There are many infections during pregnancy, and all of them are especially dangerous for the fetus. In case of infection, the degree of exposure to the child depends on many different factors, in particular the immunity of the mother and the duration of pregnancy. There are a number of pathogens that can adversely affect a child only if certain associated factors are present.
Many different infections during pregnancy can adversely affect a baby’s health or lead to an abortion. That is why you need to carefully conduct the diagnosis and subsequent treatment.
What infections can be
There are a variety of infections during pregnancy, which in one way or another affect the condition of the woman and the fetus. That is why it is important to diagnose them in a timely manner and conduct complex treatment to avoid complications. Infections can be triggered by:
- fungi;
- bacteria
- simple microorganisms.
Most often, infection with ToRCH infections occurs during pregnancy, which include toxoplasmosis, rubella, cytomegalovirus and herpes. These are really very dangerous infections, but they can be prevented by passing all the required tests before conception and having all the required vaccinations.
In addition, during pregnancy, infection with intestinal, genital infections can occur, and infection of the urinary tract is also possible. All these conditions are very dangerous and can lead to serious complications.
Genital infections
For a child growing in the womb, many infectious diseases are dangerous. However, genital infections are especially dangerous, since there is a risk of not having to bear the baby at all. Therefore, it is recommended to take all the required tests before conception. It is optimal to do this a few months before planning a pregnancy.
If syphilis can be very successfully treated in the initial stages of pregnancy, and with AIDS you can give birth to a completely healthy baby, then there are other infectious diseases that can negatively affect the fetus. With the course of chlamydia, you can also give birth to a completely healthy baby. However, it must be treated immediately after detection, as this infection can lead to:
- premature birth;
- polyhydramnios;
- placental insufficiency;
- infection of the fetus;
- premature discharge of water.
Gonorrhea also refers to dangerous infections during pregnancy. If a woman has contracted her before conception, then endometritis develops, which leads to spontaneous abortion. If the infection occurred 4 months after the onset of pregnancy, then the causative agents of the disease become harmless to the child, however, complications may arise in women.
Another dangerous infection of the genital tract during pregnancy is ureaplasmosis, which is often completely asymptomatic, but can provoke:
- miscarriage;
- postpartum diseases;
- intrauterine infection of the fetus;
- premature birth.
Some women worry that treatment during pregnancy can harm the baby, but this is completely wrong. Genital infections must be treated immediately after they are detected.
Especially dangerous infections
The effect of infection on pregnancy is very dangerous, since such diseases can trigger the death of the pregnant woman and the fetus. Therefore, it is important to consider what the disease is and the features of their course, so that you can recognize them in time and conduct adequate treatment. Among the dangerous infections in the first trimester of pregnancy, it is necessary to distinguish such as:
- thrush;
- chickenpox;
- syphilis;
- hepatitis;
- HIV
- ARVI.
Thrush is a fairly common disease in women. Among the main symptoms of its course, abundant cheesy discharge can be distinguished, as well as itching and burning of the genitals. The fungus provokes the disease. With timely access to a doctor, you can conduct high-quality comprehensive treatment.
HIV is a serious illness that is very life threatening. If a pregnant woman knows about her disease, then with proper treatment, the risk of infection of the fetus can be eliminated. During the period of gestation, the woman’s immunity is weakened, so the disease is accompanied by symptoms such as:
- constantly elevated temperature;
- sore throat;
- enlarged lymph nodes.
During pregnancy, a woman should be tested for infection in the body. The study is conducted in each trimester.
Chicken pox is a viral disease that often occurs in childhood. The virus can cross the placenta and cause fetal death in the womb. Symptoms are quite characteristic, as the disease manifests itself with fever, itchy skin and a rash. Chickenpox can lead to the development of pneumonia, so when the first symptoms appear, you need to see a doctor.
Syphilis, when proceeding in the active stage, can provoke the destruction of bones and teeth in a child, as well as brain damage. Infection is almost impossible to cure completely during pregnancy. Among the main symptoms, one can distinguish:
- rashes on the skin in the genital area;
- hoarseness, baldness;
- enlarged lymph nodes;
- headache.
Hepatitis is very dangerous in the first trimester of pregnancy. This disease can cause miscarriage or pathological destruction of the liver. Among the main symptoms are:
- yellowing of the skin and eyes;
- vomiting and fever;
- aching pain in the right side.
Treatment should only be carried out by a qualified doctor. In some particularly dangerous cases, hospitalization and bed rest are required.
What can be intrauterine infections
The type of intrauterine infection during pregnancy largely depends on the pathogen that affects the female body during the gestation of the child or even before conception. The risk of adverse effects of pathogens is significantly increased if there are chronic diseases, a woman is stressed, there are bad habits, inflammation of the genitourinary system. For a child, the risk of intrauterine infection increases significantly if a pregnant woman meets her for the first time during pregnancy. This group includes:
- toxoplasmosis;
- chlamydia
- rubella;
- cytomegalovirus;
- herpes.
Rubella is very dangerous for pregnant women, as the fetus cannot avoid contact with the infection. The consequences of the course of the disease can be very dangerous for the child, namely:
- decrease in brain size;
- heart defects;
- congenital diseases of the eyes and hearing.
In some cases, a complication may be inflammation of the brain. If rubella appeared in the early stages of pregnancy, a miscarriage often occurs. When determining the virus before 12 weeks, this is considered an absolute indication for interruption. If the infection occurred at a later date, then the likelihood of developing defects is significantly reduced.
Latent infections, which include cytomegalovirus, are considered very dangerous, since it is almost asymptomatic. It is spread sexually, from mother to fetus, and transmission with kisses is also possible. In people with normal immunity, the infection proceeds without any signs. However, a few days after infection, symptoms similar to flu or SARS may appear.
In people with weakened immune systems, cytomegalovirus can provoke very serious and dangerous diseases. The most difficult is the primary infection during the bearing of the child, as this can lead to an abortion, as well as a fetal malformation.
If a woman is in contact with cats, then there is a risk of infection with toxoplasmosis. In addition, there is a high risk of infection in those who consume meat that has undergone insufficiently good heat treatment. The disease is very difficult only in case of a decrease in immunity. In all other cases, this is a latent infection, which is a great danger, since it often provokes impaired development of the child and his death. Treatment can be carried out no earlier than the second trimester of pregnancy.
Herpes is one of the most dangerous infections during pregnancy. If the virus first entered the woman’s body during the gestation period, then the fetus dies or many defects develop. If an infection was detected at least a month before birth, then a cesarean section is performed to prevent infection of the fetus.
Be sure to take tests for infections during pregnancy in order to timely recognize the presence of infection and to conduct competent, adequate treatment.
What may be the symptoms
Symptoms of infection during pregnancy can be very different, it all depends on the type of virus and the characteristics of the disease. Among the main features can be identified such as:
- temperature rise;
- fever;
- rash onset;
- enlarged lymph nodes;
- headache.
There may also be other symptoms of the course of the disease, but often they occur only if the immunity is reduced.
Diagnostics
The presence of infection in a woman's body can be determined by laboratory tests. In addition, it is possible to determine the inflammation of the genitourinary system even during a gynecological examination during registration.
Often there is inflammation of the vagina and cervix. It is important during pregnancy to take all the required tests prescribed by the doctor to determine the infection.
Intestinal infections
Intestinal infections can be very dangerous for the child, and it is worth noting that they occur almost immediately after infection. They can be as a result of:
- food poisoning;
- disorders of the stomach and pancreas;
- worm infections;
- rotavirus infections.
There are a lot of pathogens, and all of them have a bad effect on a pregnant woman and a fetus. Manifested in the form of intestinal and infectious toxic syndrome. They are expressed as:
- temperature increase;
- flatulence;
- diarrhea
- gastritis;
- colitis.
The pregnant woman feels weak, dizzy, discomfort in the intestine. If such symptoms occur, you must immediately take appropriate measures, since intoxication can be observed. It is very dangerous with blood clotting and a decrease in its volume. Because of this, oxytocin levels may increase, leading to uterine contractions. This threatens with premature birth or miscarriage. With severe intestinal infections, the fetus can be harmful.
Be sure to consult a doctor in a timely manner and remove toxins from the body. Therapy largely depends on the type of pathogen, the severity of the disease.
Urinary tract infections
Due to the peculiarities of the anatomical structure of the genital tract, women are much more prone to urinary tract infections, since microbes can very easily enter the bladder. During pregnancy, this risk becomes even higher, in particular, this occurs with an increase in progesterone, which prevents complete bowel movement.
Be sure to consult a doctor if you experience symptoms such as:
- lower abdominal pain;
- burning sensation during urination;
- frequent urination.
Only in a laboratory study can bacteria be found, among which the most common are E. coli. Treatment involves taking antibiotics. Among the complications, the occurrence of pyelonephritis can be distinguished.
How does infection happen?
A woman can get infections from a sexual partner during household contact with a sick person, consuming raw water or food that has not undergone good heat treatment. Some types of viruses can surround a woman, but she will not get sick due to the presence of antibodies.
Infection of the fetus occurs through the blood of the mother or when the baby passes through the birth canal. The way the infection penetrates the fetus largely depends on the type of pathogen. Viruses can enter through the fallopian tubes, amniotic fluid, or blood.
Treatment
Treatment of infections during pregnancy should be carried out only by a qualified doctor after a comprehensive study. Not all diseases can be cured. Antibiotic treatment is prescribed only in especially dangerous cases, it all depends on the type of infection and the condition of the woman and the fetus.
Pregnant women may be prescribed immunoglobulins to enhance immunity. Vaccination may also be prescribed already during the gestation. Therapy is selected strictly individually, depending on the period of pregnancy and the type of pathogen.
Possible complications
The consequences of infection during pregnancy can be very different. They can occur before the birth of the baby or immediately afterwards. Among the main complications are:
- developmental delay;
- violation of the liver;
- jaundice;
- violation of the respiratory system;
- heart diseases;
- lack of appetite;
- violation of the nervous system.
If signs of infection are observed even before childbirth, then the baby is born already with a serious illness. If the infection of the fetus was before childbirth, then this can manifest itself in the form of meningitis, pneumonia, enterocolitis. All these signs can appear only a few days after the birth or immediately, provided that the child passes through the infected birth canal.
Features of prevention
Infections are very dangerous for the pregnant woman and the fetus. To prevent the occurrence of infection, you must:
- observe the rules of hygiene;
- conduct a survey in a timely manner;
- to vaccinate;
- use a condom and avoid casual connections.
The best prevention is pregnancy planning, since in this case a woman must undergo a comprehensive examination and treat existing infections.
Infections that occur during pregnancy can be very harmful to the woman and the fetus, which is why it is important to conduct a timely examination to determine the problem.