Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious bacterial disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, commonly found in the lungs but with the ability to infect other organs. TB is a severe public health problem all over the world, especially in low and middle-income nations. In pregnancy, TB has its own set of challenges and complications for both the pregnant woman and the unborn child.
It is important to understand TB in pregnancy since early diagnosis and proper treatment will prevent severe complications. Even though TB is a serious condition, it can be treated effectively even in pregnancy under suitable medical conditions and strict compliance with treatment guidelines.
TB in pregnancy may occur in two forms: latent and active.
● Latent TB indicates the bacteria are present in the body but dormant. The person is not symptomatic and is not contagious, although there is a chance it could develop into active TB, particularly if the immune system is compromised.
● Active TB is symptomatic and infectious. It directly endangers both maternal and fetal well-being.
Pregnancy can naturally suppress the immune system to accommodate the growing fetus. However, this immunosuppression can predispose a pregnant woman to infection with active TB, particularly if she has had prior exposure to the bacteria. Left untreated, TB can even cause congenital TB in the infant, a very rare but life-threatening condition in which the baby is infected with TB at birth.
Learning the causes of tuberculosis in pregnancy makes it possible for women to take preventive measures:
● Airborne Spread: TB spreads when the infected person coughs, sneezes or talks, spewing droplets containing bacteria into the air.
● High-Risk Environment: Where one resides or works in densely populated, poorly ventilated places, such as healthcare facilities, slums, refugee camps, there is a high risk of exposure.
● Close Contact with TB-Positive Person: Frequent contact with a person who has active TB increases the likelihood of infection considerably.
● Malnutrition: Weakens the immune system and the body's ability to resist infection.
● HIV Co-Infection: TB is the number one cause of death among those with HIV because of compromised immunity.
TB during pregnancy requires stringent monitoring since the infection can rapidly progress if not treated.
Identifying TB in pregnant women can be challenging because some symptoms may overlap with general pregnancy discomforts. However, TB in pregnancy symptoms include:
● Persistent cough lasting more than 2–3 weeks
● Night sweats
● Fatigue or extreme tiredness
● Unexplained weight loss
● Chest pain or breathing difficulties
● Fever
● Blood in sputum
● Loss of appetite
It should be noted that though early pregnancy symptoms such as fatigue or nausea are common, they usually follow a predictable pattern of resolution. Any unusual or prolonged symptom, persistent and especially respiratory-suggestive, should prompt medical evaluation.
Diagnosis needs to be prompt and safe, especially during antenatal visits. Routine diagnostic methods involve:
● Chest X-ray: Performed with proper shielding of the abdomen to safeguard the fetus.
● Sputum Test: Examines mucus from the lungs to find TB bacteria.
● Skin or Blood Tests: Mantoux Tuberculin Skin Test (TST) or Interferon-Gamma Release Assays (IGRAs) detect latent TB.
● Screening during Pregnancy: Early TB screening in antenatal visits in high-risk areas is crucial.
The union of clinical evaluation and diagnostic instruments guarantees early and safe identification of tuberculosis during pregnancy.
Yes, and if not treated and diagnosed early, TB can have the following complications:
● For the mother: Higher risk of anaemia, miscarriage, and preterm labour.
● For the baby: Risk of low birth weight, premature birth or, in extreme instances, stillbirth. Untreated TB also raises the risk of the infant developing congenital TB.
That is why routine screening and careful treatment adherence are necessary to reduce the risks of TB in pregnancy.
Pregnancy treatment for TB is possible and safe if done properly.
● First-line anti-tuberculosis drugs such as Isoniazid, Rifampin and Ethambutol are safe.
● The duration of treatment is typically 6–9 months and needs to be completed in full to prevent relapse or drug resistance.
● Directly Observed Therapy (DOT) can be advised to guarantee compliance.
● Medications such as Streptomycin can be avoided at all costs due to fetal harm risks.
Patients should never self-administer or miss doses, as TB needs constant and monitored treatment to achieve positive outcomes.
Biding by tuberculosis and pregnancy guidelines is a sure way to minimise risks:
● Encourage early antenatal consultation among women who come from TB-endemic communities.
● Ensure good ventilation and hygiene at home and in workplaces.
● Screen family members or those in close contact.
● Provide a healthy, balanced diet that is iron-rich, protein-rich and vitamin-rich to enhance immunity.
● Vaccinate newborns to prevent severe TB.
Women with latent TB should preferably finish treatment before becoming pregnant. Active TB in pregnancy, however, must receive prompt treatment under medical supervision.
At Cloudnine, we are committed to providing cutting-edge, personalised care that addresses the requirements of each pregnant woman. Our team of experienced doctors, nurses and infectious disease experts provide integrated care to ensure early diagnosis and successful treatment of conditions such as TB in pregnancy. We employ the latest diagnostic equipment, adhere to internationally accepted clinical protocols and offer ongoing counselling to ensure both maternal and fetal well-being.
Our patient-centric, supportive approach guarantees that you get care that is not just compassionate but also clinically sound, making Cloudnine the most reliable name when it comes to maternity as well as infectious disease care.
TB during pregnancy is a condition that can be managed if it is diagnosed early and treated appropriately. Familiarity with the causes of tuberculosis in pregnancy, prompt recognition of symptoms and adherence to preventive protocols can shield mother and child alike from complications. Cloudnine hospitals make such care available, safe and customised, emboldening expectant mothers to navigate through their journey with confidence and support.
