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In reply to the discussion: Birth Defects in Brazil - Mosquito or MONSANTO [View all]womanofthehills
(8,703 posts)Should pregnant women be concerned about Zika?
"Health authorities are currently investigating a potential link between Zika virus in pregnant women and microcephaly in their babies. Until more is known, women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should take extra care to protect themselves from mosquito bites.
If you are pregnant and suspect that you may have Zika virus disease, consult your doctor for close monitoring during your pregnancy.
What is microcephaly?
Microcephaly is a rare condition where a baby has an abnormally small head. This is due to abnormal brain development of the baby in the womb or during infancy. Babies and children with microcephaly often have challenges with their brain development as they grow older.
Microcephaly can be caused by a variety of environmental and genetic factors such as Downs syndrome; exposure to drugs, alcohol or other toxins in the womb; and rubella infection during pregnancy."
http://www.who.int/features/qa/zika/en/