Maternal Infections - Common Types and Prevention

Introduction:

Infectious diseases are caused by microorganisms that may be transmitted directly or indirectly by various sources. The infection may be caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi. The body responds differently depending on the infection's type and extent. Few infections may be harmful and harmless, but all infections are preventable.

What Are Maternal Infections?

Pregnant women may also be more prone to infections because of changes in immune function. These infections are called maternal infections. Certain infections may cause problems for the developing fetus and endanger the mother's health.

Diseases spread in the following ways:

• Airborne Transmission - Transmission of infection by inhaling airborne droplets of the disease. These may exist in the air due to a cough or sneeze from an infected person.

• Blood-Borne Transmission - Infections are transmitted through contact with infected blood.

• Sexual Transmission - Transmission through sexual contact.

• Direct Skin Contact - Contact with the skin of an infected person causes transmission of infection.

• Foodborne Transmission - Infections that are transmitted through the consumption of contaminated food.

• Waterborne Transmission - Contact with contaminated water may transmit the disease.

• Insect-Borne Transmission - Infections are transmitted through insects, such as mosquitoes.

What Are the Common Types of Maternal Infection?

Chickenpox:

Chickenpox is also known as varicella. It can be dangerous for both mother and baby, so getting medical advice as early as possible is essential. It can cause serious health issues in babies that include:

• Pneumonia.

• Developmental delay.

• Congenital Varicella Syndrome (CVS).

• Scarring.

• Vision issues.

• Cognitive disabilities.

If chickenpox happens during the first trimester of pregnancy, the risks for birth injuries are significantly less. Women who have chickenpox during delivery have more chances of the baby getting congenital varicella syndrome or CVS; a mother who had chickenpox during childhood or was vaccinated for chickenpox is considered safe during pregnancy. For those pregnant women who never had chickenpox during childhood and have never been vaccinated, it is essential to notify the doctor.

Rubella:

Rubella, also called German Measles, can cause a distinctive red rash on the body. It is safe for pregnant women to ensure they are vaccinated and immune to the virus. If not vaccinated, an early pregnancy vaccination can prevent rubella.

If the mothers develop rubella in the first trimester of pregnancy, it can lead to severe complications, which include:

• Hearing and vision problems.

• Brain inflammation.

• Congenital heart disease.

• Cerebral palsy.

• Intrauterine growth restriction.

• Stillbirth.

• Miscarriage.

• Diabetes later in life.

Syphilis:

Syphilis is well-known as an STD caused by a Spirochete bacterium. It is a sexually-transmitted disease that can be transferred to the fetus during pregnancy or birth through the placenta or active vaginal sores. It is a hazardous infection for infants as it can lead to:

• Vision and hearing loss.

• Abnormal tooth formation.

• Fetal distress.

• Brain damage.

• Low birth weight.

• Neonatal death.

• Stillbirth.

Pregnant women should constantly be tested for syphilis during their early prenatal appointment. Some women with syphilis may not be aware of that because it can be dormant in the body for years. However, if in the early stages, it can be cured with Penicillin.

Toxoplasmosis:

Toxoplasma gondii, a widespread parasite, causes toxoplasmosis. It is found in raw or undercooked meats, specific soil, and cat feces. It can cause mild flu-like symptoms or no symptoms. Hence, taking proper precautions such as cooking meats completely, washing hands thoroughly, washing raw vegetables and fruits in hot water, and staying away from cat poop (including changing the litter box) is essential. Toxoplasmosis infection in pregnant women can be dangerous because it can be transferred to the baby and cause significant birth injuries. Antibiotics are recommended to eliminate the infection. Medication is given during pregnancy; in some cases, it is continued in newborns after birth.

Toxoplasmosis can be transferred to the fetus and cause:

• Hearing loss.

• Vision loss.

• Intellectual disabilities.

Group B Streptococcus:

Group B strep (GBS) is a commonly occurring bacterial infection. GBS can be found in the gastrointestinal, rectal, and vaginal areas. If not treated during labor, it can be passed on to the infant, resulting in complications such as:

• Sepsis.

• Neurological disorder.

• Pneumonia.

• Stillbirth.

Hepatitis B Virus:

The hepatitis B virus (HBV) is hazardous when passed from a mother to a baby during birth. Newborns can develop lifelong health issues, like liver damage and liver cancer. Tests for the hepatitis B virus should be made as soon as a woman is pregnant. If early testing and treatment were not provided, physicians should do testing before delivery, as the virus is passed along during childbirth.

Urinary Tract Infection:

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a bacterial infection of the bladder or the urethra. The symptoms are frequent urination, pelvic pain, cloudy-colored urine, and a burning sensation when urinating. UTIs do not cause any serious problems if treated at the right time. If left untreated, it can spread to the kidney, leading to preterm labor. Antibiotics are used for the treatment of UTIs.

Malaria:

It is a life-threatening disease caused by parasites and transmitted to humans by the bite of infected mosquitos. If not treated promptly, the infection can progress and cause severe complications in pregnant women. A study shows that 23 percent of maternal deaths are due to malaria.

Zika Virus:

Zika is transmitted by mosquitoes, which causes mild infections or no symptoms. This infection may lead to severe complications, such as brain damage in newborns. Testing is advised for symptomatic pregnant women who have traveled to areas with a risk of Zika virus infections.

How To Prevent Maternal Infections?

By following the below steps, maternal infections can be prevented to an extent.

• Wash hands with soap and water after using the bathroom, touching raw meat, dirt, or soil, handling pets, and changing diapers.

• Reduce the contact with urine and saliva from babies or young children.

• Do not use unpasteurized milk.

• Do not touch cat poops, and change cat litter cautiously.

• Take steps to safeguard against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and undergo early pregnancy testing.

• Get the required vaccinations.

• Stay away from people who have infections.

• If pregnant, avoid traveling to an area with the Zika virus.

• Stay away from insects known to carry infections.

• Stay away from rodents, pets, and their droppings.

Conclusion:

Pregnant women should be cautious about their health and prevent themself from acquiring any infections because many infections can be transmitted to the fetus and cause detrimental health issues. So, a mother should take utmost care to stay healthy and protect them from infections.