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Zika and the National Birth Defects Prevention Network (NBDPN)

The NBDPN maintains a national network of state and population-based programs for birth defects surveillance and research. This includes a strong focus on the effects the Zika virus can have on babies born to infected mothers.

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Zika and How Pregnant Women can Protect Themselves

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offer recommendations on how pregnant women can best avoid contact with the Zika virus.

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Zika Awareness and Prevention

What we know
What we do not know

• If there’s a safe time during your pregnancy to travel to an area with Zika
• How likely it is that Zika infection will affect your pregnancy
• If your baby will have birth defects if you are infected while pregnant

Zika and Pregnancy in Puerto Rico

Right now, Zika is spreading rapidly in Puerto Rico and pregnant women are at risk for becoming infected with Zika. If current trends continue, at least 1 in 4 people, including women who become pregnant, may become infected with Zika. Since Zika causes microcephaly and other birth defects, it is more important than ever for women in Puerto Rico to consider if now is the right time to get pregnant.

  • If you decide that now isn’t the right time for you to have a baby, there are contraceptive methods that are safe and effective.

  • If you do decide to get pregnant, there are important steps you should take to try to protect yourself from getting Zika.