Anticipating Infection during Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a vulnerable time for both the mother and the fetus, including the risk of infection.  It is important to know the frequent pregnancy infections and how to prevent them so that pregnant women can go through pregnancy smoothly and give birth to a healthy baby.

Some types of infections are more susceptible to pregnancy, and pregnancy itself can make certain infections more severe. Especially if the condition is not immediately addressed.

Frequent Pregnancy Infections

The following are some common infections that can attack women during pregnancy:

Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary tract infections are common during pregnancy, this occurs because the state of hormones during pregnancy causes changes in the urinary tract and makes you more susceptible to infection. Urinary Tract infections occur when bacteria attack the urinary tract system consisting of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Urinary Tract Infections are two kinds, namely lower and upper Urinary Tract Infections. Lower Urinary Tract Infection is an infection that occurs in the urethra and bladder, characterized by symptoms of wanting to always urinate, pain, or pain when urinating, the color of the urine is murky, and the smell of urine stings. While upper Urinary Tract Infection is an infection that occurs in the ureters and kidneys, with symptoms of pain in the groin, nausea, and fever.

If not treated immediately, urinary tract infections in pregnancy can cause infection of the kidneys and end in preterm birth. To overcome urinary tract infections, it is generally necessary to administer antibiotic drugs as well as paracetamol to relieve pain.  Always consult a doctor before the pregnant woman takes medication.

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) occurs due to impaired bacterial balance in the vagina. Although it does not cause pain or itching, BV causes whiteness and an unsightly vaginal aroma.

BV is generally harmless, but if experienced by a pregnant woman, it has a risk of causing complications in pregnancy, such as miscarriage or premature birth. Although the likelihood of complications is not great, if the vagina secretes a large amount of fluid, it is best to check with the obstetrician immediately.

Yeast Infection

Fungal vaginitis infections appear when the natural condition of the vagina is interrupted by internal or external factors that trigger the excessive growth of the fungus. Fungal infections are common in pregnant women due to hormonal changes that affect vaginal conditions.

Women affected by this type of pregnancy infection usually experience vaginal discharge as well as itching of intimate organs. Generally, this condition can be overcome by using antifungal creams. In addition, there is also an antifungal type of suppositoria that is inserted into the vagina.

Toxoplasmosis

Toxoplasmosis caused by toxoplasmic infection. The parasite is transmitted from the feces of pets, especially cats. Women who have been exposed to toxoplasma before pregnancy has formed antibodies to fight the parasite. However, women who have never been exposed, do not have immunity to this parasite.

Toxoplasmic infections while pregnant have the potential to cause blindness, congenital cataracts, and damage to the baby's brain. Therefore, avoid contact with animal feces while pregnant and always make sure the food you eat has been cooked until cooked.

Rubella

Rubella or German measles is very dangerous for pregnant women and babies in the womb, especially if it occurs at the beginning of the pregnancy or the first trimester. Pregnant women affected by rubella have the potential to have a miscarriage. In addition, rubella can interfere with the development of various organs and parts of the baby's body in the womb. Abnormalities that babies may experience are skin rashes, cataracts, heart damage, intellectual abnormalities, deafness, liver damage, and spleen damage.

If you plan to get pregnant, it is advisable to get MR (Measles-Rubella) immunizations to avoid rubella infection. However, be sure to administer the MR vaccine at least 4 weeks before pregnancy, and should not be given while pregnant.

Pregnancy infections do not always cause serious effects, but should also not be taken lightly. Immediately consult a doctor if symptoms feel disturbing or there are concerns for the baby in the womb. In addition, always ask for a doctor's recommendation regarding the medication used to overcome the condition.