Mpox in pregnancy: Unraveling the maternal-fetal risks of a re-emerging disease, a narrative review

Mpox has re-emerged, particularly with the spread of Clade Ib in 2024 and recent outbreaks have raised concerns about its impact on pregnant women. Limited data suggest increased risks of adverse outcomes such as stillbirths and miscarriages, but understanding of mpox in pregnancy remains incomplete. A narrative review of literature was conducted, focusing on maternal-fetal transmission and the implications of different MPXV clades. The spread of Clade Ib, first identified in 2023, has heightened concerns about vertical transmission, particularly in rural African regions where access to diagnostic tools and treatments is limited. The risk of vertical transmission has become a pressing concern, considering the high transmission rates of Clade Ib. Despite limited data, maternal-fetal transmission has been documented, with serious fetal outcomes such as stillbirths and hydrops fetalis. Continued research and surveillance are critical to developing effective clinical guidelines and public health interventions, especially for managing mpox in pregnancy.