The month of February is International Prenatal Infection Prevention Month — to create awareness on common infections transmitted from mother to baby.
Prenatal infections include bacterial or viral illnesses that can be passed from a mother to her baby during pregnancy or the delivery process.
We purpose to provide vital tips on prenatal infections! Most prenatal infections can be prevented with healthy pregnancy habits — such as practicing good hygiene, receiving prenatal care and immunizations, proper nutrition, and taking environmental precautions to avoid dangerous infections.
Prenatal infections can affect both the mother and baby, potentially leading to complications like preterm birth or congenital conditions. Here are some common infections and tips that can help you keep your pregnancy and baby safe:
N/B: It is vital to seek personalized consultations from your health care provider if you develop any infection during your pregnancy.
1. Toxoplasmosis
Cause: Toxoplasma gondii ( Parasite found in undercooked meat and cat feces).
Prevention: Cook meat thoroughly.
Wash fruits and vegetables well.
Avoid handling cat litter; if unavoidable, wear gloves and wash hands after.
2. Rubella
Cause: A viral infection, can cause serious birth defects.
Prevention: Ensure you're vaccinated with MMR vaccine way before pregnancy (not recommended during pregnancy- may cause birth defects to the fetus).
Avoid contact with individuals showing signs of illness.
3. Listeriosis
Listeriosis is a rare — but serious infection caused by eating food contaminated with a bacteria called Listeria.
Pregnant women typically only experience fever and other flu-like symptoms — such as fatigue and muscle aches.
Infections during pregnancy can lead to stillbirth, miscarriage, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection of the newborn.
Prevention: Avoid unpasteurized dairy products, undercooked food, deli meats, and proper hygeine.
4. Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
A common virus that can affect the baby’s development.
CMV is passed through body fluids — such as saliva, urine, blood, vaginal secretions, and semen.
Prevention: Babies and young children are more likely to shed CMV in their saliva and urine than older children and adults. Therefore, women can lessen their risk of getting CMV by reducing contact with saliva and urine from babies and young children. Do regular handwashing, especially after contact with young children’s diapers or saliva.
5. Group B Streptococcus (GBS)
Cause: A bacterial infection that can be passed to the baby during delivery.
Prevention:Get tested for GBS between weeks 35-37 of pregnancy.
If positive, your doctor will recommend antibiotics during labor.
6. Hepatitis B & C
Both are liver infection that can be passed from mother to baby.
Prevention:Get screened early in pregnancy.
Many people with hepatitis B or C will show no sign of illness, but they can be carriers and may infect others.The virus is spread through sex with an infected person and by direct contact with infected blood. It can be passed on to the baby at birth.
Get a blood test for hepatitis B as part of your antenatal care.
Ensure your baby receives the Hepatitis B vaccine at birth and again in their routine vaccinations if you're a carrier.
The risk of passing Hep C to the child is much lower than with hepatitis B or HIV.
Your baby can be tested for hepatitis C and, if they're infected, they can be referred for specialist assessment.
7. Zika Virus
Cause: A mosquito-borne virus that can cause birth defects like microcephaly.
Prevention:Avoid travel to areas with active Zika outbreaks.
Use insect repellent and wear protective clothing.
8. Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
Cause: Bacterial infections common during pregnancy.
Prevention:Stay hydrated and urinate regularly.
Wipe front to back after using the bathroom.
Seek prompt treatment if symptoms arise.
6. STIs
Some Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) often have no symptoms, so you may not know if you have one. However, many STIs can affect your baby's health both during pregnancy and after the birth.
If you have any reason to believe you or your partner may have an STI, go for a check-up as soon as possible. infection can be dangerous for a newborn baby.
Genital herpes in particular is dangerous to your baby. You can get herpes through genital contact with an infected person or from oral sex with someone who has oral herpes. Symptoms appear as painful blisters or ulcers on the genitals.
It can be treated if it occurs early in pregnancy. If your first infection occurs near the end of pregnancy or during labour, a caesarean section may be recommended to reduce the risk of passing herpes on to your baby
7. HIV
Current evidence suggests that if you're HIV positive, but in good health and without symptoms of the infection as a result of adherence to medication, you're unlikely to be adversely affected.
However, HIV can be passed to your baby during pregnancy, birth or breastfeeding.
If HIV positive, discuss with your doctor the management of your pregnancy and birth to reduce the risk of infection for your baby.
Proper treatment in pregnancy greatly reduces the risk of passing on HIV to the baby – from 1 in 4 to fewer than 1 in 300.
Your baby should be tested for HIV at birth and at regular intervals for up to 2 years. They'll be on medication for 2 to 4 weeks after they're born to reduce the chance of contracting the virus
If you have HIV, the safest way to feed your baby is with formula milk. However, at very low viral load( if you are taking ARVs appropriately), it can be possible to breastfeed.(consult this with your doctor).
N/B: In General, practice the following
●Regular Prenatal Visits: Early detection of infections through routine screenings is vital.
●Maintain Good Hygiene: Frequent handwashing and avoiding contact with sick individuals help reduce infection risk.
●Stay Updated on Vaccinations: Ensure all recommended vaccines are up to date before or during pregnancy.
