Staying healthy during pregnancy has many benefits, from supporting your growing baby’s wellness to reducing your risk of complications. Depending on how far along you are, you may already be familiar with basics like eating well, staying active, and continuing to see your doctor for scheduled exams. But there’s another important part of pregnancy health: preventing prenatal infections.
Here, we share what you should know about the most common infections in pregnancy and ways to prevent them.
Infections During Pregnancy: What Are They and How Do They Develop?
As your immune system changes and your hormones fluctuate, your risk for infections increases when you’re expecting. Some of the most common infections in pregnancy include:
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTI): These are among the most common infections in pregnancy, affecting five to ten percent of pregnant patients. Physical and hormonal changes allow bacteria to enter your urinary tract more easily, leading to this troublesome condition.
- Vaginal Yeast Infections: Yeast infections are common to begin with, but even more so among pregnant people — especially if you’re in your second or third trimester.
- Group B Streptococcus (GBS): This naturally occurring bacteria is commonly found in the vagina and rectum, and while it doesn’t usually cause illness in adults, there’s a rare yet serious risk of passing it to your newborn during delivery. Babies who contract GBS could develop pneumonia, meningitis, and other severe complications. Fortunately, detection and treatment of GBS are possible with routine prenatal appointments.
- Uterine Infections: Most uterine infections during pregnancy develop after your water breaks, which is the rupturing of the amniotic sac that surrounds your baby. Without this protective layer in place, bacteria that was already present in your vagina or rectum could make its way into your uterus and affect your baby and placenta, potentially causing delivery complications.
Of course, you can also experience infections not related to your reproductive system when you’re pregnant, from influenza to COVID and other communicable illnesses. Reduce your risk by washing your hands frequently, avoiding contact with sick people, and following vaccine recommendations.
What Are the Symptoms of Infection During Pregnancy?
Symptoms of an infection while you’re pregnant vary based on the type of condition you have. For example, UTIs usually cause burning or discomfort when you pee, along with a feeling of frequently having to empty your bladder. You may also notice discolored or cloudy urine.
Yeast infections are usually characterized by vaginal itching, pain, or burning, as well as thick, white discharge. A uterine infection can also lead to discharge but may be accompanied by a fever or an elevated heart rate. If you are experiencing these or any symptoms that cause you concern, talk with your OBGYN or family doctor right away, to ensure both you and your baby are protected.
Can An Infection During Pregnancy Harm the Baby?
Common pregnancy infections like yeast infections and UTIs can be treated safely during pregnancy and pose little risk to you or your baby. The trouble occurs when infections go untreated: GBS, for example, could be deadly to a newborn, while uterine infections could cause serious labor or birth complications.
While these risks are scary to think about, the good news is that there are safeguards in place to protect both you and your baby against infections and their complications. For example, you’ll be tested for GBS before giving birth, and if needed, will receive antibiotics to eliminate any bacteria. We can also provide prompt treatment for other infections before they have a chance to spread, including yeast infections and UTIs.
How to Avoid Infection During Pregnancy
Steering clear of infections while you’re pregnant encompasses many of the same safe practices you follow when you’re not expecting, including:
- Wiping from front to back
- Urinating frequently throughout the day
- Avoiding douching or products that disrupt your vaginal pH
- Wearing breathable, cotton underwear
Schedule an Appointment With Our Gynecologists
Whether or not you’re expecting, you can trust Rosa Gynecology for thorough and caring gynecological care. Turn to our providers for concerns and routine checkups alike by calling 770-487-9604 or by requesting an appointment online.
