HPV Special Concerns in Pregnant Women

In pregnancy, podophyllin, a recognized teratogen, is not recommended for use. Imiquimod 5% cream and podofilox 0.5% solution and gel are Category C in pregnancy. Although neonates are at greater risk of exposure to HPV following vaginal as compared to cesarean delivery, the significance of such exposure remains unclear. What is clear is that the majority of such infections in newborns are transient. At present, the data regarding long-term sequelae in infants and children infected with HPV at delivery are inconsistent and do not justify routine cesarean section in women with genital warts (CDC, 2006).