UTI To Toxoplasmosis: Prenatal Infections Every Mother Needs To Know About

Prenatal infections pose risks during pregnancy. Staying informed and following preventive measures can ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy.

With proper care and knowledge, the risk of infection during pregnancy can be significantly reduced, say doctors.

Source : ABPLIVE AI

By Dr. Manjula NV: From conception to childbirth, expecting mothers are required to be careful and vigilant about their health, and understanding how to prevent and manage prenatal infections has become more and more critical in today’s day and age. Prenatal infections range anywhere from common urinary tract infections (UTIs) to more serious conditions like toxoplasmosis, posing a serious threat to both maternal and foetal health during the course of the pregnancy. The good news is that with proper care and knowledge, the risk of infection during the period is significantly reduced, leaving a positive impact on both the mother and child’s health. 

Here are some easy-to-follow recommendations to help prevent and manage prenatal infections: 

1. Handwashing is the first line of defence against contracting any infections. It is highly recommended by doctors that all mothers wash their hands with warm water and soap, especially after coming in touch with unsanitised surfaces like in the washroom. This simple habit can help reduce the risk of infections like congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV), which is the most common cause of birth defects.

2. Avoid eating raw meat or unpasteurised dairy products at all costs, as uncooked meat and unpasteurised milk and cheese often contain a bacteria called listeria, which could cause infections like listeriosis.

3. All mothers should be wary of insects which are known to carry diseases as infected mosquitoes and bug bites can transfer viruses like Zika virus and Oropouche virus, both pathogens related to birth defects in newborns. It is also important to protect yourself against ticks as they cause Lyme disease, which if left untreated can have critical consequences.

4. Staying away from cat litter and soil with possible contaminations during your pregnancy is very important as they can contain pathogens and parasites that may cause toxoplasmosis. It is best recommended to allocate your gardening and pet-caring needs to another individual during your term.

5. Testing for any possible sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) should be conducted after conception, as some STIs may not present in the mother at all but could be passed onto the infant from the mother, like congenital syphilis.

6. Conduct regular pest control in your homes and surroundings and be careful of disease carrying animals like rodents and bats as they often carry many harmful diseases like in most recent cases, rodents are found to be carrying viruses that cause lymphocytic choriomeningitis. However, pregnant women should not have direct exposure to pesticides, and hence they should not be present in the house when pest control is being done, and return only after proper airing out of the treated areas.

Maintaining good hygiene, following healthy dietary habits, and undergoing regular health check-ups are essential during pregnancy. While awareness of prenatal infections is important, it should not become a source of anxiety for expecting mothers. With the right knowledge, preventing these infections becomes simple, ensuring a safe and risk-free pregnancy.

Dr. Manjula NV is Consultant, Dept. of Obstetrics & Gynecology, at Ramaiah Memorial Hospital, Bengaluru.

[Disclaimer: The information provided in the article, including treatment suggestions shared by doctors, is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.]