There are many kinds of complications during pregnancy. From severe nausea to swollen feet, the nine-month term is hard to follow up. But, some complications can cause harm to both mother and infant. Here is a list of the infections during pregnancy that can be transferred to the baby if not taken care of accurately.
- Group B Streptococcus:
Among the many problems, infection during pregnancy from Group B Streptococcus is common. This infection can affect the baby, causing problems for the infant. The chances of having GBS increase when the water breaks early or the pregnant woman has a fever during labor. Thus, getting screened for this infection is mandatory at the 36 or 38th week. If the GBS infection is found in the mother, then antibiotics are given by the doctor. This will help in preventing the infection from being passed to the infant.
- Sexually Transmitted Infections:
Since Sexually transmitted diseases like HIV are very contagious, pregnant women must be taken care of if found positive. The infection from these diseases can be transferred to the infant during birth or breastfeeding. Thus, every pregnant woman must take an STI test to identify such infections during pregnancy. Again retesting is done during the 28 to 32 weeks of the pregnancy. The test is usually done by taking urine samples.
- Chicken Pox:
Chicken Pox is the kind of disease that usually affects a person once in their lifetime. Thus, usually, most pregnant women are immune to it. But, if you come in contact with an infected person, then you can also be infected. For this infection, during pregnancy, a blood test is done. Make sure to get this test taken care of because it can be dangerous for you and your baby.
- Rubella:
Also known as German Measles, Rubella is very dangerous for pregnant women. Two doses for prevention from this infection are checked in a pregnant woman’s history during her screening. Make sure to keep tabs on your Rubella prevention dosage because the severe implications of this infection can lead to miscarriage.
- Hepatitis B & C:
The result of coming in contact with contaminated blood or syringes as well as unprotected sex, Hepatitis B & C are also infections during pregnancy. A person can be a carrier of the disease without facing any symptoms. As these infections cause harm to the liver, their presence can be hazardous for pregnant women. So, make sure to get tested to avoid passing the infection to your baby.
These are some common infections a pregnant woman may face. Get screened for them while you are in the hospital for your regular checkup.
