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Ask the TriHealth Experts: How pregnant women can protect against Zika

137 views · Published 12 September 2016 · 3:22 · Indexed 20 September 2026

Channel: LOCAL 12 · 2016 · News & Politics

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It’s a constant conversation these days in women’s health offices around the country as the Zika virus continues to spread.

And a new concern for many new moms such as Brandy, who is expecting a baby girl in just a few weeks.

Slightly, mildly, there's a lot of talk about it.

That talk now growing in OB/GYN visits across the country as the virus, transmitted by mosquito bites, begins to pop up in more areas around the country.

Doctor Regina Whitfield Kekessi says it does have symptoms that include "fever, or rash or joint muscle aches."

And because those symptoms may mimic other illnesses during pregnancy, Dr. Whitfield Kekessi is encouraging women to ask their OB/GYNs a few questions or answer them together. Questions such as have you traveled to any Zika-infected areas? Has anyone in your family traveled to those areas? And have you been protecting against some of the things that could transmit this virus?

Doctor Whitfield Kekessi says pregnant women who want to reduce their risk can not only avoid travel to Zika-infected areas but also to use insect repellent with DEET, which is now considered safe for use in pregnancy.

Or you can visit the CDC's website for more detailed information about what products are safe in pregnancy to use.

While Brandy has avoided risk and is expecting a healthy baby girl, for anyone with concerns due to travel related with Zika ...

"We do evaluate the baby via ultrasound to assess the growth of the baby, and we evaluate that baby every three or four weeks until that baby is delivered," Dr. Whitfield Kekessi says.

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