Maternal and Fetal Infections Overview
Infection is the invasion and growth of microorganisms in the body. The body may respond in different ways depending on the type of infection and the extent of it. One or more of the following can cause an infectious disease:
-
Viruses
-
Bacteria
-
Parasites
-
Fungi
Infectious diseases can range from common illnesses, such as the cold, to deadly illnesses, such as acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Depending on the specific illness and where you live, an infectious disease can spread in some or all these ways:
-
Sexual transmission. Transmission through sexual contact, including intercourse.
-
Airborne transmission. Transmission through inhaling airborne droplets of the disease. These may exist in the air as a result of a cough or sneeze from an infected person.
-
Blood-borne transmission. Transmission through contact with infected blood, such as when sharing hypodermic needles.
-
Direct skin contact. Transmission through contact with the skin of an infected person.
-
Insect-borne transmission. Transmission through insects, such as mosquitoes. These draw blood from an infected person and then bite a healthy person.
-
Foodborne transmission. Transmission through consuming contaminated food.
-
Waterborne transmission. Transmission through contact with contaminated water.
-
Other mechanisms that can transmit a disease.
In developed countries, most infections are spread through sexual, airborne, blood-borne, and skin contact. Countries with poor community hygiene may still have waterborne transmission.
In pregnancy, infections are a common complication. Women may be more prone to the effects of infection during pregnancy because the immune system is naturally suppressed. Certain infections may cause problems for the developing fetus and may endanger the health of the mother. Some organisms that do not cause problems in nonpregnant women can be dangerous in pregnancy. Other organisms are not harmful for the pregnant woman. But they can be harmful to the fetus.
What are the symptoms of an infection?
The symptoms of an infection often depend on the organism causing the infection. Also, infection in pregnancy may or may not have obvious symptoms. Or a pregnant woman may show different symptoms of an infection. The symptoms may look like other conditions or health problems. Always see your healthcare provider for a diagnosis.
How is an infection diagnosed?
The diagnosis of an infection depends on the symptoms and a history of exposure to the organism. Certain tests are done as part of routine prenatal care to rule out common infections. Some tests help determine the mother's immunity to an infectious disease, such as rubella. Other tests, such as blood tests, cultures, or tissue samples, are used only when needed for diagnosis.
Treatment for an infection
You and your healthcare provider will figure out the best treatment based on:
-
Your overall health and past health
-
The type of infection
-
The specific medicines, procedures, or therapies that are safe during pregnancy
-
The risks and benefits of treatment to you and your unborn baby
-
How long the condition is expected to last
-
Your opinion or preference
Prevention of infection
Some infections, such as urinary tract infections, may not be preventable. Prevention of other infections depends on the method of transmission. Women can reduce their risk of contracting some infectious diseases by not coming into contact with the infecting organism. For example, toxoplasmosis, which is found in cat feces, may be avoided by not having contact with litter boxes. Sexually transmitted diseases can be prevented by not having sexual contact with an infected partner.
Zika virus
The Zika virus is transmitted by infected mosquitoes. It can be transmitted from a pregnant woman to her fetus. You can also get Zika from sexual intercourse with someone infected with Zika.
Prevention of Zika infection
To help prevent infection with the Zika virus:
-
Do not travel to areas with Zika.
-
If you must travel, follow steps to prevent mosquito bites while on your trip.
-
Speak with your primary healthcare provider before your trip.
If your partner lives or has traveled to an area with Zika, use condoms every time you have sex during the pregnancy.
Online Medical Reviewer: Daniel N Sacks MDDonna Freeborn PhD CNM FNPHeather Trevino
Date Last Reviewed: 10/1/2020
© 2000-2020 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
Related Conditions
- Chickenpox (Varicella) and Pregnancy
- Pregnancy- How Your Digestion Changes
- Graves Disease in Pregnancy
- Lupus and Pregnancy
- Maternal and Fetal Infections Overview
- Maternal and Fetal Testing Overview
- Medical Genetics: Teratogens
- Migraine Headaches During Pregnancy
- Neurological Conditions and Pregnancy
- Preconception Care
- Pregnancy and Medical Conditions
- Risk Factors for Pregnancy
- Sickle Cell Disease and Pregnancy
- Thyroid Conditions
- 5 Pregnancy Myths
- Asthma and Pregnancy
- Avoid Getting Stuck with Constipation
- Be Wary of These Three Items
- Bleeding During Early Pregnancy
- Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): Pregnancy and Childbirth
- Ease Nausea with Natural Remedies
- Ease the Aches of Pregnancy with Exercise
- For the Sake of Your Baby, Skip the Alcohol
- For Twins or More: What to Consider in Your Third Trimester
- Gentle Approach Can Beat Pregnancy-Related Hair Loss
- Having Multiples? Take Extra Care in the First Trimester
- Healthy Habits Are Extra Important During Pregnancy
- Home Page - Pregnancy and Childbirth
- How are Low Birthweight and Smoking Related?
- How to Avoid Heartburn During Pregnancy
- How to Handle Dizziness During Pregnancy
- How to Keep Gestational Diabetes at Bay
- Keeping Up with the 9-to-5
- Lifting the Burden of Pregnancy Depression
- Manage Issues in the Workplace
- Managing Gestational Diabetes
- Managing Your Diabetes During Pregnancy
- Medicine and Pregnancy Don't Always Mix
- Planning a Pregnancy
- Pregnancy
- Pregnancy and Oral Health
- Pregnancy and Skin Changes
- Pregnancy: Common Questions
- Pregnancy Rhinitis: Relief for Ongoing Nasal Congestion Is Possible
- Pregnancy Safety for You and Your Little One
- Pregnant? Why You Should Know About Lead
- Risks to Pregnancy
- Safe Sleep During Pregnancy
- Steps to Reduce the Pressure on Your Legs
- Take Precautions When You Travel
- Take to the Water for Exercise
- The Lungs in Pregnancy
- The Pregnant Mother
- Topic Index - Pregnancy and Childbirth
- What Dad Can Expect When You’re Expecting