Lyme Disease and Pregnancy
Lyme disease during pregnancy raises important questions about diagnosis, treatment, and the possibility of transmission to the developing baby. Although Lyme disease affects people of all ages, infection during pregnancy requires careful medical evaluation to protect both maternal and fetal health.
Symptoms of Lyme disease during pregnancy may resemble those seen in other adults and can include fatigue, headaches, joint pain, neurologic symptoms, and the characteristic erythema migrans rash. Because pregnancy itself can cause fatigue and other physical changes, Lyme disease may sometimes be overlooked if infection is not considered.
This page reviews Lyme disease during pregnancy and links to articles addressing maternal symptoms, treatment considerations, and questions about transmission.
Common Questions About Lyme Disease in Pregnancy
- Can Lyme disease be transmitted during pregnancy?
- What symptoms should pregnant patients watch for?
- How is Lyme disease treated during pregnancy?
- Is breastfeeding safe with Lyme disease?
Early recognition and appropriate treatment are important for reducing the risk of complications.
Articles on Lyme Disease and Pregnancy
- ADD YOUR POST: Lyme disease during pregnancy
- ADD YOUR POST: congenital Lyme disease
- ADD YOUR POST: transmission of Lyme disease during pregnancy
- ADD YOUR POST: breastfeeding and Lyme disease
For a broader overview of symptoms associated with Lyme disease, see the Lyme disease symptoms guide.
Editor’s note: Questions about Lyme disease during pregnancy understandably create concern for families. Careful clinical evaluation and appropriate treatment remain important for protecting maternal and fetal health.
Dr. Daniel Cameron, MD, MPH
Lyme disease clinician with over 30 years of experience and past president of ILADS.
Symptoms • Testing • Coinfections • Recovery • Pediatric • Prevention
