A healthy pregnancy ensures a healthy birth, which is what all women strive for.
... when we are in happy anticipation. But pregnancy can make women more susceptible to certain types of infections that can have serious consequences. In some cases, even a mild infection can cause a serious problem that can harm the mother and baby. It can cause miscarriage, premature birth or birth defects. The infection can even be transmitted to the baby in the womb through the placenta or during birth.
How the infection affects your pregnancy
Infection of the skin, vagina (UTI) or respiratory tract has no serious complications. These can be managed or treated with medication and appropriate treatment. However, some specific infections, which for the most part remain undiagnosed due to a lack of clear symptoms, can prove dangerous. They can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, low birth weight, or birth defects, such as organ dysfunction in the baby. Early detection of infection and prevention is the only way to reduce the risk and ensure the health of your children.
Cytomegalovirus infection
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is the most common infection that can lead to birth defects in infants. Women affected by CMV during pregnancy may be at increased risk for congenital CMV in infants at birth, retinal inflammation, birth rash, abnormally small head, yellow skin, or low birth weight. Some babies may even have long-term neurological problems that can show up over the years. Cytomegalovirus is naturally present in the environment, which is difficult to avoid. Pregnant women can protect themselves by frequent hand washing and avoid contact with younger children, who can easily spread the virus.
Group B streptococcus
Group B streptococcal infection is caused by a bacterium known as group B streptococcus. This type of bacteria is present in the body and leaves it naturally, in most cases not harmful. In rare cases, it can cause serious illness in people of all ages and can cause severe infection in newborns. The virus is usually transmitted from mother to child during childbirth in the vagina, as the bacterium may be present in the uterus, vagina or rectum. During pregnancy, bacteria can cause internal inflammation as well as stillbirth. If left untreated, the infection can cause birth defects in a child, including hearing or vision loss and mental health problems.
Toxoplasmosis infection
Toxoplasmosis infection is caused by the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. This infection is mostly spread by cats who become infected by eating rodents and birds infected with this parasite. Therefore, pregnant women are advised to avoid cleaning the cat toilet, as the parasite is mostly transmitted through feces. In addition, uncooked or partially cooked meat and soil and water can also cause infection.
Thank you!
Photo is taken from pixabay.com.
Happy Saturday.
@Kaya
