The most common cause of pregnancy loss is chromosomal abnormalities, an issue over which parents have no control. The following list does not cover every possible infection that can occur during pregnancy, but it touches on some of the most common that pregnant people may have concerns about. BV is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI), but as it is a vaginal infection, many women will notice its characteristic “fishy” odor, particularly after intercourse. Though a common symptom, sometimes there is no noticeable odor or any other signs or symptoms. But some women will experience vaginal itching, a white or gray discharge, and/or burning during urination. In pregnancy, BV has been associated with an increased risk of second-trimester miscarriage. Later in pregnancy, BV may cause uncomfortable uterine contractions. But the condition is easily treated with an antibiotic, and once treated, has no lasting health effects for parent or baby. This is a rare infection and it can be treated with antibiotics. But research has shown that it can pose a risk of miscarriage in pregnant people who become infected and do not receive prompt treatment. The risk in pregnancy depends on how far along you are when you are exposed to chickenpox. There is little risk in the first trimester, and up to 36 weeks gestation, the risk to the fetus is small. The risk is greatest when a pregnant person contracts varicella within a few days of delivery. This timing can lead to neonatal varicella, which carries some risk of death for newborns, especially if they’re premature. Some research published in 2011 suggests chlamydia also may contribute to miscarriage in the first trimester. Chlamydia is routinely screened for early in pregnancy so it can be treated if detected. Symptoms include vaginal discharge and painful urination. Like all bacterial infections, chlamydia is treated with antibiotics. Condoms can protect you against chlamydia. The flu vaccine is recommended for pregnant people to reduce the risk of potential complications from flu infection. Ideally, seasonal influenza vaccination should be given in early fall (by the end of October). However, the vaccination is still useful any time during the season and can be given in any trimester. Reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19 by getting vaccinated and limiting your interactions with people who are sick. Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, loss of smell, and fatigue. Talk with your healthcare provider about any concerns you have about COVID-19. In pregnancy, however, exposure to CMV can lead to an infant born with the infection, resulting in a risk of serious, lifetime complications such as microcephaly, developmental delays, or vision and hearing problems. The infection can also be fatal. While there is no specific treatment available to treat dengue fever, symptoms are usually mild and include fever, aches and pains, or a rash. The infection usually clears within two to seven days. The best way to avoid E. coli is to follow proper food-handling techniques and to wash your hands frequently, especially after using the restroom and before eating or touching your mouth. Gonorrheal infection during birth can also cause life-threatening health problems for a baby. You can protect yourself against gonorrhea by using condoms during intercourse. If you already have it, gonorrhea can be treated with antibiotics. If a person becomes infected with viral hepatitis for the first time while in their third trimester of pregnancy, they are at risk for preterm labor or delivery. Some forms of hepatitis can also be passed on to a developing fetus and can cause long-term health complications. However, there is a risk of the baby contracting HSV during birth if the gestational parent has an active infection, so medication may be given in the weeks leading up to birth to prevent transmission. If a person has active herpes lesions at the time of labor, physicians recommend a c-section for delivery. Initial HIV infections cause flu-like symptoms, followed by an asymptomatic period until the disease progresses to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), a disease characterized by recurrent infections, weight loss, fever, and fatigue. Medications can stop the infection from progressing to AIDS. While there is no cure for HIV, there are excellent treatments available to control the virus. The spread of HIV can be prevented through condom use and other safe-sex techniques. While listeriosis is rare, it is 20 times more likely in pregnant people. Even then, the infection is not common. However, as it can result in serious complications for the fetus, it’s recommended to take precautions. This is particularly important for Hispanic women who have a higher than average incidence of the infection. Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, headache, vomiting, and loss of balance. Listeria is avoidable while pregnant through proper food handling, good hand-washing, and avoiding foods known to carry a higher risk of listeria infection:
Hot dogs, lunch meats, cold cuts (when served chilled or at room temperature; they are safe when heated to an internal temperature of 74°C [165°F] or steaming hot)Raw (unpasteurized) milkRefrigerated pâté and meat spreadsRefrigerated smoked seafoodUnpasteurized soft cheeses such as feta, queso blanco, queso fresco, Brie, queso panela, Camembert, and blue-veined cheesesUnwashed raw produce such as fruits and vegetables (when eating raw fruits and vegetables, the skin should be washed thoroughly in running tap water, even if it will be peeled or cut)
Lyme disease has many long-term health effects if it is not diagnosed and treated early, but there is no conclusive evidence that pregnant people have an increased risk of pregnancy loss due to Lyme disease if they are being treated with antibiotics. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), pregnant people are three times more likely to develop severe infections from malaria. Potential complications include premature birth, low birth weight, and miscarriage. In addition to taking precautions to avoid mosquito bites, health officials recommend avoiding travel to areas with known malaria risk. If travel is unavoidable, there are antimalarial drugs available for prevention. Symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and fever. Infection can be avoided through good food-handling techniques and thorough hand-washing. Untreated, syphilis can lead to stillbirth or neonatal death for up to 40% of infected women. There is also a risk of the baby developing congenital syphilis, which can cause long-term life-threatening or disabling complications. As a result, many obstetricians recommend that pregnant people avoid cleaning litter boxes during pregnancy. Often, people who have toxoplasmosis don’t exhibit any symptoms, but if they do, they may have flu-like symptoms. Recent research has shown that infection may be tied to miscarriage risk as well. However, because published research has only looked at animals and not humans, further investigation is needed to determine the true risk of miscarriage. There is no specific treatment for Zika. Instead, health officials advise infected patients to treat their symptoms and get plenty of rest while avoiding exposing others to the disease. The possibility of contracting an infection is one reason why prenatal care and routine screenings are so important to your health and the health of your baby. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns or are experiencing any unusual symptoms.
