Excitement, elation, fear, exhilaration – these are just some of the adjectives you can use to describe pregnancy. About nine months change a woman completely – both physically and mentally.
During such a testing period, every expectant mother makes priority number one to protect themselves from possible infections that can harm their baby and themselves. This is where the role of a gynae obstetrics specialist is crucial as they can assess your condition and advise you on the best way forward. In this article we look at the most common prenatal infections, their prevention and treatment.
Cytomegalovirus
Experts estimate that one in 150 babies is born with congenital cytomegalovirus. The virus, commonly called CMV, is transmitted from mother to child via the placenta. Pregnant women may be freshly infected or carriers of the CMV virus.
Pregnant women are at greater risk of contracting the CMV virus from young children than from older children or adults. You can reduce your chance of contracting CMV and transmitting it to your unborn child by minimizing your contact with the saliva and urine of newborns and very young children.
Listeriosis
Listeriosis is a dangerous foodborne illness that is ten times more likely to affect pregnant mothers than the general population. To prevent Listeriosis, a gynae or obstetrics A specialist would recommend staying away from unpasteurized milk and the foods prepared from it, such as cheese, ice cream and yogurt.
Additionally, they recommend avoiding canned meats and hot dogs until they have been cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F. It can take up to 30 days for the first signs of illness to manifest, although fever, exhaustion, and nausea are common symptoms of the condition are. Listeriosis can cause a serious infection in the unborn child, premature birth or even a miscarriage.
Group B Strep
Group B Strep, or GBP, is a virulent bacteria found in the urinary tract, digestive system, and reproductive system. It can cause mild to severe infections in areas such as the lungs, bones and tissues.
Most babies born to GBS mothers, who receive adequate antibiotic treatment during birth, experience no problems. However, GBS can cause serious illness in newborns who do not receive proper treatment. Due to their underdeveloped bodies and immune systems, premature newborns are more susceptible to GBS than full-term babies.
Zika virus
Pregnant women can transmit the Zika virus to their unborn child if they are not treated in time. In addition to other serious brain abnormalities, a pregnancy-related Zika virus infection can result in microcephaly, a birth defect.
The main vector of transmission of the Zika virus is the Aedes mosquito. Zika can also spread through unprotected sexual contact with an infected person, even if they are not showing symptoms.
Pregnant women are advised by the best gynecologists in dubai to carefully assess the dangers of traveling to other locations and avoid areas where Zika outbreaks are occurring, and to get tested for them.
HIV
Screening for the Human Immune Virus is usually performed during the second trimester of your pregnancy. Although HIV can be passed on to your unborn child, if you are healthy and have no symptoms, there is a good chance that your baby will not get the virus. Your specialist will discuss the treatment plan with you and advise you not to breastfeed.
Treatment for HIV during your second trimester dramatically reduces the chance of your baby getting the disease. Only 2 in 100 babies get the disease from their HIV-infected mothers. After birth, your child will be tested for HIV at short intervals.
How to prevent pregnancy-related infections?
These are the best ways to navigate your pregnancy without infections and illnesses:
- Consult your doctor about recommended immunizations
- Discuss GBS and STD screening tests with your doctor
- Stay away from unpasteurized milk and its derivatives
- Minimize contact with the urine and saliva of infants and young children
- Wash hands often
If you still feel that something is wrong with your body, or cannot feel the movement of your baby in your belly, do not waste time and contact a specialist. Acting on time can prevent a serious health risk for you and your baby.
