Pregnancy is a phase in which every woman wishes to be in the best of her health, but however, it does come with its share of ups and downs.
We all know that our body has a natural defence mechanism to protect itself from viruses and bacteria. To fight infections, antibodies are the ones that help, but sometimes our body might fail to make enough antibodies. During pregnancy, the immunity is lowered due to which infections might occur.
In some cases, infections can affect both you and your baby. Hence, staying updated about the infections and getting them treated timely is crucial. Check out the list of some common infections that are prone to occur during pregnancy:
Bacterial Vaginosis:
Bacterial vaginosis is one of the common infections that may occur during pregnancy. It usually occurs due to the overgrowth of bacteria that naturally lives in the vagina.
What are the symptoms to look out for?
- Pain during urination
- Itching
- Foul smelling odour
- Greyish discharge
Yeast Infection:
Commonly caused by a fungus called Candida – another common infection that may occur during pregnancy due to some hormonal changes.
What are the symptoms to look out for?
- Pain and itching
- Thick whitish-yellow discharge
- Burning sensation while urinating
Group B Streptococcus (GBS):
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is usually found in the digestive, urinary and reproductive tracts. So, there is a small risk for GBS infection to pass to the baby.
Early onset GBS infection – Usually occurs in the first week after childbirth and the symptoms may develop within 12 hours of birth.
Late onset GBS infection – Develops after 7 or more days after childbirth.
What are the symptoms to look out for?
- Irritability
- High or low temperature
- Being unresponsive
- Fast or slow heart rates
It may lead to sepsis or meningitis.
Hepatitis B:
Hepatitis B is a viral infection that can be passed to the baby during pregnancy. Hence, it is wise to get the test done as a precautionary measure to protect the baby from contracting the virus.
What are the symptoms to look out for?
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea and vomiting
What are the few things you can do to prevent certain infections?
You’re responsible for the life growing inside you, so taking the necessary steps is important. Follow these simple steps to avoid or prevent certain infections:
Maintain good hygiene –
Make sure you wash your hands thoroughly and regularly to maintain good hygiene. To eliminate the germs and avoid getting sick, keep your hands clean before and after any activity especially before preparing, serving or eating food.
Avoid consuming uncooked or unpasteurized food –
Unpasteurized and uncooked products may contain harmful bacteria that can cause infections during pregnancy. Before buying any products make sure you read the food labels and while cooking meat ensure that it is cooked well from inside.
Get the right jab at the right time –
There are a few vaccinations recommended before, during and after childbirth – talk to your doctor about them to help you stay healthy and protect the baby.
Get tested for Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) –
Protect yourself by getting tested for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) like HIV, hepatitis B and syphilis. You can take preventative measures to protect your baby if you have any of these.
Delegate Tasks –
Avoid touching or cleaning cat litter and have someone else do it for you. But, if there is no one to help then make sure you wear gloves and wash your hands properly. Dirty cat litter might contain harmful parasites that can be the cause of infection during pregnancy.
It is important to be aware of the different types of infections during pregnancy as it allows you to recognize the symptoms. Seek advice from your doctor as s/he will recommend appropriate tests and treatment for the same.
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