Various Infections in Pregnancy

Introduction

Pregnancy is normal and healthy. It can, however, increase a woman's susceptibility to some infections. These infections may become more severe during pregnancy. Infections of any severity can cause serious illness in expectant mothers. Pregnancy-related infections sometimes put the mother at risk. Other infections may be passed on to the fetus during delivery or through the placenta. The baby, too, becomes susceptible to infections if this happens. Pregnancy-related infections can sometimes cause miscarriage, preterm labor, or birth defects. They might even endanger the mother's life. The medications used to treat infections can have serious side effects, especially for the baby, which further complicates matters. In order to reduce risks for both the mother and the unborn child, it is crucial to try to prevent infections during pregnancy.

Why Are Women More Prone to Infections During Pregnancy?

Pregnancy has an impact on the systems of the body. As a result of changes in the hormone levels and immune system, a person becomes more susceptible to infections and serious complications. During labor and at the time of delivery, the mother and the fetus become more susceptible to infections.

What Are the Risks Involved for the Mother and the Baby?

• Risks for Mother- Some infections that develop during pregnancy can be problematic for both the mother and the baby. These comprise postpartum infections, vaginitis, and urinary tract.

• Risks for Babies- Babies are more susceptible to infections. For instance, mother-to-child transmission is possible for diseases like parvovirus, toxoplasmosis, and Cytomegalovirus infection. Such cases lead to severe consequences. A Cytomegalovirus infection that is present at birth is currently untreatable. There are antibiotics on the market that might work well to treat toxoplasmosis. Despite the lack of antibiotics for parvovirus, intrauterine blood transfusions can be used to treat the infection.

• Risks for Both Mother and Babies- Few of the infections cause harm to both the mother and the babies. A few of these infections are hepatitis, Streptococcus B infections, HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), syphilis, listeriosis, etc. Syphilis and listeria can be treated by antibiotics if diagnosed at an early stage. Vaccines are available for hepatitis A and B viral infections.

What Are the Different Infections That Can Be Seen During Pregnancy?

• Infections That Are Sexually Transmitted- The following sexually transmitted infections can be problematic:

  • Chlamydial Infection- Premature membrane rupture and preterm labor are both potential effects of chlamydial infection. In addition, it can lead to conjunctivitis in infants' eyes.

  • Gonorrhea- In infants, gonorrhea can also result in conjunctivitis.

  • Syphilis- It can be passed from a mother to her fetus through the placenta. Syphilis causes numerous birth defects and issues in newborns. Typically, syphilis treatment during pregnancy heals both the mother and the fetus.

  • Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infection- If women who have the infection are not treated, the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is transmitted to the fetus in about one-fourth to one-third of pregnancies. Antiretroviral medication is advised for pregnant HIV-positive women to take. The chance of passing HIV to the fetus can be lowered to as little as one percent if women take a combination of antiretroviral medications. Cesarean delivery may help some women with HIV infection further lower their risk of passing HIV to the unborn child. It does not appear that pregnancy hastens the progression of HIV infection in women.

  • Genital Herpes- During a vaginal delivery, the baby could contract genital herpes. Herpes encephalitis, a potentially fatal brain infection, develops in infants who have herpes. Herpes infections in infants can also harm other internal organs, resulting in mouth and skin sores, irreversible brain damage, or even result in death. Women are typically advised to have a cesarean delivery if they experience herpes sores in the genital area late in pregnancy or if herpes first appears during this time. This is done to prevent the virus from passing to the unborn child.

  • Zika Virus- Pregnant women infected with the Zika virus run the risk of having babies with small heads (microcephaly). Due to viral infections, the head does not develop properly and hence resulting in abnormalities. Babies who have the Zika virus may also have abnormal eyes. The Zika virus is spread by mosquitoes, but it can also be transferred from one person to another through sexual contact, blood transfusions, and from a pregnant woman to her unborn child.

• Infections That Are Not Transmitted Sexually

  • German Measles (Rubella)- It can result in complications, including less growth in comparison to gestational age, cataracts, heart birth defects, hearing loss, and delayed development.

  • Cytomegalovirus Infection- The liver and brain of the developing fetus can be damaged by Cytomegalovirus infection. It also causes the fetus to grow less rapidly than usual.

  • Chickenpox (Varicella) Infection- Varicella, or chickenpox, raises the chance of miscarriage. It could harm the fetus's eyes and result in limb defects, blindness, or intellectual disability. The head of the fetus might be smaller than usual (microcephaly).

  • Toxoplasmosis- A protozoal infection called toxoplasmosis that spreads from cats can result in miscarriage, fetal death, and severe birth defects.

  • Listeriosis- The bacterial infection listeriosis raises the risk of stillbirth, miscarriage, and preterm labor. Although symptoms might not appear for a few weeks after birth, newborns may have the infection.

  • Preterm labor or an early rupture of the fetus's membranes can result from bacterial infections of the vagina, such as bacterial vaginosis.

  • Urinary Tract Infections- It raises the incidences of preterm labor and early rupture of the fetus's membranes.

How Are Infections Prevented in Pregnancy?

Pregnancy-related infections can be avoided. Small precautions should be taken to minimize potential harm to the mother and the infant.

• Wash one’s hands frequently with soap and water. This is particularly crucial after using the restroom, preparing raw meat and vegetables, or engaging in child-related activities.

• Meats should be cooked properly. Undercooked meats should be avoided.

• Stay away from wild or pet rodents, and avoid changing cat litter.

• Get tested for sexually transmitted infections and engage in safe sexual behavior.

• Avoid consuming raw or unpasteurized dairy products.

• Maintain a proper and correct immunization and vaccination schedule.

Conclusion

Some common infections, like the flu or a skin infection, do not typically cause serious issues during pregnancy. Other infections, however, may be harmful to the mother, the infant, or both. Some infections have been linked to low birth weight and preterm birth. Others, like hearing loss or learning difficulties, can result in serious illnesses, birth defects, and lifelong disabilities. If a person feels unwell or thinks they have come into contact with a contagious disease, make an appointment with the doctor at the earliest possible date. The sooner an infection is diagnosed, the better the prognosis