10 Pregnancy Infections That Could Affect The Baby

To all, expectant mommies out there, staying healthy during pregnancy is the mantra to delivering a healthy baby. You might have things to worry about and a lot of planning must be underway before your bundle of joy arrives. But, in order to stay healthy, you must make sure to get tested for infection in blood during pregnancy as well as infections during pregnancy that cause miscarriage. Some of these infections can have serious implications on you and your baby. We are also suggesting ways to reduce your risk of getting them. Watch out for the subtle and obvious changes in your body.

Thanks to the growth of science and medicine, the fatal diseases and the spread of pregnancy infections of the expectant mother and the fetus had drastically reduced. Yet, there are still of pregnancy infections that affect the mother-to-be and can be easily transmitted to the baby in the womb. These are the infection in blood during pregnancy that is carried to the womb. All pregnant women must be aware of these infections which could be harmful to your little ones.

Can an infection during pregnancy harm the baby?

If you are a healthy pregnant woman, do not worry. But it is better to be aware of the various pregnancy infections, in order to have a stress-free and vigilant maternity and motherhood. Some of the infections are curable if treated on time. Scroll down and learn about the most common pregnancy infections that could affect the baby.

1. Chickenpox

A highly contagious viral infection can cause problems for both the baby and the mother. Even though most women experience chickenpox at a very young age and are immune to this disease during pregnancy, it is likely to occur the second time. If the mother hasn’t had it previously, the probability is higher. This can cause damage to the baby’s physical growth.

2.  Hepatitis

Hepatitis is a viral infection in the liver of the pregnant women impacting the process of detoxification of the body. When the liver fails, there are lots of toxins produced in the body, leading to the inflammation of the liver and causing liver cancer. There are different varieties of hepatitis, such as Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. Most of this is caused by oral contact or sexually transmitted from an existing infected person. The disease usually spreads to the baby and it impacts the puberty period of the child.

3. Dengue

A mosquito-transmitted infection impacts both the baby and the mother. A proper and timely vaccination along with a hygienic, clean, and dry environment at home could be a preventive step to stay away from the infection.

4. Zika

This is a disease caused by the transmission of the Zika virus either by mosquitoes or sexual interactions. This impacts the overall health of the mother as well as causes birth defects in the baby.

5. Chikungunya

Another mosquito-borne disease that could impact the baby and the mother. Fever, headache, nausea, and severe joint pain are some of the visible symptoms of Chikungunya in the mother. However, the transmission of the disease to the baby from the mother happens during the labor period. The use of mosquito repellent products can help to avoid this disease.

6. Group B Streptococci infection

This is usually a rare infection caused in the rectum or vagina of the mother. This occurs during the third trimester of the pregnancy or just before the delivery, leading to premature labor as well. It affects the baby just before the delivery and causes serious illness.

7.  German Measles or Rubella

Though the occurrence of this disease has come down, the German Measles or Rubella depicts flu-like symptoms such as fever, mild sores, swollen lymph nodes, etc. If the expectant mother has this infection, the child has the probability of losing eyesight and hearing. Sometimes it also causes heart and brain damage in the baby.

8. Foodborne infections

Pregnant women are susceptible to millions of food-borne infections, which can impact their immune system and directly impact the growth of the baby in the womb. Listeriosis is one of the common foodborne infections, which can lead to blood infections, meningitis, and other life-threatening diseases. The virus Listeria can affect the placenta, and amniotic fluid, and disturb the development of the organs in the baby.

9. Herpes

A viral infection is seen in the vagina and birth tract. The virus is spread to body fluids or sexual contact. If the infection prevails during the delivery, the chances of the baby getting infected increase. The infection in the baby can cause damage to the central nervous system, leading to mental retardation. One must also treat yeast infection through pregnancy treatment. According to a 2015 report, about 20% of all women have Candida, which rises by 5% during pregnancy. It appears to be more common during the second and third trimesters. The most common symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection include itchiness around the vagina or vulva.

10. HIV

Human Immunodeficiency Virus test is a part of the regular tests of antenatal care. The research studies have proved that the mothers who are HIV positive are susceptible to passing the infection to the baby during birth or when breastfeeding. It would affect the immune system of the mother as well as the newborn. Most mothers are advised not to breastfeed their babies. If this infection is caught early, it is treatable with antibiotics.

Any mother would want to give birth to a healthy and happy child. And, to do this, all expectant mothers must maintain a hygienic and healthy lifestyle. Proper and timely vaccinations before conceiving and regular pre-pregnancy and pregnancy checkups are compulsory. Stay vigilant of the body changes during pregnancy. Always have a balanced diet, wash your hands regularly, and drink an ample amount of water. We trust, through this article, you have gained the basic knowledge about the pregnancy infections about yourself and that could affect the baby.

The Champa Tree wishes you a happy and healthy delivery!

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