Although every pregnant woman wants a healthy and normal pregnancy, they are susceptible to many infections. During pregnancy, infections can become severe and possibly become a threat to the growing baby. Infections can be transmitted through the placenta to the baby or even during birth.
Pregnancy infections can result in miscarriage, preterm labor, or birth defects. Some infections can be life-threatening for the mother. Also, medications taken to treat infections might cause serious side effects, especially to the baby. It is very important to prevent infections during pregnancy.
Here’s a list of infections during pregnancy that you need to watch out.
6 Infections During Pregnancy
1. Listeriosis
Listeriosis is a serious infection that is caused by the bacteria listeria monocytogenes. Pregnant women who have weakened immune system are susceptible to this infection. This can cause blood infection, meningitis, and other serious life-threatening complications. Although this infection is rare, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that about 2,500 people contract listeriosis in the United States every year. Listeria can infect the placenta, amniotic fluid, and the baby. It could lead to miscarriage and stillbirth.
Symptoms Of The Infection Include:
- Fever, flu-like symptoms
- Chills
- Aches – headache, back pain
- Gastrointestinal symptoms
Avoid processed meat, dairy food, and packaged items. Treatment of this infection is through IV antibiotics.
2. Toxoplasmosis
Toxoplasmosis is caused by the microscopic parasite called Toxoplasma gondii. This infection might affect the placenta or the growing fetus. Over 4 million births in the United States each year are born with congenital toxoplasmosis. The infection can be mild or severe, which can cause stillbirth, long-term structural, and neurological damage.
Symptoms Of The Infection Include:
- Fever
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Sore throat
Avoid eating raw or undercooked infected meat, unwashed contaminated produce, drinking contaminated water, and avoid cleaning cat litter.
3. Hepatitis B
This virus can cause severe liver damage, illness, and even death in some cases. In your first prenatal visit, series of blood tests including hepatitis B virus (HBV, or Hep B) has to be done. More than one million people in the United States carry this virus. If you have one during pregnancy, the risk of passing it on to the baby is very high. Taking special precautions during delivery and treating the baby immediately after birth, would most likely prevent the baby from getting infected. Getting vaccinated during pregnancy is safe for both mom and the baby. If you test negative for HBV, you should get immunized. The virus can spread through blood, semen, and other bodily fluids.
4. Genital Herpes
Genital herpes is caused by two types of herpes simplex viruses – HSV-1 or HSV-2. Type 2 commonly causes genital herpes. Blisters and painful sores appear on your genitals. This virus is contracted when you have sex with a contagious partner. The HSV-1 virus causes oral herpes. Blisters and sores from inside the mouth of the contagious partner can be transmitted by kissing or through oral sex. Infection can be transmitted to the baby during labor and delivery. In rare cases, it can even pass through the placenta and cause miscarriage and serious birth defects.
Symptoms Of The Infection Include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Itchy, painful, or tingling sensation in the genital area
- Vaginal discharge
- Swollen lymph nodes near your groin
- Pain while urinating
To avoid contracting herpes close to the due date, skip intercourse and other genital contact in the third trimester. Even if your partner does not have any sores or symptoms. It is good to skip oral sex if your partner has ever had oral herpes.
5. Gonorrhea
This is a bacterial infection which gets transmitted through genital, oral, or anal sex. A pregnant woman can spread it to her baby during delivery. The infection develops usually within two to ten days after exposure. Unprotected sex with an infected partner is a highly risky way to contract gonorrhea. If it is not treated promptly, the infection can lead to miscarriage, infection of the amniotic sac and fluid, preterm premature rupture of membranes, and preterm birth. The untreated infection makes you susceptible to HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. Gonorrhea infections can be treated with antibiotics which are safe during pregnancy.
Symptoms Of The Infection Include:
Symptoms vary depending on the affected area of the body. Gonorrhea in cervix, vagina, or urethra includes abnormal vaginal discharge, burning or pain during urination, spotting, and pain during intercourse. Symptoms of anal gonorrhea include discharge, itching, or pain during bowel movements. Throat or mouth gonorrhea symptoms include red and painful sores. If you have gonorrhea infection in the eye, symptoms include discharge, itchy, and red eyes.
Avoid gonorrhea by using latex condoms while sexual intercourse and a dental dam during oral sex to lower the risk of any infection during pregnancy.
6. Rubella (German Measles)
Rubella is an acute viral illness. When your body is not immune to the virus, the risk of getting Rubella during pregnancy is high. It might become devastating if you pass it on to the growing fetus. It might end up in miscarriage, multiple birth defects in the baby, or developmental problems. Taking the rubella vaccine during pregnancy is a must. If you miss screening for rubella immunity before getting pregnant, a blood test at your first prenatal appointment is essential. German measles is not the same as regular measles (rubeola), having immunity to one does not protect from the other.
Symptoms Of Rubella Are Non-Specific
- Low-grade fever
- Head ache
- Malaise
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Joint pain and swelling
- Reddened eye
- Runny nose before the rash erupts
Rashes appear first on the face and later to other parts, it lasts for a few days.
Consult your doctor immediately if you feel sick or know that you have contracted any contagious infections.
