wart in pregnancy

Overview

A wart is a small, rough bump on the skin caused by a common virus called the human papillomavirus, or HPV. During pregnancy, warts can appear or change because your immune system naturally adjusts to support your baby. Warts are usually harmless and often clear up on their own.

Yes, warts are common, especially during pregnancy. Many people already carry the virus, and the normal immune changes in pregnancy can make warts more visible or more numerous.

Warts can affect pregnant women of any age. You are more likely to develop warts during pregnancy if you have had them before, or if you have close skin contact with someone who has warts.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Small, rough bumps on the skin that may be flesh-colored, pink, or slightly brown.
• Bumps that are flat or raised, often on hands, feet, face, or around the knees.
• Tiny black dots inside the wart, which are small blood vessels.
• A wart that feels rough like a cauliflower, but sometimes smooth.
• Warts can be itchy or sore, but most are painless.

Symptoms in children

• Children often get warts on their hands, elbows, and knees.
• Warts may go away on their own, but can spread to other parts of the body if scratched.

Symptoms in older adults

• Older adults may develop warts but they are less common.
• Any new or changing skin growth should be checked by a healthcare provider.

Causes

Main causes

• Direct contact with the human papillomavirus, or HPV, through small cuts or breaks in the skin.
• Touching a wart on yourself or another person and then touching another part of your body.
• Walking barefoot in places where the virus may live, such as swimming pools or communal showers.

Risk factors

• Having a weakened immune system, which is a normal part of pregnancy for many women.
• Previously having warts.
• Having skin-to-skin contact with someone who has warts.
• Damaging your skin through scratching, biting nails, or shaving.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If a wart becomes suddenly painful, starts bleeding, or shows signs of infection.
• If you notice a growth that changes quickly in size, shape, or color.

Book a routine appointment if:

• Discuss any warts at your next antenatal appointment.
• If a wart is unsightly or uncomfortable, ask your doctor about safe treatment options during pregnancy.

Diagnosis

Your healthcare provider can usually tell if a growth is a wart by looking at it carefully. They may use a small magnifying lens called a dermatoscope to see the tiny blood vessels clearly.

Tests that may be done

• Usually no tests are needed.
• If the wart is on the face or genital area, or if there is any doubt, a doctor may take a small sample for testing, but this is rare during pregnancy.

What to expect at your appointment

The doctor will ask when the wart appeared, whether you have had warts before, and if there are other symptoms. The examination is quick, painless, and safe for pregnant women.

Treatment

Most warts during pregnancy do not need treatment and may clear up after the baby is born. Some treatments used outside pregnancy are not recommended during pregnancy, so always ask your doctor before trying anything.

Self-care at home

• Keep the area clean and dry.
• Cover the wart with a small plaster or bandage if it is likely to be rubbed or picked.
• Do not pick, scratch, or bite the wart because this can spread the virus.
• Wash your hands well after touching a wart.
• Try not to share towels, flannels, or shoes while you have a wart.

Medical treatments

If treatment is needed, your doctor may suggest a cream that is safe to use during pregnancy, or they may use freezing therapy in a clinic. The choice depends on the area of the skin, the size of the wart, and how far along you are in pregnancy. Never use over-the-counter treatments without checking with your midwife or doctor first.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery to remove a wart is rarely needed. It may be considered during pregnancy only for a wart that becomes severely painful, infected, or if a diagnosis needs to be confirmed.

Living with this condition

Living with warts during pregnancy is usually simple. You can go about all your normal activities, and you may just need to be a little careful about hygiene so the warts do not spread. Keep them covered, avoid scratching, and wash your hands often.

Lifestyle tips

• Wear flip-flops or sandals in communal showers and pool areas.
• Use your own towel and keep it separate from others if possible.
• Do not bite your nails if you have warts on your hands.
• Be gentle when shaving to avoid nicking a wart.

Diet and exercise

Eating a balanced diet and staying physically active are good for your overall health and help support your immune system. Exercising is fine, just protect any warts on your feet with a plaster when using shared facilities.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

It is understandable to feel self-conscious or worried about a wart, especially during pregnancy when your body is already changing. Remember that warts are extremely common and not a sign of poor hygiene. Most do not cause harm and will eventually go away.

Prevention

It is not always possible to prevent warts, but you can reduce the risk of spreading them by avoiding direct contact with other people’s warts, not sharing personal items like towels or razors, and keeping your skin healthy and free of cuts.

Vaccines

There is a vaccine that protects against some types of HPV, including types that cause genital warts and some types of cervical cancer. It is usually given before pregnancy, so if you are not yet pregnant, ask your healthcare provider about the HPV vaccine. It is not given during pregnancy.

Screening programmes

Routine screening for HPV is not needed because warts are not dangerous during pregnancy. If you have unusual growths in the genital area, your doctor may recommend a check-up to make sure everything is normal.

Complications

If left untreated

• If left untreated, warts may increase in number or spread to other areas of your skin.
• A wart may become sore or bleed if it is rubbed or scratched.
• Rarely, a wart can become infected, needing treatment.

Long-term outlook

The outlook is very positive. Most warts will disappear on their own within a few weeks or months, and many women find their warts shrink or vanish after they give birth. Even if they do not, there are safe treatment options available after pregnancy.

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