Infections are a part and parcel of a normal life. All of us, adults and children, are vulnerable to usual ‘common’ viral and bacterial infections at different times in life, but infections can be of particular concern, especially if developed, during pregnancy since they can have serious effects and after-effects on both pregnant women and the fetus alike

Common Infections During Pregnancy:

• Cold and cough
Bouts of cold and cough are unfortunately more common during pregnancy. Moreover, they tend to last longer and make the expectant mother feel awful and often, drained out. The best remedy to keep these bouts at bay is to eat a healthy and well balanced diet with lots of fruits and vegetables. Try steam inhalation for stuffy nose and take adequate rest. More importantly, avoid taking over the counter medication without doctor’s prescription.

• Urinary Tract Infection:
The most common problem in pregnancy, Urinary Tract Infection is a simple bladder infection which mostly has ‘silent’ symptoms in women. The biological pregnancy changes make a woman more susceptible to urinary tract infections.

Once an infection is diagnosed, it should be treated as soon as possible, if required with antibiotics approved ‘safe’ for use during pregnancy.

Untreated bladder infection during pregnancy soon advances to kidney infection called pyelonephritis which can be a threat to the mother as well as the baby, as it often leads to onset of preterm labor.

• Chicken pox:
Acquiring chicken pox during pregnancy was a major point of concern, till date. However, with advancing science, this infection can be managed easily.

If one manages to get exposed to the chicken pox virus, varicella zoster, then an injection of varicella-zoster immune globulin (VZIG) within 96 hours of exposure is recommended.

Treatment with an antiviral drug may be started, in severe cases, to reduce the risk of complications to the growing foetus.

• Genital herpes:
The disease not so serious in adults, can have serious implications in newborns who acquire it while passing though an infected birth canal of their mother. A viral infection caused by Herpes simplex viruses causes fluid filled blisters around the genitals, a condition that results in painful urination.

Interestingly, the point in pregnancy at which the infection occurs is of utmost importance. If the expectant mother acquires and resolves the outbreak before late in third trimester, then the infection does not pose any risk to the baby. However, in case the infection is acquired late in pregnancy and if the lesion is present along the birth canal, then a C-section is recommended.

Herpes outbreak before pregnancy poses no risk to the baby at all.

As the body’s immune system is slightly lowered during pregnancy - in order to protect the baby from immunological rejection – pregnant women should maintain proper hygiene. Also, make sure that your immunization checklist is complete, ideally, before planning to conceive.