Pregnancy weakens the immune system, making it easier to get viral infections. These can be mild or severe. Here are the risks of viral infections during pregnancy, along with safety measures you can take to limit their impact.
During pregnancy, a woman’s immune system is weaker. This keeps the immune system from mistaking the developing fetus as an intruder and attacking it. While this reduced immunity protects the baby, it also leaves the mother more susceptible to infections. Pregnant women not only tend to suffer more but also take more time to recover from such infections, as compared to non-pregnant women.
Pregnancy changes the immune system to promote and support fetal development. When this protection is breached or compromised, the viral infection can cross the placental barrier and affect the developing baby.
In most cases, viral infections do not affect the pregnancy or the baby. In severe infections or outbreaks, the infection can lead to serious complications that require immediate medical attention and close monitoring to ensure the baby’s and mother’s safety.
Some common viral infections a pregnant woman can contract are –
● CMV – Cytomegalovirus can cause congenital disabilities in the baby.
● Rubella – Also known as German measles - can cause congenital rubella syndrome if the mother contracts it in the first trimester.
● HSV – Herpes Simplex Virus can pass on to the baby through the birth canal during vaginal delivery. A C-section delivery may be recommended to avoid the risk.
● Zika Virus – Can cause severe impact, such as abnormalities in the brain or microcephaly in the baby.
● Influenza – Can lead to severe pneumonia during pregnancy.
● COVID-19 – Increases the risk of preterm delivery and other complications during pregnancy.
● Chickenpox – Can quickly become dangerous to both mother and baby if not identified and treated in time.
● HIV – Can be passed on from an infected person during sexual contact. This virus may not cause any complications in pregnancy, but it can be passed on to the baby during pregnancy, childbirth, or even through breast milk.
Here are some symptoms to watch out for. If you notice any of the following symptoms, consult your doctor and keep them informed of your condition and progress.
● Fever, along with body aches, fatigue, cough, sore throat, or nasal congestion, can indicate flu.
● Sudden rashes on the body, along with joint aches, can indicate Rubella.
● Painful blisters or ulcers in the genital area indicate Herpes.
● Rashes all over the body, accompanied by fever, can indicate chickenpox.
● Burning sensation when urinating, abnormal vaginal discharge, or genital itching can be symptoms of STIs.
● Rashes, fever, body aches, joint pains, headache, and red eyes can indicate Zika.
The symptoms of viral infections are very similar, with only one or two distinguishing features. If you experience a sudden onset of fever, body aches, headaches that won’t go away, or excess fatigue, it is your body sending out a warning. It is advisable to have it checked by a doctor rather than taking it lightly and ignoring it until the symptoms become more severe.
The fetus is safe inside the womb, and infections need to cross the placental barrier to reach the baby. However, some viruses can cross this barrier and affect the baby. Viral infections during pregnancy can affect the developing baby in the following ways –
● Intrauterine Growth Restriction
● Preterm delivery
● Premature birth
● Low birth weight
● Microcephaly
● Heart-related issues
● Deafness
● Neurodevelopmental issues like autism, developmental delays, etc.
● Stillbirth or miscarriage.
Preventing viral infections is the safest choice during pregnancy. However, the weakened immune systems make pregnant women more prone to infections. Here are some safety measures to help you avoid viral infections in pregnancy.
● Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially after coming inside from outside, before touching your food, after using the toilet, and after changing diapers.
● Ensure all your vaccinations are up to date. If you have missed any vaccinations, discuss with your doctor whether you can get them during pregnancy or what alternative options are available.
● Stay away from infected individuals. If you have to be in their company, wear a mask, use a sanitiser, and maintain a safe distance.
● Eat foods from reliable sources if you have to eat outside. Food from hygienic places reduces the risk of foodborne illness.
● Wear clothes that cover your limbs to avoid mosquito bites.
● Use protection during sexual intercourse. Even though you’re already pregnant, unprotected sex can still transmit infections.
Avoid self-medicating, irrespective of how mild or obvious the symptoms are. Even if it is a common cold or fever, check with your health care provider before taking any medications. These medications can interfere with your prenatal medications and reduce the effectiveness of both.
If your symptoms are recurrent or don’t subside in time, consult a doctor immediately. During pregnancy, early identification of issues allows doctors to decide the safest course of action.
Pregnant women are prone to infections due to their weakened immune systems. Being proactive and taking measures to prevent infections is highly recommended during pregnancy. Watch out for symptoms; if you notice anything new or different in your health or body, it is important to discuss it with your health care provider and rule out infections, only after a thorough check-up.
Infections caused by viruses during pregnancy are referred to as viral infections in pregnancy. These can range from the common cold to Zika or COVID-19, which can have a serious impact on the pregnancy and the fetus. While many viral infections are benign, some infections, if not effectively treated in time, can even cause miscarriages or stillbirths.
The most common viral infections in pregnancy include influenza (flu), Chickenpox, CMV (Cytomegalovirus), COVID-19, Zika, Herpes, and Hepatitis B & C.
Viral infections can make pregnant women sicker, with worse symptoms than usual. Serious cases may cause early labour, premature birth, placental rupture, or even death. Some viral infections can cross the placental barrier and reach the developing fetus, leading to growth restrictions, congenital malformations, stillbirth, or miscarriage. Sometimes, the virus can pass to the baby during birth through the birth canal. This can cause developmental delays, long-term infections, and learning problems.
Common symptoms of viral infections during pregnancy include fatigue, body aches, joint pain, fever, and headaches. Some viral infections can cause itching or rashes.
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