Learn to recognize the symptoms
BV is a common cause of vaginal discharge. It occurs when there's an imbalance between good and bad bacteria in the vagina.
There's a 90% chance you're immune to chickenpox infection. But if you've never had it, and you come into contact with a child or adult who does, speak to a medical professional. A blood test will find out if you're immune.
If it's not detected early or is left untreated, it increases the risk of premature birth and low birth weight.
This infection can be dangerous during pregnancy because it can cause problems for unborn babies, such as hearing loss, visual impairment, learning difficulties, and epilepsy. It's also particularly dangerous if the mother has never had CMV before.
Hepatitis B is a virus that infects the liver. Many people who are infected don't show any signs of illness, but can infect others during unprotected intercourse. It can also be passed on to your baby during birth.
Group B streptococcus, also known as GBS or group B strep, rarely causes harm or symptoms. However, in a small number of pregnancies group B strep infects the baby. And it's usually just before or during labor.
Babies who are at risk should be given the hepatitis B vaccine at birth to prevent it and serious liver disease later on in life.
It's possible to be tested for GBS late in pregnancy. If infected, you should be offered antibiotics during labor to reduce the chances of spreading it to your baby.
If you have hepatitis C, you may pass the infection on to your baby, although the risk is much lower than with hepatitis B or HIV.
CMV, or cytomegalovirus, is a common virus that's part of the herpes group. It's common in young children, so pregnant women should avoid kissing them on the face.
Hepatitis C also infects the liver with no symptoms. However, the virus is transmitted by direct contact with infected blood.
Genital herpes infection can be dangerous for a newborn baby. However, treatment is available if your first infection occurs during pregnancy. If it occurs near the end of the pregnancy or during labor, a cesarean section may be recommended.
You'll be offered an HIV test as part of your routine antenatal care. If you're HIV positive but in good health and without symptoms, you're unlikely to be adversely affected by pregnancy.
Some animals, such as cats, can also cause prenatal infections. Their feces contain toxoplasma, an organism that causes toxoplasmosis, which can harm the baby. Therefore, it's best to avoid emptying cat litter trays and contact with sick cats.
However, HIV can be passed to your baby during pregnancy, birth, or breastfeeding. Treatment in pregnancy greatly reduces the risk of passing on HIV, and you'll be advised to avoid breastfeeding. Your baby will be tested for HIV at birth and regularly for 18 months.
PID can cause miscarriages or premature delivery. However, this can be avoided when you seek early treatment.
PID is a condition where the uterus becomes infected. It can cause abdominal cramps, bleeding between periods, and painful urination.
Research is ongoing to see if pigs can be a source of hepatitis E infection. However, when it comes to the meat, it's important to cook it thoroughly. Washing your hands before preparing, serving, and eating is also important.
Contact your doctor if you have a rash, symptoms, or if you come into contact with someone who has rubella. You may need a blood test to check.
Lambs and sheep also carry toxoplasma, which is known to cause miscarriage in ewes. Avoid lambing or milking ewes, as well all contact with newborn lambs.
If you come into contact with anyone who is infected, talk to your doctor. You'll do a blood test to check if you're immune.
Thanks to MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccination, rubella isn't really common. However, if you do develop it in the first four months of pregnancy, it can lead to serious issues, including birth defects and miscarriage.
Common in children, slapped cheek syndrome typically causes a rash on the face. It's highly infectious and can be harmful to the baby.
Zika virus can be passed from a pregnant woman to her fetus during pregnancy or to her baby around the time of birth. It can cause the baby to have an abnormally small head, microcephaly, and other brain defects.
STIs often have no symptoms, so you may not know if you have one. However, they can affect your baby's health, both during pregnancy and after the birth.
If you must travel to an area with Zika, talk to your healthcare provider first, and strictly follow steps to prevent mosquito bites during the trip.
Sources: (NHS) (CDC)
See also: Pregnancy myths people still believe
If you believe you or your partner may have an STI, go for a checkup as soon as possible. Knowing if you're infected with any is important.
If you or your partner have herpes, use condoms or avoid intercourse during an outbreak, as the infection is very easy to pass on.
Chickenpox infection during pregnancy can be dangerous for both mother and baby. Therefore, it's important to seek advice early if you think you may be infected.
Throughout life, we all encounter many viruses and bacteria. However, some infections before and during pregnancy can hurt both the mom and developing fetus. These infections can cause serious illness, birth defects, and lifelong disabilities, such as hearing loss or learning problems. These infections can occur at any time during pregnancy, but, unfortunately, many women don't notice any symptoms until later in the pregnancy.
These are some common prenatal infections and how to prevent them. Click on to discover more.
Infections during pregnancy that can put your baby at risk
Knowing the signs and symptoms can be life-saving
HEALTH Motherhood
Throughout life, we all encounter many viruses and bacteria. However, some infections before and during pregnancy can hurt both the mom and developing fetus. These infections can cause serious illness, birth defects, and lifelong disabilities, such as hearing loss or learning problems. These infections can occur at any time during pregnancy, but, unfortunately, many women don't notice any symptoms until later in the pregnancy.
These are some common prenatal infections and how to prevent them. Click on to discover more.