Introduction
The pfeiffersche glandular-fever is frequently known in the vernacular also under the name “kissing disease. In medical terminology, this is also referred to as infectious mononucleosis. Pfeiffer’s glandular fever is very widespread and can easily be transmitted from person to person.
The virus that triggers it, EBV or also called Ebbstein-Barr virus, is considered highly contagious. The rates of infection are sometimes stated very differently, but it can be assumed that over 80% of those over 30 years of age have experienced an infection with EBV. The virus belongs to the herpes virus family and remains in the body after an infection.
Also in pregnancy one can fall ill with a Pfeiffer’s glandular fever. There is no vaccination that can prevent an infection. In the end, despite precautions, an infection cannot always be prevented. Infectious diseases in particular can damage the unborn child and the mother just like certain medicines, drugs, alcohol or nicotine. This is why expectant mothers are very worried if they suffer from an infectious disease during pregnancy.
How dangerous is that?
The most common concern of pregnant women is probably the integrity of the unborn child. Infectious diseases can sometimes have serious consequences for the child, such as malformations and organ damage, but they can also endanger the mother’s health. In view of this, the concern of most mothers is well understandable.
In the case of whistling glandular fever, however, the all-clear can be given. This infectious disease is not associated with malformations or organ damage of the child, nor with miscarriages or serious consequences for the mother. In principle, therefore, no acute danger to the pregnancy can be assumed for the time being.
It is nevertheless very important that the mother is spared and has a medical examination. In particular, it is very important to take it easy on the body, as otherwise complications such as myocarditis or a pronounced enlargement of the spleen (splenomegaly) can threaten a rupture of the spleen. Although such complications are rare, if they do occur they can endanger pregnancy. In general, however, Pfeiffer’s glandular fever is not a cause for concern, as pregnancy is not at risk in the absence of rare complications of the disease.
