Awareness is the Best Way to Avoid Infection during Pregnancy

Mothers-to-be, especially first-timers, have many questions. Am I getting enough folic acid? Is drinking coffee OK? Should I get a flu shot? How much weight gain is normal? What is my risk for preeclampsia?

Because February is International Prenatal Infection Prevention Month, Ob Hospitalist Group (OBHG) wants women to be aware of both common and not-so-common prenatal infections, as well as actions that can prevent them. We will share information throughout the month about different infections.

We all know easy-to-treat vaginal yeast infections are quite common (affecting about 75 percent of women) and usually not cause for worry. However, if you are pregnant, it is important that your doctor evaluate you for vaginal infections unrelated to common yeast imbalances. Perinatal infections can be serious because the mother can transmit the infection to the baby through the placenta, by exposure to harmful bacteria during vaginal birth, and in many cases via breastfeeding.

One infection to be aware of is Bacterial Vaginosis, an unhealthy imbalance of good and bad bacteria in the vagina. This is rarely serious and commonly treated with antibiotics. Left undiagnosed and untreated, at worst, it can cause complications such as low birthweight and pelvic inflammatory disease.

A prenatal infection of greater concern, however, is Group B Streptococcus, or GBS. Approximately 1 in 4 women carries the GBS bacteria. Serious complications of GBS include sepsis (blood infection), pneumonia, or meningitis in the newborn. Statistically, up to 25% of expectant mothers have GBS, usually in their urine. GBS infection can cause premature birth. There is no vaccine for GBS. However, if detected early, intravenous antibiotics given during labor can prevent transmission to the baby.

As always, customary disease-prevention measures are recommended during pregnancy:

• Early and regular prenatal care
• Recommended immunizations
• Consistent, conscientious hand-washing
• Avoidance of symptomatic people

For more information on all common prenatal infections, visit www.cdc.gov/features/prenatalinfections/.