Throughout pregnancy, mamas-to-be prioritize their health and well-being to ensure the best possible start for their little one. One crucial aspect is understanding and safeguarding against infections that can impact pregnancy.
Pregnancy is a period where the body’s immune system undergoes changes, making it more susceptible to infections. Certain infections can pose serious risks to both the mother and the developing baby. By being informed and proactive, mothers can take steps to protect themselves and their precious cargo.
Common Infections During Pregnancy
- Urinary Tract Infection
- Cause: UTIs occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract, leading to infection. During pregnancy, hormonal changes can alter the urinary tract’s environment, making it more susceptible to bacterial growth.
- Symptoms: Symptoms of UTIs may include a burning sensation during urination, frequent urination, pelvic pain, and cloudy or bloody urine.
- Complications: If left untreated, UTIs can lead to more serious complications such as kidney infections and preterm labor.
- Prevention: Drinking plenty of water, practicing good hygiene, and emptying the bladder completely can help prevent UTIs during pregnancy. Prompt treatment with antibiotics is crucial if an infection occurs.
- Group B Streptococcus (GBS):
- Colonization: GBS is a common bacterium that can colonize in the vagina or rectum of healthy individuals. It may not cause symptoms in the mother but can be passed to the baby during childbirth.
- Testing: Pregnant women are typically screened for GBS between weeks 35 and 37 of pregnancy. If GBS is detected, intravenous antibiotics during labor can significantly reduce the risk of transmission to the baby.
- Complications: GBS infection in newborns can lead to serious illnesses such as pneumonia, sepsis, and meningitis.
- Precautions: Awareness of GBS status, proper prenatal care, and adherence to healthcare provider recommendations for antibiotic prophylaxis during labor are essential for preventing GBS transmission to the baby.
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV):
- Transmission: CMV is a common virus that can be spread through close contact with bodily fluids, such as saliva, urine, blood, and breast milk.
- Symptoms: Most healthy individuals experience mild or no symptoms when infected with CMV. However, infection during pregnancy can pose risks to the developing baby.
- Complications: CMV infection during pregnancy can lead to birth defects such as hearing loss, vision impairment, intellectual disabilities, and developmental delays.
- Prevention: Practicing good hygiene, avoiding contact with young children’s saliva or urine, and refraining from sharing food, utensils, or drinks can help reduce the risk of CMV infection during pregnancy.
- Toxoplasmosis
- Cause: Toxoplasmosis is caused by the Toxoplasma gondii parasite found in contaminated soil, water, or undercooked meat.
- Transmission: Pregnant women can become infected with Toxoplasma gondii by consuming contaminated food or water, handling cat litter, or through organ transplantation or blood transfusion.
- Complications: Toxoplasmosis infection during pregnancy can result in severe complications such as miscarriage, stillbirth, or birth defects including vision problems, neurological disorders, and intellectual disabilities.
- Prevention: Avoiding raw or undercooked meat, washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly, wearing gloves while gardening, and avoiding contact with cat feces can help prevent toxoplasmosis infection during pregnancy.
- Zika Virus
- Transmission: Zika virus is primarily transmitted through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes. It can also be transmitted sexually, from mother to baby during pregnancy, and through blood transfusion.
- Effects on Pregnancy: Zika virus infection during pregnancy has been associated with congenital Zika syndrome, which includes birth defects such as microcephaly (abnormally small head size), brain abnormalities, eye defects, and other neurological complications.
- Prevention: Pregnant women should avoid traveling to areas with ongoing Zika virus transmission. They should also take precautions to prevent mosquito bites, such as using insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved clothing, and staying indoors during peak mosquito activity times. Additionally, pregnant women should practice safe sex or abstain from sexual activity with partners who may have been exposed to Zika virus.
An insight from mamahood
As mothers, our priority is always the well-being of our little ones, especially during the precious time of pregnancy. Understanding the potential risks associated with common infections like UTIs, GBS, CMV, toxoplasmosis, and Zika virus empowers us to take proactive steps in protecting our babies. The Mamahood app offers a nurturing environment where you can seek personalized guidance from health advisors, connect with fellow moms facing similar concerns, and access valuable resources to support you on this journey. Whether you’re seeking reassurance, advice, or simply a listening ear, the Mamahood app is your trusted companion every step of the way.
