Everyone gets sick from time to time. Most illnesses can be managed with over-the-counter and prescribed medications that are safe in pregnancy. (See Medications.) Some of the following illnesses often cause particular concern for pregnant women—and many of them have ways to prevent and treat them safely.
Fifth’s disease, or slapped cheek syndrome, is caused by an infection called parvovirus. It presents with very red cheeks along with mild fever or illness, and is most common in children. If you come in contact with a child who has this, let us know. We can do blood tests to check your exposure.
Exposure to chicken pox can be dangerous while pregnant. If you had a chicken pox infection as a child or have been previously immunized, you are likely immune to further infection. If you are unsure whether you’ve had the illness, we can check your immunity with a blood test.
Also called “whooping cough,” Pertussis is a very contagious respiratory illness that can cause serious, even fatal, illness in young infants. Babies get vaccinated but are not fully protected until they receive their third shot at 6 months of age. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends all pregnant women, dads, grandparents younger than 65 years of age, caregivers and daycare providers (anyone having contact with infants less than one year old) receive a booster vaccine. Called Tdap, this vaccine replaces the tetanus-diphtheria booster shot. You can get this vaccine at 28 weeks in our office. Family members should check with their physician to be vaccinated.
A flu vaccine is safe and encouraged for all pregnant women at any time during pregnancy. Your baby will benefit from this vaccine due to antibodies crossing the placenta, which help protect your susceptible newborn from the flu virus. Nasal flu mist, however, is not safe to use in pregnancy.
A TB (tuberculosis) skin test is safe at any time during pregnancy.
Because the immune system is suppressed during pregnancy, pregnant women are more likely to get Listeria than non-pregnant women; however, it is extremely unlikely (one in 50 million). Transmitted through bacteria in food, Listeria can cause severe infection, preterm labor and miscarriage. Symptoms may show up 2-30 days after exposure and include mild, flu-like symptoms—fever, nausea, vomiting, headaches, and muscle aches. A simple blood test can confirm listeriosis. The highest-risk foods are soft cheeses (i.e. brie, blue cheese, Mexican style, feta), deli meats, pâté, undercooked hot dogs, and raw fruits and vegetables that have been inadequately washed. Be sure to wash all vegetables, fruits and salads before cooking or eating.
Zika is a virus that is transmitted by a mosquito but also via sexual intercourse. Zika infection during pregnancy can cause serious birth defects and is associated with other pregnancy problems. Please refer to the CDC website for the most current information about Zika. Do NOT travel to areas with Zika. If your sex partner travels to an area with Zika, protect yourself from getting Zika during sex by using condoms every time you have sex for the duration of the pregnancy. Zika may be asymptomatic. You can still become infected if your partner never develops symptoms. Protect yourself from mosquito bites if you must travel to an area where Zika has been transmitted.
See our Preconceptual Health information on Zika Travel here if you are planning to get pregnant and you or your partner will be traveling to areas with risk of Zika.
Use EPA registered insect repellants with DEET, Picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535. When used as directed, EPA registered repellants are proven safe and effective, even for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Cytomegalovirus is the most common virus passed from mothers to babies. Most people are exposed to it when they are young. About 2% of women develop CMV during pregnancy and of those, 33% will pass it to their baby. Most babies do not have symptoms but some can have birth defects from the virus. Most people do not have symptoms from the virus, but common symptoms are fever, sore throat, severe fatigue and swollen glands. There is a simple blood test that can be done in our office to test for the virus.
Is it Time to Schedule Your Annual Wellness Exam?
Your annual women’s health appointment is a vital part of your health care, and the perfect time to talk to your Care Team about your personal health questions.
Is it Time to Schedule Your Annual Wellness Exam?
What People Are Saying
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Lindsey Kaelin26 October 2026Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Truly one of the best women’s health visits I have ever had! Emily Fountain is so incredible and listened to all of my concerns and offered so many options to me that have NEVER been offered to me by any other healthcare provider before. I felt truly cared for. The staff is amazing and kind and QUICK! And the office is beautifully decorated and clean. I will never go anywhere else ever again!Posted on Google
Madison Buckner19 October 2026It can be difficult to feel heard when it comes to women’s health, however Dr. Aiken always takes her time & answers question’s thoroughly. Couldn’t recommend her enough!Posted on Google
Lauren Hayes25 September 2026Ultrasound tech, Emma, was phenomenal! She was so compassionate and took her time to make our experience great. We really appreciate the care she took during our ultrasound.Posted on Google
Sidney12 August 2026Highly recommend! From the moment I walked in to the moment I walked out, my care was thoughtful, caring, and the furthest thing from feeling dismissed at a doctor’s office. Ellie did a wonderful job making me feel heard, comfortable and validate what I had been experiencing. For a first visit, I left feeling reassured and grateful that I chose this office.Posted on Google
Charisa McMahon21 July 2026I highly recommend Audrey Fenwick. She truly takes the time to listen and never makes me feel rushed during my appointments. I always feel like my concerns are heard and taken seriously. What I appreciate most is that she’s willing to explore different treatment options rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach. She works with me until we find a plan that we’re both comfortable with, and I always leave feeling confident that I’ve received thoughtful, personalized care. It’s refreshing to have a healthcare provider who is knowledgeable, compassionate, and genuinely invested in helping her patients feel their best.Posted on Google
Amy Curry26 June 2026Dr. Shannon was a great provider during my last pregnancy with twins! She answered every question I had, kept me in the loop on all the clinical decisions and options I had available, and made me feel safe and heard during all of my interactions with her and her staff. All of the staff at Women’s first always took great care of me and my babies no matter what concern I had at the time.Posted on Google
Rhonda Eichenberger20 June 2026They are always all so nice and welcoming. I just love Brook McAfee, APRN, she is awesome!Posted on Google
Robin12 June 2026Dr Grider is the best Doctor. Very thorough, kind and personable!Posted on Google
Cathy Carter4 June 2026I cannot tell you how pleased I am with the services provided by Dr. Anne L. Oliphant and the staff at Women First of Louisville. Dr. Oliphant and staff exhibit outstanding professionalism, punctuality and courtesy. I highly recommend Dr. Oliphant based on the fact that she is an exceptionally skilled and compassionate physician who truly takes the time to listen to her patients. Throughout my appointments, she and the staff made me feel completely at ease. She thoroughly explained my diagnosis and patiently answered all my questions without ever making me feel rushed. I had to do bloodwork during my last appointment. The clinicians and staff were especially friendly and professional as well. Dr. Oliphant’s, and the staff’s, empathetic bedside manner and clear communication elicit standout medical providers in the specialized field of menopause medicine. I believe that Dr. Oliphant has really listened to my concerns and has taken the time to support my health journey. I highly recommend her and the staff to anyone seeking personalized and highly effective care.Posted on Google
Nancy Nance3 June 2026I have been a patient here for over 25 years. The best of care for any need I have had ! Simply the best !
