During pregnancy, a woman goes through several distressing symptoms and is also exposed to various viruses and bacteria, leading to infections. Most infections, for instance, skin, urinary tract, and respiratory tract, do not pose much risk. However, there are times when certain infections can be passed to the foetus before or during birth, which can be dangerous for both the mother and the child. Listed below are some of the common infections that can occur during pregnancy and can be transferred to the baby.
Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
CMV is a virus that usually does not cause any serious health complications. However, once you're infected with it, you're likely to have the virus for life.
Dr Ila Jalote, Consultant-Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Manipal Hospital, Gurugram, says, "CMV is quite common, with up to 60% of adults having been infected by age 40."
Also Read: Urinary Tract Infection In Pregnancy: Know Causes, Symptoms and Prevention Tips
The UK National Health Services (NHS) suggests infections caused by the virus are common in young children, adding, "Infection can be dangerous during pregnancy as it can cause problems for unborn babies, such as hearing loss, visual impairment or blindness, learning difficulties and epilepsy," the health body adds.
While no vaccine is currently available against CMV, Dr Jalote says, “Preventing transmission involves practising good hygiene, like frequent handwashing, especially after contact with young children's saliva or urine. Pregnant women should also avoid sharing utensils or drinks with young children.”
Rubella (German Measles)
Rubella is an infectious viral disease that is transmitted by the respiratory route and multiplies in the nose, throat and the local lymph nodes. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it can occur in pregnant women by infecting the placenta and the developing foetus. While rare, the NHS says if a pregnant woman develops rubella in the first 4 months of pregnancy, it can lead to serious problems, including birth defects and miscarriage.
As per Dr Jalote, the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine is highly effective in preventing rubella. "Ensuring that women are vaccinated before conception or during prenatal care helps create immunity and prevents transmission," she says.
Toxoplasmosis
Toxoplasmosis is caused by a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii. It usually occurs when people eat undercooked meat or when they come in contact with cat faeces. In addition, the parasite can pass on from a mother to her baby during pregnancy, as per Mayo Clinic.
Therefore, to prevent the infection, Dr Jalote recommends cooking meat thoroughly, washing fruits and vegetables, wearing gloves when handling soil or cat litter, and having someone else care for the cat's litter box if you are pregnant.
Syphilis
Syphilis is a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) caused by a bacteria called Treponema pallidum. It is usually transmitted through sexual contact but can also occur via blood transfusion or from a pregnant woman to her foetus, says the WHO, adding, "Maternal syphilis, when untreated, treated late or not treated with penicillin, results in adverse birth outcomes (ABOs) estimated in 50−80% of cases, depending on the stage of syphilis." These include stillbirth (most commonly), neonatal death, prematurity, low birth weight, and congenitally infected infants.
Also Read: How Common Is Kidney Infections In Pregnant Women: Doctor Explains The Condition Pyelonephritis
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)
HIV is a global health issue with more that four crore deaths so far. As per the WHO, there were an estimated 3.9 crore people living with HIV at the end of 2022. In the same year, 6.3 lakh people died from HIV-related causes and 10.3 lakh people got infected with the virus.
The most common way HIV spreads is through the exchange of bodily fluids with people living with the virus. In addition, it can also be passed on to the child during pregnancy and delivery. So what can be done?
Dr Jalote says, "Routine prenatal HIV screening is critical. If a pregnant woman is HIV-positive, antiretroviral medication can significantly reduce the risk of transmission to the baby.”
In addition, healthcare providers may also recommend formula feeding instead of breastfeeding to prevent transmission."
Common Ways To Prevent Infections In The First Place
Dr Archana Sinha, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Fortis Hospital, Anandapur, Kolkata shares a few ways to prevent certain infections. These include:
- Washing hands with soap and water regularly.
- Avoiding the consumption of raw milk and milk products
- Avoid contact with animals or rodents
- Using protection during sexual intercourse
- Getting a Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) test done
In addition, the doctor recommends consulting a doctor for proper vaccination or medication, stressing on the importance of getting the right vaccine at the right time, which can help both the mother and the baby lead a healthier life.