Top 5 Prenatal Infections to Watch Out for and Prevention

Pregnancy is a critical yet beautiful phase in a woman's life. Such times need maximum care and caution and are full of enjoyment, waiting, and anxiety. Hence, such a significant period of pregnancy demands excellent attention to the health of both mothers and babies. Among the several infections a pregnant woman should prevent infection, one has a great potential impact on fetal development, hence, pregnancy.?

Among the significant concerns while pregnant is getting infections that threaten both the health of the pregnant woman and her unborn child. Some infections even lead to conditions such as delivering before time and congenital disabilities, as well as the loss of pregnancy.

The present article outlines the top five prenatal infections, the dangers associated with those infections, and how a woman in pregnancy might avoid them all for a healthful pregnancy.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV)

What is CMV?

The most common viral congenital infection is cytomegalovirus. It contributes to most pregnancy infection cases throughout the world, though most pregnant women are unfamiliar with it. Cytomegalovirus is a highly prevalent infection derived from a herpes virus. It might cause relatively minor clinical manifestations or even not produce any manifestation at all in a healthy host but becomes an emerging threat for the fetus in the case of a transplacental transfer.

CMV Risks in Pregnancy:

• Congenital disabilities that include loss of hearing and vision
• Intellectual impairments and delayed development
• Microcephaly (small head)
• Seizures and neurological conditions

Prevention Methods:

• Frequent Hand Washing: Rub hands with soap and water after diaper changes, play with children's toys, or meet body fluids.
• Do Not Share Utensils: Avoid sharing food, drinks, or eating utensils with small children as they are the main hosts of CMV.
• Safe Hygiene Practice: Clean surfaces often and avoid touching persons with the active disease of CMV.

2. Toxoplasmosis

What is Toxoplasmosis?

It is an infection caused by parasitism by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, predominantly in pregnant women, as it readily crosses the placental barrier into the fetus during development. Most of these infections are linked with cats; however, there is another mode of infection, and a pregnant woman must be aware. This is due to the reason that parasite Toxoplasma gondii, which normally occurs in the feces of cats, contaminated food, and raw meat, gets infected.

Dangers related to toxoplasmosis in pregnancy:

• Miscarriage or stillbirth
• Hepatosplenomegaly
• Extensive brain and eye damage to the baby
• Birth anomalies

Prevention Measures

• Do not clean cat litter: If you own a cat, let someone else handle the litter, or wear gloves and wash afterward
• Cook your meat: Cook all your meat at high heat to kill this parasite
• Wash produces: Wash your produce under running water before using
• Practicing Good Hand Hygiene: Always wash your hands after gardening or when in direct contact with dirt.

3. Listeriosis

What is Listeriosis?

Listeriosis is a bacterial infection caused by Listeria monocytogenes, found in contaminated food like unpasteurized dairy, deli meats, and raw seafood. Listeriosis is particularly dangerous during pregnancy as pregnant women are 20 times more likely to become infected than non-pregnant healthy adults.

Risk of Listeriosis During Pregnancy:

• Premature birth or stillbirth
• Newborns with severe infections like meningitis
• Respiratory conditions
• Lethal infection in the mother

Prevention Measures:

• Avoid High-Risk Foods: Avoid raw milk, soft cheeses (such as feta and brie), undercooked meats, and pre-packaged deli products.
• Store Food Safely: Refrigerate perishable items and consume them before expiration.
• Ensure Proper Cooking: Cook meat, poultry, and seafood to the recommended temperatures.
• Maintain Clean Kitchen Hygiene: Clean kitchen surfaces and utensils regularly to avoid contamination.

4. Rubella (German Measles)

What is Rubella?

Rubella is a highly risky viral infection when a pregnant woman catches it, especially during the first trimester.

Threats of Rubella During Pregnancy:

• Congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) causes babies to be born with heart defects, deafness, or vision problems
• The baby suffers from cognitive impairment
• The baby is either born with low birth weight or is delivered before it has reached full term

Preventative Measures:

• Vaccination Before Pregnancy: The MMR vaccine is the surest preventive measure of rubella, although it is best taken before pregnancy.
• Avoid Direct Contact with Infectious Persons: Avoid visiting cases with apparent diseases such as rash, fever, and swollen lymph nodes as in the case of rubella.
• Habits Preventing Hygiene: Frequent hand washing habits and hygiene principles can reduce cases of transmission of GBS.

5. Group B Streptococcus GBS

Definition of GBS

Group B Streptococcus is a bacterium that colonizes the gastrointestinal and genital tracts or vagina of normal persons. Still, it can cause severe complications during pregnancy and at the time of delivery. It is not very virulent for adults but leads to fatal effects in neonates. It can be passed from the mother to the neonate during the delivery process and, thus, can be a source of severe infection.

Risks of Pregnancy with GBS

• The newborn will suffer from pneumonia or meningitis
• Sepsis: blood infection, commonly fatal in time
• Stillbirth and preterm labor

Preventive Measures:

• GBS Screening: A pregnant woman screens for GBS during pregnancy between the 35th and 37th week
• Antibiotic Prophylaxis: Whenever you test GBS-positive, your health care provider will give you antibiotic prophylaxis during labor so that by the time the bacteria reach the baby, they are dead.
• Vaginal Hygiene: Proper care, such as clean genitalia and preventing douching, also reduce the risk of bacterial infection

Common Pre-pregnancy Measures of All Infections during the Antenatal period

1. Universal Antenatal Care

• Attend each antenatal visit
• Get recommended investigations
• Provide the healthcare professional with advance intimation in case of a travel plan
• Notify the provider of any concerning symptoms as early as possible

2. Hygiene and Sanitation

• Hand washing should be done frequently and effectively
• Practice food safety
• The ambiance should be clean and sanitized
• Care for yourself properly

3. Healthy Lifestyle

• Healthy diet
• Get enough sleep
• Have sufficient physical activities as recommended by the healthcare provider
• Reduce levels of stress
• Avoid risk-taking behavior

4. Environmental Consciousness

• Know the risk exposures at various places
• Practice appropriate precautions in high-risk environments
• Be updated about local health advisories
• Adhere to workplace safety measures if relevant

5. Education and Communication

• Be updated about pregnancy-related health risks
• Be open with the healthcare providers
• Discuss prevention strategies with family members
• Build a network of healthy pregnancy support.

Conclusion

Prenatal infection is a severe threat to both the mother and the baby. However, all these infections can be prevented with the proper preventive measures. Good hygiene, safe foods, required vaccinations & regular check-ups during pregnancy can always protect an expecting woman's pregnancy.?

With awareness and vigilance, you can surely have a healthy and safe pregnancy journey both for you and your baby.

If you are pregnant or planning to conceive, it is advisable you consult your doctor for personalized information on how to prevent infections during pregnancy.

Author

Dt. Isha Verma

M. Sc. DFSM, M.A ENG, CNCC

Clinical Dietitian, Hexamed Diagnostics