There are several common infections during pregnancy that women are vulnerable to. Their causes, effects, and ways of treating them that are discussed below. Vaginal infections like yeast infections are not a cause of concern. However, some infections may develop more severe complications if left untreated. Therefore, it is good to talk to a doctor if signs develop when pregnant.
Common infections during pregnancy.
Vaginal yeast infection.
Vaginal yeast infections come as a result of a fungus known as candida. These occur due to the changes in hormones which disrupt the balance of candida in the vagina. Yeast infection is most common during the 2nd and 3rd trimesters. Although over-the-counter prescriptions can treat a vaginal yeast infection, it is advisable for pregnant women to seek doctors’ advice first.
Symptoms of vaginal yeast infection.
- Itching, burning, and pain in the vagina.
- A thick white, cottage cheese-like discharge.
- Pain or burning sensation when urinating.
- Pain during sexual intercourse.
- An odor of bread or beer from the vagina.
Bacterial vaginosis is also among the common infections during pregnancy.
This is a type of vaginal inflammation that comes as a result of an overgrowth of bacteria naturally found in the vagina. It is common to women of reproductive age and pregnant women, but can also affect women of any age. Activities such as unprotected sex and douching increase the chances of contracting the bacteria.
Symptoms of bacterial vaginosis.
- Itching, burning, and pain in the vagina.
- A thin amount of grey discharge.
- A bad smell that gets worse after sexual intercourse.
- A fishy odor from the vagina.
If bacterial vaginosis is not treated, it may result in preterm labor, premature birth, and, lower birth weight of the babies.
Infections of the uterus.
Infection of the uterus when pregnant can be dangerous. This is because it may also affect the placenta, and the developing baby, and cause premature labor. It can also cause difficulties during labor. In some cases, it leads to organ failure in some individuals and other life-threatening complications. Infection of the uterus happens when bacteria from the vagina travel to the uterus. This is why untreated vaginal infection is a risk of uterine infection.
Group B streptococcus.
This infection causes no harm to some pregnant women but to a few, it affects the baby just before or after labor which may lead to serious illness. If you have had a previous case of GBS, you should be given some antibiotics before labor to prevent the baby from getting infected. If you had tested positive for GBS during pregnancy antibiotics should be administered. When GBS affects the unborn baby;
- You go into premature labor.
- The water breaks early.
- You develop a fever during labor.
Zika virus infection.
Zika virus is primarily spread through mosquito bites, but it can also be spread through sexual intercourse, blood, transfusion, and, from a pregnant woman to the baby before or during birth. This virus in a pregnant woman may cause the baby to have a smaller head . It can also cause eye abnormalities. Therefore, it is good to sleep under a mosquito net and be careful of situations where the body fluids mix.
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Other infections during pregnancy are;
- Gonorrhea.
- syphilis.
- HIV.
- measles.
- The flu.
- Hepatitis E
Preventing infections.
- Use condoms and make sure your partner checks for STIs.
- Wash your hands carefully.
- Get a flu shot.
- Avoid unpasteurized food.
- Test for STDs and GBS.
- Avoid changing cat litter.
- Avoid areas known to have an occurrence of zika virus.
For all the common types of infections, a pregnant woman should avoid over-the-counter prescriptions and visit a doctor for a check-up.
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