Preseli Pembrokeshire Assembly Member Paul Davies is calling on the Welsh Government to include Parvovirus B19, also known as Slapped Cheek Syndrome, within the antenatal blood screening programme. It is estimated that Slapped Cheek Syndrome affects 1 in 400 pregnancies, and in some cases can lead to devastating outcomes.

Paul Davies said, "I believe that it is essential to have expectant mothers tested for immunity against this virus at the same stage as the routine antenatal blood screening for Rubella, Hepatitis B and C, HIV and Syphilis, which would mean that any negative results could be fast tracked for treatment. Given that Slapped Cheek Syndrome can sometimes have fatal consequences for pregnant women, including Parvovirus B19 in the list of the first routine antenatal blood screening tests would, without doubt, save lives. "

He added, "It is also important that health care staff fully advise expectant mothers on both the potential and hidden dangers of the virus, the timeframes involved in order to raise awareness of Slapped Cheek Syndrome in general. Therefore, I will continue to raise this issue with the Health Minister at an Assembly level, in the hope of not only raising awareness of this issue, but one day seeing this virus included on the antenatal screening programme."

Louise Williams from Pembrokeshire, who has suffered from Slapped Cheek added, "My husband and I lost our daughter; Emily due to slapped cheek syndrome, whilst 20 weeks pregnant. During this awful experience, it became unfortunately apparent that there was very little knowledge of the seriousness of this virus. It took 10 days from known exposure to the virus to get the blood test results. This showed that I had indeed contracted slap cheek and needed medical attention. An ultrasound scan confirmed that our baby had in fact died and within days I was admitted into hospital to deliver her. However, if slapped cheek syndrome had been on the antenatal screening bloods, results would have been with me within 24 hours- this could have been the difference between my baby living or dying. As a child care professional and with the full support of my midwife and other health professionals, I would like to raise the awareness of this dreadful virus across Wales and see parvovirus B19 added to the antenatal blood screening programme."