Pregnancy is a beautiful and transformative experience. As you anticipate the arrival of your little one, it's crucial to prioritize both your health and the health of your baby. In observance of International Prenatal Infection Prevention Month, we want to share important information on how to safeguard against infection during pregnancy.
Why is Infection Prevention Important During Pregnancy?
During pregnancy, your body undergoes significant changes, making you more susceptible to infections that can harm you or your baby. Infections acquired during pregnancy can lead to various complications, such as preterm birth, low birth weight, birth defects, and other adverse outcomes. However, with proper precautions and awareness, many of these infections can be prevented.
Common Types of Prenatal Infections and Prevention Strategies
This International Prenatal Infection Protection Month, we're here to answer the question: What is the most common prenatal infection? And, more importantly, what precautions can be taken to protect a developing baby from harm?
In this section, we'll outline the most common types of prenatal infections and what you can do to be proactive in preventing them.
Toxoplasmosis
Toxoplasmosis is a gestational infection caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. It is commonly found in soil, contaminated water, or undercooked meat, and can also be present in cat feces. While the infection is usually mild in healthy adults, it can cause serious complications during pregnancy.
Prevention
- Avoid Handling Cat Litter: If you have a cat, try to assign the task of cleaning the litter box to someone else. If you must do it yourself, wear disposable gloves and wash your hands thoroughly afterward.
- Cook Meat Thoroughly: Use a food thermometer to ensure that meat is cooked to a safe internal temperature, which kills the parasite.
- Wash Produce: Always wash fruits and vegetables before eating to remove any soil or contamination.
- Gardening Precautions: Wear gloves when gardening and wash your hands after any contact with soil.
Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
Cytomegalovirus is a common virus that can be harmless to most people but poses risks during pregnancy. It can be transmitted to the unborn baby, potentially leading to hearing loss, vision problems, and developmental delays.
Prevention
- Good Hygiene: Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after contact with young children, changing diapers, or handling toys.
- Avoid Sharing Utensils: Do not share food, drinks, or utensils with young children, who are often carriers of the virus.
- Awareness of Bodily Fluids: Be cautious around saliva and urine (particularly of babies and toddlers), as these can contain the virus.
Group B Streptococcus (GBS)
Group B Streptococcus is a type of bacteria that can be found in the vagina or rectum of about 25% of healthy women. GBS can be passed to the baby during delivery and may lead to serious infections such as meningitis, pneumonia, and sepsis.
Prevention
- Prenatal Testing: Expectant mothers are typically tested for GBS during the third trimester. Knowing your status can help you and your healthcare provider make informed decisions.
- Antibiotics During Labor: If you test positive for GBS, receiving antibiotics during labor can significantly reduce the risk of passing the infection to your baby.
Zika Virus
Zika virus is a mosquito-borne virus that can cause severe birth defects, including microcephaly — when a baby is born with a smaller head than expected. It can also be transmitted sexually.
Prevention
- Avoid Travel to Affected Areas: Stay informed about Zika outbreaks and avoid traveling to areas where the virus is prevalent.
- Mosquito Bite Prevention: Use EPA-registered insect repellents, wear long-sleeved shirts or pants, and stay in places with air conditioning that use window and door screens.
- Safe Sex Practices: Use condoms or abstain from sexual activity if you or your partner have traveled to or live in an area with a risk of Zika.
By following these strategies, expectant mothers can significantly reduce the risk of prenatal infections while spreading awareness during International Prenatal Infection Prevention Month. Remember, it is always important to consult with healthcare providers for personalized advice and to receive regular maternity care throughout the pregnancy.
Key Steps to Prevent Infections During Pregnancy
Fortunately, there are preventative steps that can be taken to minimize the risk of prenatal infections. From personal hygiene to practicing safe food handling, following these guidelines will help you ensure a healthier pregnancy.
Maintain Good Hygiene
Maintaining good hygiene is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to protect yourself and your unborn baby from infections during pregnancy. The importance of this practice cannot be overstated, as it forms the first line of defense against the myriad of germs that we come into contact with daily.
Handwashing with soap and water is a fundamental habit that is a cornerstone of personal hygiene. The act of handwashing works by physically removing germs from the skin's surface; this will reduce the likelihood of these pathogens entering the body or being passed on to others. Be sure to always wash your hands thoroughly before preparing (or eating) food, after using the restroom, and after leaving any public spaces.
Stay Up-to-Date with Vaccinations
Vaccines are a crucial part of prenatal care because they protect against infections that can affect you and your baby's well-being. Because the flu can be more severe during pregnancy, this particular vaccine is highly recommended. It not only protects you from the influenza virus but also provides your baby with essential antibodies that offer protection after birth.
The Tdap vaccine is another key immunization. It protects against three serious diseases: tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough). Pertussis is particularly dangerous for newborns, but by getting vaccinated during the third trimester, you pass protection to your baby until they can receive their vaccinations.
This International Prenatal Infection Prevention Month, contact your healthcare provider to ensure your vaccine schedule is up to date. They will advise you on which vaccines are safe during pregnancy and the best times to receive them.
Practice Safe Food Handling
When it comes to pregnancy, what you eat is as important as what you avoid. Practicing safe food handling is a key step in protecting both you and your growing baby from foodborne illnesses. Certain bacteria, such as Listeria, Salmonella, and E. coli, can be particularly harmful during pregnancy.
To minimize the risk of infection, it's essential to avoid undercooked or raw meats, which can harbor dangerous bacteria. Always cook meat to the recommended safe internal temperature. Similarly, unpasteurized dairy products can contain Listeria, so it's best to stick to pasteurized products only during this time.
Unwashed fruits and vegetables can also be a source of contaminants. Make sure to wash them under running water and scrub firm produce with a clean brush to remove any lingering bacteria. Always maintain a clean kitchen, separate raw meats from other foods, and promptly refrigerate any perishable items.
Be Cautious Around Animals
Pets are a beloved part of many families, but it's important to exercise caution around animals during pregnancy to prevent infections. Toxoplasmosis, for instance, is an infection caused by a parasite that cats can carry in their feces. This infection can be harmful to an unborn baby, potentially leading to serious health problems.
If possible, have someone else change the litter box to reduce your risk of toxoplasmosis. If you must do it yourself, wear disposable gloves and wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water afterward. You'll also want to keep pets clean, with each animal being up-to-date with their vaccinations. Avoid handling stray animals or those with unknown medical histories.
Limit Exposure to Harmful Substances
It's crucial to be mindful of your environment and limit exposure to harmful substances that could affect the development of your baby. Chemicals, toxins, and various environmental hazards can pose risks, so taking steps to minimize contact is essential for a healthy pregnancy.
Try to stick to natural or less toxic alternatives for household chores. If your job involves working with hazardous substances, inform your employer of your pregnancy and discuss ways to modify your duties or take additional protective measures.
Practice Safe Sex
Sexual health is an important aspect of overall well-being, and this remains true during pregnancy. Practicing safe sex is essential to protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), which can have serious implications for both maternal and fetal health.
Barrier methods (like condoms) are highly effective in preventing the transmission of STIs. They are a must-use during pregnancy if there is any risk of STIs, including when you have more than one sexual partner or are unsure of your partner's sexual health. Regular STI screenings are also recommended, as early treatment can prevent complications related to STIs.
Seeking Medical Care
If you suspect an infection or experience symptoms during pregnancy, seek medical assistance as soon as possible. Prenatal Infections can appear in various ways, and some key symptoms should not be ignored. These include:
- Fever and Chills: A fever is a clear indicator that your body is fighting an infection. Chills often accompany fever and can also be a sign of infection.
- Nausea and Vomiting: While common in early pregnancy, if these symptoms are severe or persist beyond the first trimester, they may indicate an infection.
- Diarrhea: Persistent or severe diarrhea can lead to dehydration, and may be a symptom of a gastrointestinal infection.
- Unusual Vaginal Discharge: Any change in the color, consistency, or smell of vaginal discharge can be a sign of a vaginal infection.
- Pain or Burning During Urination: This can indicate a urinary tract infection (UTI), which requires prompt treatment to avoid complications.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to contact your healthcare provider immediately. Early intervention is key to managing infections effectively. Some infections, if left untreated, can lead to preterm labor, low birth weight, or other serious complications, including neonatal infections.
When you contact your healthcare provider, they will likely ask you detailed questions about your symptoms to determine the next steps; this might include an antibiotic prescription or home care instructions. If necessary, your provider will schedule additional appointments or tests to keep a close eye on your health as your pregnancy progresses.
Protect Your Pregnancy with Arnot Health
With a certified team of OB-GYNs, specialists, and nurses, we're here for you every step of your pregnancy journey. Schedule an appointment with us today!
