How to Avoid Infections During Pregnancy - Complete Guide

How to Avoid Infections During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is an exciting time, but it also comes with many changes in the body that can make expectant mothers more susceptible to infections. During pregnancy, the immune system is naturally suppressed so that the body doesn't reject the fetus. This suppression, combined with shifts in hormones and anatomy, make it easier for bacteria and viruses to gain a foothold.

However, there are steps pregnant women can take to avoid coming down with infections. This is important not just for the mother's health, but to prevent passing infections to the developing baby. Some infections may cross the placenta and infect the fetus directly. Others may induce preterm labor. Preventing infections in the first place is the best way to safeguard both mother and child.

Practice General Hygiene and Cleanliness

One of the most effective preventative measures against infection is practicing good general hygiene and cleanliness. This means:

• Washing hands frequently with soap and water, especially before eating and after using the restroom.
• Showering regularly.
• Avoiding sharing personal items like towels and toothbrushes.
• Disinfecting surfaces, especially in the bathroom and kitchen.
• Washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating.
• Keeping food preparation areas clean.
• Avoiding changing cat litter.

Germs from unclean hands, surfaces, foods, and even pets are common sources of infection. Diligent hygiene and disinfection helps block transmission routes.

Avoid Sick Individuals

Pregnant women should try to avoid close contact with people who are visibly ill. Viruses like flu, colds, strep, and COVID-19 can easily spread between people in close quarters through respiratory droplets. It's best not to shake hands, hug, kiss, or share food or drinks with someone who is coughing, feverish, or showing other signs of sickness.

If a partner or family member is ill, have them wear a face mask at home and isolate themselves as much as possible until they recover. This reduces the pregnant woman's risk of catching the infection. If you must care for a sick person, wear a face mask yourself.

Get Recommended Vaccinations

Some vaccine-preventable infections can be especially dangerous during pregnancy. These include influenza and pertussis (whooping cough). The CDC recommends the following vaccinations for all expecting mothers:

• Flu shot - at any trimester
• TDAP vaccine (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) - ideally between 27-36 weeks
• COVID-19 - at any trimester

These vaccines protect the mother and pass immunity to the baby as well, helping prevent infection in the vulnerable newborn period. Other vaccines may be recommended by your doctor based on specific risk factors or locations.

Practice Safe Sex

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) like chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis B/C, HIV, and syphilis can be passed from mother to baby during pregnancy and birth. Using condoms protects against STDs as well as preventing pregnancy complications or preterm birth associated with infections.

Ensure any new sexual partners are screened for STDs. Limit sexual contact if a partner has signs of infection or an STD history. Promptly seek testing and treatment if you suspect you may have been exposed to an STD.

Avoid Toxoplasmosis

Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by a parasite sometimes found in undercooked meat and cat feces. It is usually harmless in healthy adults, but can cross the placenta and severely injure the fetus if a mother catches it during pregnancy. To avoid toxoplasmosis:

• Do not eat raw/undercooked meat or fish.
• Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly.
• Avoid changing cat litter or wear gloves and wash hands afterwards.
• Keep cats indoors and away from pregnancy food preparation areas.

Take Travel Precautions

Some infections like malaria, gastrointestinal illnesses, and respiratory viruses are more common in certain geographical regions. If traveling during pregnancy, take precautions to avoid illness:

• Check travel advisories and avoid high risk destinations.
• Consult your doctor about vaccinations and antimalarial medication.
• Practice vigilant food and water precautions - drink bottled water, avoid tap water, raw fruits/veggies, undercooked meat, etc.
• Use DEET insect repellant and sleep under permethrin treated bed nets in malaria-prone regions.
• Avoid crowded locales and contact with visibly sick individuals.

See Your Doctor Promptly With Symptoms

If you do develop possible symptoms of infection like fever, cough, diarrhea, etc., promptly contact your OB provider. Certain infections like Group B strep, STDs, and UTIs can be screened for, and if positive, treated with pregnancy-safe antibiotics. Early treatment can prevent complications.

Do not take any medications, even over-the-counter ones, without your doctor's approval. Many medications used to treat infections have pregnancy-related risks or restrictions.

Practice Good Dental Hygiene

Hormonal changes make pregnant women prone to developing gingivitis - irritated, inflamed gums. Good oral hygiene can help prevent gingivitis and related periodontal diseases. Be sure to:

• Brush teeth thoroughly twice a day.
• Floss daily.
• Use an antiseptic mouthwash.
• Visit your dentist for cleanings and checkups.

Untreated gingivitis may be linked to preterm birth. It can also allow oral bacteria to enter the bloodstream and travel to the uterus, potentially leading to infections.

Types of Infections to Avoid During Pregnancy

There are some specific infections of particular concern during pregnancy that women should know about and attempt to avoid:

Group B Streptococcus (GBS)

GBS is a type of bacterial infection found in 10-30% of healthy adults. It often causes no symptoms but can turn into a urinary tract infection (UTI) or spread to the uterus/placenta during pregnancy, risking a maternal uterine infection or newborn meningitis if birth occurs while bacteria is present. All pregnant women should be tested for GBS between 35-37 weeks and treated with IV antibiotics during labor if positive.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV)

CMV is a common viral infection that is usually harmless in healthy adults, but can cross the placenta and cause birth defects if a woman first catches it during pregnancy. Pregnant women should exercise caution caring for young children, who may transmit CMV through saliva and urine. There is currently no vaccine or treatment.

Parvovirus B19

Parvovirus causes "fifth disease", a mild childhood illness. For pregnant women, it can cross the placenta and cause anemia or heart failure in the fetus. It is spread through respiratory secretions. Good handwashing when around children can help avoid infection.

Varicella Zoster Virus

This virus causes chickenpox and shingles. Contracting it in the first half of pregnancy poses a 2% risk of birth defects. Infection in late pregnancy can lead to premature delivery or newborn complications. The CDC recommends screening pregnant women for immunity. Those lacking immunity should avoid contact with infected individuals.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)

STDs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis B/C, HIV, and syphilis can be passed from mother to baby during pregnancy and delivery. Some cause severe birth defects. Safe sex practices, screening, and treatment are essential. Women at high risk for STDs may be given preventative antibiotics late in pregnancy.

Zika Virus

Zika infection during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, is linked to severe brain defects in infants. Pregnant women should avoid travel to regions with active Zika transmission. Precautions against mosquito bites are essential if travel cannot be avoided.

Listeriosis

Listeria bacteria from unpasteurized dairy, deli meats, smoked seafood, and other contaminated foods can cause blood poisoning in pregnant women. It also crosses the placenta, risking miscarriage, stillbirth, preterm birth, or sepsis of the newborn.

Toxoplasmosis

As mentioned earlier, toxoplasmosis parasite infection can have devastating effects on the developing fetus if acquired during pregnancy. Pregnant women should be vigilant avoiding undercooked meat and contact with cat feces when changing litter.

Hepatitis E

Hepatitis E virus is most common in developing countries and is transmitted by contaminated food or water. In rare cases it causes liver failure in pregnant women. Travelers should take strict food and water precautions.

Malaria

Malaria, a parasitic infection spread by mosquitos, increases risk for severe anemia, premature delivery, and stillbirth. It can be prevented through mosquito avoidance measures, protective clothing, and antimalarial drugs when travelling in malaria-endemic regions.

Influenza

Pregnant women are at high risk for flu complications like pneumonia. All expecting mothers should get the seasonal flu shot. Call your doctor promptly if you develop flu symptoms for evaluation and possible antiviral treatment.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Contact your obstetrician right away if you experience possible signs of infection during pregnancy such as:

• Fever over 100.4F (38C)
• Flu-like aches, chills
• Cough, sore throat
• Pain or burning with urination
• Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
• Increased vaginal discharge, odor, burning, or itching
• Diarrhea or vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Rash
• Unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge
• Decreased fetal movement

Do not wait to see if symptoms resolve on their own. Prompt diagnosis and treatment is important for preventing complications to mother and baby.

The Bottom Line

Due to changes in their bodies, pregnant women are at increased risk of developing infections. However, diligent preventative measures can lower these risks. Eat clean, avoid sick contacts, get recommended vaccines, practice safe sex, and see your doctor promptly if you do become ill. With smart precautions, you can minimize infections during pregnancy and have a healthy nine months.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.