Be careful, this pregnancy infection can harm the fetus

Having an infection while you are pregnant must be troubling, Mother. Especially if the infection can actually affect the baby in the womb. Therefore, it is important for Mother to know the causes and ways to avoid the infection. Actually the body already has antibodies that play a role in helping fight certain viral or bacterial infections. Immunizations that you have received previously also play a role in providing immunity against certain infections. However, that does not mean Mother is then free from the risk of infection with viruses or other bacteria that might cause serious problems in pregnancy and the fetus.

Infections that can Harm the Fetus

Some infections can be transmitted by pregnant women to the baby from the womb through the placenta, or even during the birth process. Without proper treatment, Mother of pregnancy can experience complications, such as preterm labor. Come on, Mother, recognize some of these dangerous infections:

• Chicken pox

Most pregnant women actually already have immunity against chickenpox infection. However, mothers who have never before had chickenpox and come in contact with people who are experiencing it, have a higher risk of experiencing this infection. Chickenpox during pregnancy has a dangerous risk for the mother and the baby in the womb. Immediately see a doctor if you have chickenpox during pregnancy.

• Group B streptococcus

Pregnant women with Group B Streptococcus infection can transmit this infection to their babies during labor, and the effect is very dangerous for the lives of newborns. It is recommended to do an examination to detect group B Streptococcus before delivery. Doctors can do this at 35-37 weeks of gestation. If the infection is known, the doctor can give antibiotics before delivery, to prevent transmission to the baby. You also need to tell your doctor if you have an allergy to certain antibiotics.

• CMV (cytomegalovirus)

Infection that is more often experienced by these children can cause interference with the fetus if it is experienced by pregnant women, you know, Bun. Especially if you have never experienced this infection before. As a result of CMV infection, babies can experience epilepsy, hearing loss, blindness, and learning difficulties.

• Hepatitis B

Many people who are infected with hepatitis B do not feel any symptoms, including pregnant women. Though pregnant women who experience this condition can transmit it to infants in the womb, which later in its growth can experience liver disease with severe conditions.

• Hepatitis C

Like hepatitis B, people who experience hepatitis C often also do not feel any symptoms. This disease that spreads through the blood can be harmful to the liver. If pregnant women suffer from hepatitis C, then there is a possibility that this disease will also be suffered by the baby in the womb, even though the risk is not as big as hepatitis B.

• Genital herpes

Pregnant women who have genital herpes or herpes simplex may need to have a Caesarean section, to reduce the risk of spreading the disease to the baby at the time of delivery. This infection can spread through sexual contact with a partner who is infected first.

• Rubella

Rubella or German measles is one of the infections that most harm the fetus. Rubella can actually be prevented by MMR immunization. But this vaccine cannot be given to pregnant women. It is recommended to vaccinate before pregnancy. Pregnant women who experience rubella in the first four months of pregnancy may experience miscarriage or fetal disability.

In addition to the infections above, there are several other infections that can interfere with the health of the fetus. For example, toxoplasmosis is transmitted through cat feces. Mothers who have pets need to be more careful when they are pregnant. Some pets can carry bacteria that can harm the fetus.

How to Reduce the Risk of Infection in Pregnant Women

To prevent the spread of infection, you should keep your distance from all colleagues or relatives who are sick. Unfortunately, not all diseases cause symptoms. Often a person does not know that he is suffering from a certain infection. Therefore, it is important for mothers to conduct health checks before and during pregnancy. In addition, Mother can follow some guidelines below.

• If you keep pets, like cats, during pregnancy you should ask for help from others to take care of their needs, especially cleaning feces and cages.
• Mothers should avoid touching cats or other animals that are sick.
• If you often garden or grow crops, you should wear gloves when doing it.
• Always make sure to wash vegetables and fruit that will be consumed.
• Make sure eggs, fish, and meat are cooked well before consumption, Mother.

Although not always preventable, but the risk of CMV infection that is common in children, can be reduced in the following ways:

• Avoid kissing the lips of small children. It's better to hug or kiss the forehead.
• Wash your hands regularly with warm water and soap, especially after changing a child's diaper.
• Mother should not share the use of cutlery, or drink from the same glass with children.

These things are important to note, especially if you work in PAUD / TK, daycare, or children's hospital. Although the infections above are dangerous, you don't need to worry too much. Try to get a complete immunization and follow a healthy lifestyle. Prepare your mother's health condition carefully, before starting pregnancy. If you feel unwell and are afraid of certain infections, you can immediately see a gynecologist. With the care of a doctor, Mother can still protect and give birth to a healthy child.