Introduction B19 Parvovirus causes a common childhood rash – ‘Slapped Cheek Syndrome’, however Parvovirus can also infect adults. Infection during pregnancy can cause serious complications for the fetus. In Sunderland there was a Parvovirus epidemic in 2008.

Aim To examine the management of pregnant women in the Sunderland area exposed to Parvovirus from 2007 to 2008.

A complex filtration process was used for patient selection. It comprised as follows:

1. The Parvovirus antibody screening log

2. Sunderland Royal Hospital electronic system (HISS)

3. Documentation in the maternity notes

4. 23 standards were created.

Results Sample size 103.

1. 62% of women were immune to Parvovirus.

2. 28% were susceptible.

3. 10% were infected but had normal pregnancy outcome.

4. 98% had no documentation of reassurance in their notes.

5. 89% had no documentation of the date of exposure.

6. 59% of those susceptible did not have 4-week follow-up sampling.

Conclusion The current system of care of pregnant women who are susceptible to Parvovirus is ineffective. There is poor communication about their immune status and documentation of significant information, such as date of exposure, is incomplete.

Recommendation (1) Health professionals should give priority to the care of pregnant women reporting exposure to Parvovirus. (2) The Antenatal Screening Midwife should coordinate the management of Parvovirus results. (3) A proforma-based care pathway should be established for pregnant women exposed to Parvovirus to improve documentation and management.