16 infections pregnant women need to be careful to avoid complications

During pregnancy, the body's immune system is greatly reduced. This becomes the ideal opportunity for bacteria to attack and cause many infections that affect the health of mother and baby.

Pregnancy is the most wonderful stage in a woman's life. However, accompanied by the joy and happiness of being about to hold your baby, there are endless worries about illnesses and  pregnancy complications that can strike at any time. What infections are common during pregnancy and how to prevent it? These questions of you will be answered through the following shares of aFamilyToday Health.

Why are pregnant women susceptible to infections?

Our bodies are equipped with an extremely perfect system called the immune system to protect the body from attacks by harmful microorganisms. When there are "strangers" invading, the body will create antibodies against them. However, sometimes a weakened immune system will not make enough antibodies and make the body more susceptible to infection.

The main reason that pregnant women are susceptible to infections is that at this time, the immune system must protect both the mother and the baby, so it is not strong enough to protect the body optimally. In addition, hormonal and physiological changes are also one of the reasons that make pregnant women more susceptible to infection. Therefore, you need to understand the common types of infections and how to prevent them to best protect yourself and your baby.

16 infections that can affect pregnant women

Infection during pregnancy is very dangerous because it not only affects the mother's health, but the fetus also has a huge impact. Here are some common infections that you should be aware of so that you can prevent and treat them properly.

1. Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is an infection caused by a virus that attacks the liver and has a high risk of infecting your baby. Therefore, at the first prenatal visit, you will be tested to determine if you have this virus or not.

The hepatitis B virus is spread mainly through the blood and body fluids of an infected person such as semen, vaginal secretions, breast milk, saliva, blood and pus from the wound. If you have hepatitis B, pregnant women will have symptoms such as abdominal pain, vomiting, jaundice, joint pain and loss of appetite.

If the results show that you do not have the disease, you will be vaccinated against it. Not only that, but your baby will also get his first shot at 24 hours after birth. If your baby is at high risk of infection, two doses will be given at birth: one dose of hepatitis B vaccine (5 mcg) and one dose of hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG, 0.5 ml). .

2. Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C virus also affects the liver and risks infecting the baby. Usually, it can be difficult to identify because you often have no symptoms or, if so, those symptoms can easily be confused with the symptoms of pregnancy. This virus is mainly transmitted through blood, direct contact or through unprotected sex.

3. Urinary tract infections

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a disease that many women get during pregnancy. The disease can affect the bladder and kidneys, causing inflammation and leading to premature birth and low birth weight. Common symptoms of this condition are pain, burning when urinating, cloudy urine, bad smell, or even blood.

In addition, you will also find yourself having frequent urination even when there is no urine in your bladder and pain in your lower abdomen. Drinking plenty of fluids, not holding urine, urinating immediately after intercourse, cleaning the vulva area every day and after having a bowel movement are some of the things you should try to limit the risk of infection .

4. Vaginitis

This type of infection is very common in pregnant women. This is because during pregnancy, the hormone estrogen and progesterone levels rise, causing the bacteria in the vagina to grow too fast. Common symptoms of the disease are pain, burning in the vagina, sometimes appearing yellow or white discharge, with a bad smell or fishy. This type of infection is usually treated with ointment.

5. Sexually transmitted diseases

Pregnant women are very susceptible to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), the most common being chlamydia. This condition can not only make the baby underweight, but also put the mother at risk of bleeding before birth, premature birth or miscarriage.

6. Chickenpox

If you have had chickenpox before  or have been vaccinated, you are at less risk of getting the disease during pregnancy. However, you should have a blood test to check if you are truly immune to chickenpox.

Pregnant women with chickenpox in the first or second trimester, the baby will be at risk of congenital chickenpox syndrome, causing physical and mental disabilities. If you have it in your third trimester, your baby is now getting more antibodies through the placenta, so the risk of exposure is also reduced. If you find yourself with a mild fever, runny nose, mild cough, headache, fatigue, loss of appetite and red spots on your body, see your doctor for the exact cause and appropriate intervention.

7. Rubella

Rubella , also known as German measles, is an infectious disease caused by the rubella virus. Pregnant women infected with Rubella in the first four months of pregnancy can cause brain and heart defects, hearing loss and cataracts , which can even lead to miscarriage.

When infected with rubella, pregnant women will have symptoms such as mild flu, fever, rash, swollen lymph nodes, pain, red eyes and joint pain. If you suspect that you have this infection, get medical attention as soon as possible. Usually, a screening test will be done during the fourth month of pregnancy to detect the virus. However, it's best to do all the necessary tests before conception to ensure the health of you and your baby.

8. Group B strep (GBS)

Group B streptococci are bacteria commonly found in the vagina and rectum of healthy women. GBS is not harmful for women but if you get pregnant and have this streptococcal infection, your baby can be life-threatening and you will have many complications as well.

Specifically, GBS can cause bladder infection, endometritis, premature rupture of membranes, fever at birth, or early labor. The infection is usually asymptomatic, so a screening test is required between 35 and 37 weeks of pregnancy. For treatment, your doctor will prescribe the right antibiotics.

9. Red cheek disease also known as parvo disease

This is a skin rash caused by parvovirus B19. It is common in young children with symptoms characterized by a red rash on the cheeks accompanied by a runny nose, flu and soreness. For the average person, the disease is not dangerous, but for people with an abnormal red blood cell count, the disease can be life-threatening because it inhibits RBC production.

The parvo virus is usually spread through saliva and nasal secretions. Pregnant women with parvo may experience stillbirth, miscarriage, fetal heart problems and fetal anemia.

10. Cytomegalovirus infection

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a lesser known anti-cell virus like rubella. For people with normal health, CMV infection does not affect much health. However, for people with weakened immune systems such as pregnant women (especially in the first 3 months), CMV infection is very serious.

A mother infected with CMV can transmit it to the fetus, resulting in a loss of hearing, loss of vision, an abnormally small head, an enlarged liver and spleen, jaundice, and even premature death. To prevent infection, you need to pay attention to the personal hygiene and living environment. If sick, pregnant mothers will be assigned regular ultrasound to closely monitor the baby's health.

11. Dengue fever

This is a mosquito-borne disease that can cause early labor, low birth weight and stillbirth. Pregnant women with dengue fever will have symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, joint pain, muscle and bone pain, bleeding nose or gums. To prevent it, you should take steps to help prevent mosquito bites.

12. Genital herpes (herpes disease)

Genital herpes is a disease caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). The disease is usually transmitted through sex or through direct contact with the ulcer. The characteristic symptom of the disease is red sores that appear as blisters with fever, chills, muscle aches, fatigue and nausea. If you get sick in the late stages of pregnancy, you may need a cesarean section to avoid infection.

13. Listeria infection

Listeria is an infection that occurs from eating food contaminated with Listeria monocytogens, a type of bacteria that is often found in uncooked meat and dairy products. Pregnant women are at high risk of becoming infected with the bacteria because of weakened immune systems. Listeria infections during pregnancy can cause pregnant women to go into labor early and premature birth.

14. Toxoplasma infection

Toxoplasma infection is an infection caused by a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii. This parasite is usually spread by eating undercooked infected animal flesh or coming into contact with litter for infected cats or cat feces. Pregnant women who become infected in the early stages of pregnancy may experience miscarriage, stillbirth, or may be born with birth defects.

15. Trichomoniasis

Trichomonas is an infectious disease caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis, a microscopic parasite. Pregnant women infected with trichomoniasis can have a premature birth and rupture of their membranes before giving birth. The most common symptom of the disease is that the vagina becomes red, itchy, rough, accompanied by a green or yellowish discharge that has a bad smell.

16. Zika virus infection

Zika virus can be transmitted through mosquitoes or through sexual contact. Pregnant women infected with Zika virus during pregnancy can cause fetus to develop microcephaly . As they get older, they may experience impaired vision, hearing, poor growth and even convulsions.

How to prevent and treat infections during pregnancy?

To ensure healthy growth and development, pregnant women need to take some measures to reduce the risk of infection during pregnancy:

Adequate immunizations before and during pregnancy

Perform tests to detect the infection early so that it can be treated promptly

Wash your hands often with soap and warm water

Avoid contact with infected people

Always drink pasteurized milk

Cook food, especially meat, thoroughly

Drink a lot of water

Maintain a healthy and balanced diet.

The fact is that detecting infections early can be quite difficult. Therefore, you need to pay attention to small changes in the body to detect abnormalities early and have the best protection for your baby in the belly.