy. Their localization is often the face, groin, chest, armpits, and neck.

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Human papillomavirus and pregnancy

A quarter of the world's population are carriers of HPV, so there is a fairly high percentage of probability of becoming infected. HPV is transmitted sexually if the contact was unprotected. You can get this virus not only from a patient with HPV, but also from a virus carrier, a person who does not have visual signs of the disease.

There are some known strains of HPV that can be transmitted not only through sexual contact, but also through everyday contact. The virus is carried throughout the body by blood, getting into epithelial cells, where it provokes a “program failure”, forcing skin cells to rapidly divide, growing into benign neoplasms.

Therefore, the manifestation of the human papilloma virus during pregnancy is not nonsense. Pregnancy is stress for the body. Hormonal changes are taking place to prepare the woman's body for childbirth. Apparently, this is what is the catalyst for their origin and development, forming on the skin or mucous membrane.

The size of warts is small - from one to five millimeters. The color range is from flesh to brown. Neoplasms are found both single and "collected" into conglomerates. It is slightly reassuring that these neoplasms are not malignant. Doctors do not have complete information about the causes that provoke this pathology. It is also "unpleasant" in the aesthetic aspect, especially if the localization site is the face or neck. It is difficult to link the papilloma virus and pregnancy, since the neoplasm can appear regardless of the skin condition. It turns out that pregnancy is the impetus for the growth and development of such tumors.

If the expectant mother suffered from papillomatosis before the onset of an interesting situation, then, most likely, their number will increase during the gestation period, and they will spread throughout the body. The activation of this process mainly occurs in the second and third trimesters of bearing a child.

Statistics of long-term observations state that a quarter of the world's population suffers from papillomatosis. Of these, the largest percentage falls on people over 50 years old. The group of people predisposed to this pathology includes people suffering from diabetes and excess weight.

There is an opinion that warts are formed mainly in natural folds (groin, submammary areas), places of frequent friction. For example, obese people experience constant friction in the armpits and groin area. Therefore, they have a higher risk of developing such tumors there.

It is assumed that papillomas during pregnancy appear due to changes in hormonal levels, which stimulate the growth of epidermal cells. But the impetus for pathology is still friction. By the second and third trimesters, a woman gains weight, and fatty folds form, causing friction. As a result, papillomas appear. Often, after childbirth, neoplasms resolve on their own.

But women "in position" are more concerned about the impact of pathology on the course of bearing a child. In most cases, HPV does not pose a significant threat to the development of the baby. Although there are known cases of a child being infected with HPV during obstetrics, this does not pose a great danger. After birth, the child's body copes with this pathology on its own.

It is worth noting that, although quite rare, there are cases when a newborn baby infected with a strain of HPV develops genital, anal or vocal warts (respiratory papillomatosis). This rare disease is quite serious and is associated, in most cases, with a cesarean section. Therefore, the presence of HPV in the mother's body is not an indication for a cesarean section. An obstetrician-gynecologist can give such a prescription in the case of a wart or large warts (condylomas) of the woman's genitals, which, due to their size, interfere with normal obstetric care. Such a pathology manifests itself only in women with serious progressive immunodeficiency (for example, a history of AIDS). The phenomenon is rare, occurring sporadically.

There is an opinion that during the gestation period warts can recur: increase in volume and number, which creates certain difficulties during childbirth. But medicine cannot confirm or refute this fact. Statistics cited in various sources indicate the transmission of congenital heart disease from mother to child in 4 - 80% of cases. The inconsistency is obvious. It is most likely that the virus enters the child's body during passage through the birth canal and contact with the cervix.

After childbirth, most often, such tumors decrease in size or disappear completely.

Why do papillomas appear during pregnancy?

Cases of warts appearing during pregnancy are not uncommon, but every time women fall into a stupor, assuming that now she will remain ugly forever. But the main thing is - will it harm the future child? Therefore, if papillomas appear during pregnancy - do not panic, it is better to consult a doctor.

It can be said that the worries of pregnant women are groundless. Papilloma is a benign neoplasm that does not affect the course of pregnancy and the development of the baby in any way. It only causes aesthetic discomfort to its owner. The size of warts is small and only an insignificant percentage of them reaches significant sizes, which, if localized in the genital area, can interfere with natural childbirth, forcing the obstetrician-gynecologist to focus on a cesarean section.

They also cause some discomfort if they are located in places of constant friction with clothing. In this case, they can become inflamed, swell and cause pain.

Doctors insist that if warts appear during pregnancy, they will mostly resolve on their own in the postpartum period. Therefore, there is no catastrophe in this, but it is still worth informing the doctor who is observing you.

How does papilloma affect pregnancy?

Preparing for motherhood is a serious step for a woman. And if HPV is detected in a woman before conception, it is worth undergoing a course of treatment, having contacted a specialist for prescriptions. It is advisable to use contraception during the treatment and immediately after its completion, preventing conception of a child. After all, the treatment course includes powerful antiviral drugs (for example, podophyllotoxin) leading to necrosis of neoplasms. Such drugs are not selective and can have a detrimental effect on the emerging and developing new life.

Therefore, the question of how does papilloma affect pregnancy? It is relevant. It is the serious restructuring of the woman's body that provokes the appearance of a wart, exacerbating the "dormant" virus. Small single papillomas or their groups do not harm the pregnant woman and do not have a detrimental effect on the development of the fetus. Problems can occur if the neoplasm is of significant size and is located on the mucous membrane of the genitals of the expectant mother. Such tumors can significantly complicate the process of childbirth, provoking profuse bleeding.

During childbirth, the newborn, in contact with the cervix, can become infected with HPV through it. In the future, there is a risk of the baby developing papillomas (condylomas) of the respiratory tract (in the larynx and pharynx). If it is located on the mucous membrane of the genitals and is of a size that blocks the outlet of the vagina, the obstetrician-gynecologist has to refuse natural childbirth and resort to a cesarean section. But such cases are quite rare. Most often, childbirth proceeds within normal limits, a healthy baby is born, and warts eventually resolve on their own.

Papillomas on the neck during pregnancy

The localization of this viral manifestation is quite extensive, but there are places that are especially "favorite". These are the neck, groin area, face, armpits.

Even in the early stages of the gestation period, each woman undergoes a series of examinations for the presence of various viruses in her body, including HPV. After all, at the time of restructuring, the protective forces of the mother's body weaken, allowing pathogenic flora to become active. If before conception the woman did not have neoplasms or they were insignificant, then during this period their growth and spread is activated. Papillomas on the neck during pregnancy are the most common pathology, which will in no way affect the development and birth of a small person. If small warts were observed on the woman's face and neck before conception, then this pathology will worsen and expand its localization.

If the expectant mother knows about her body's predisposition to HPV, before planning to conceive a child, she should first undergo a course of treatment for the viral infection, since although it does not have a negative effect on the fetus, it can significantly undermine the mother's immunity.

Such tumors are removed during pregnancy only as a last resort, on the recommendation of a doctor, at a late stage of gestation, when the fetus is already fully formed and ready for independent life. If there is no such medical need, HPV should be treated after childbirth. There is a high probability that the neoplasms will disappear on their own.

Cervical papilloma during pregnancy

If the expectant mother has a strong immune system, then even being a carrier of the virus, it may not manifest itself. With a weakened body, HPV is activated, and during a gynecological or dermatological examination, a papilloma of the cervix during pregnancy can be detected. Its manifestation options: pointed condylomas, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (a pathology of the cervix with a high oncogenic risk) or cervical cancer.

Papillomavirus infection does not have a significant impact on the health of the pregnant woman and the fetus, with the exception of the presence of anogenital warts (pointed condylomas) in a woman. They are dangerous during childbirth, when the unborn child begins to contact the cervix. The likelihood of uterine bleeding, which is dangerous to the health and life of the mother, increases significantly, and the possibility of infection of the unborn child with the virus also increases. When passing through the birth canal, HPV can penetrate the respiratory system of the newborn. As a result, warts begin to form on the vocal cords and larynx of the baby. To avoid this result, the woman is prescribed a cesarean section.

Throughout the entire period of bearing a child, the expectant mother should take vitamin complexes, spend more time outdoors, rest, thereby strengthening her immune system. After all, HPV, not at first glance harmless, can provoke the progression of other diseases, for example, thrush.

Therefore, if a cervical papilloma is detected during pregnancy, the woman in labor should be under constant supervision of a doctor.

Papillomas after pregnancy

Many warts that appeared during the gestation period disappear on their own after childbirth, without requiring additional treatment. But if medical correction is necessary, the obstetrician-gynecologist will try to do this after the birth of the child. Papillomas after pregnancy are not dangerous. In most cases, they cause more aesthetic discomfort than harm to health. An exception can be called warts that are located on the genitals and in places where they may rub against clothing.

Constant friction irritates the neoplasm, causing inflammation, swelling and pain.

Papillomas on the breast during pregnancy

For any woman, the breast is a special pride, and for the expectant mother - a nutritional arsenal for the child. The appearance of a papilloma on the chest during pregnancy is associated with the presence of HPV in the body of the expectant mother. Such a neoplasm rarely causes discomfort to its owner, but this process is pathological and represents a special case of papillomatosis. Warts localized on the skin surface of the chest do not pose any danger to the health of the woman and the child, and they can be removed, if necessary, after childbirth.

Papillomas on the nipples during pregnancy

Warts on the chest are classified as intraductal neoplasms, since their most common localization is the nipple or peripapillary area. It is very important to immediately contact a specialist if warts are found in this area. Over time, transparent or bloody discharge appears on the nipple. These may be symptoms of malignant cell degeneration. That is why such neoplasms must be taken more than seriously.

They can be located not only on the epidermis, but also inside the breast. They can be identified by palpation - painful round nodules. The most common place of manifestation is the areola area, in large ducts, in the center of the nipple.

Papillomas on the nipples are quite often found during pregnancy. This is due to the restructuring of the woman's hormonal background and the weakening of her immune system. This pathology does not have a significant impact on the development and growth of the fetus, but the woman needs to think about strengthening the protective forces of her body.

You should not ignore a doctor's consultation, especially if the papilloma gets into the baby's mouth during breastfeeding. The neoplasm can be injured, which is undesirable for both the mother and the child. In this case, warts can be removed during the gestation period. If not, then after childbirth there is a high probability that the neoplasm will go away on its own.

Treatment of papilloma during pregnancy

Quite often, during pregnancy, single or group warts appear on a woman's body, causing psychological and sometimes physical discomfort. You want to get rid of this affliction as quickly as possible. But, although the treatment of papilloma during pregnancy is harmless, you should not rush. There are reasons for this:

• Any treatment is, albeit minor, stress for a woman’s body, and, consequently, for her baby.
• After a successful birth, such tumors often resolve on their own.
• Surgical removal of a neoplasm is quick and painless (performed under local anesthesia), but still unpleasant.
• During pregnancy, anesthesia is not recommended. Therefore, surgical intervention can only be performed with frozen skin.

It is important to know that today there is no adequate medicine that completely cures HPV. The course of treatment includes therapy that allows you to relieve the symptoms of the disease, suppress the infection (the concentration of the virus decreases). The effectiveness of various drug methods is 50-70%.

In each individual case, the woman decides on the appropriateness of treatment together with her doctor. Treatment of papilloma during pregnancy should not include laser techniques or cryodestruction (cauterization with liquid nitrogen). Such intervention can provoke premature birth.

Reduce the effectiveness of treatment:

• Stress.
• Decreased overall tone of the body.
• Avitaminosis.

Have a positive effect on the treatment process:

• Taking multivitamins, retinoids (analogues of vitamin A).
• Balanced nutrition.
• A properly organized daily routine.

Retinol. This drug is not prescribed to women in the first trimester of the gestation period, then only by agreement with the doctor. Prescribed 1 tablet per day. Take with or after food, but always in the first half of the day. The course duration is one to two months. Repeatedly - as prescribed by the doctor.

Treatment methods:

• Physical:
  • Electrocoagulation. Burning out the neoplasm with electric current (an effective but painful method of removal). The burn wound takes a long time to heal, causing discomfort.
  • Cryodestruction. Removal of warts with liquid nitrogen. This method is acceptable in the case of HPV, skin localization, but is not suitable for cervical pathology. The therapy is effective for single neoplasms.
  • Laser therapy. The most advanced technology. Does not cause any complications. No scars remain after its implementation. Full recovery is observed after a week.
• Medicinal or chemical. As medical practice shows, such therapy is quite ineffective.
• Surgical (surgical removal of the neoplasm).

But it is worth noting that the fight against such tumors should still be carried out either before conception or after the birth of the child.

Removal of papillomas during pregnancy

Modern medicine is ready to offer several different methods of getting rid of HPV. But the removal of papillomas during pregnancy is carried out individually, at the request of the woman and with the consent of her obstetrician-gynecologist.

It is better to remove it during the first trimester, when the wart is small in size.

There are several quick ways to get rid of a wart:

• Classic surgical excision. The method is good because it allows you to obtain tissue material that is sent for histological examination. There is a risk of bleeding during the operation. Scars remain. There is no guarantee that there will be no relapse, and the tumor may be malignant.
• Removal with a radio knife. Using a special medical knife (using the principle of high energy waves), a piece of tissue suitable for histology is excised. Removal is painless and takes a minimum of time. There are no relapses.
• Laser removal. The most progressive method of getting rid of pathology. Allows to effectively get rid of both single and group, merged warts, including on the cervix. Complications of this method have not been identified. Subsequently, no colloid scars remain. Removal of such tumors occurs layer by layer, without affecting adjacent tissues. The method excludes provoking bleeding (the blood is simply baked, sealing the vessels). All pathological cells are qualitatively removed, which prevents further relapses. In one session, it is possible to remove several neoplasms.

But removal alone is not enough. It is necessary to pay attention to increasing the immunity of the woman in labor in order to protect her from further relapses. The most correct thing would be to take immunomodulators and immunostimulants even before conception, since their effect on the body during pregnancy is undesirable. And during the gestation period, it is worth paying special attention to the diet and the organization of the daily routine, where long walks in nature should be a separate item.

If there is no medical need to remove papillomas during pregnancy, it is still better not to do it.

Waiting for a baby is a wonderful period in the life of every woman. But the appearance of a papilloma during pregnancy can somewhat darken this condition. If you notice a new growth, show it to an obstetrician-gynecologist. He will advise, answer all your questions and, if necessary, take action.

There is no need to be upset about your appearance - after all, any woman expecting a child is already a BEAUTY!!!