Human Papillomavirus and Pregnancy

Purpose Our study involves two hypotheses. One is that genital infection with HPV is associated with increased risk of miscarriage and preterm birth. The second hypothesis is that human papillomavirus can ascend from the vagina to the uterus through the cervix and cross the placental barrier. We wish to verify these hypotheses in our studies. This study will determine the prevalence of HPV in Danish pregnant women and examine HPV's role in the aetiology of spontaneous abortion and preterm birth.