Will an Infection While I’m Pregnant Hurt My Baby?
More likely than not, you and your baby will sail through your pregnancy and have a healthy and happy outcome. But if a problem does arise, the risk of infection can pose an immediate medical threat to your child.
It is frightening to come down with a fever and know that your baby is at risk of developing a potentially devastating health problem. The good news is that if you come down with an infection, it can probably be treated. And some maternal infections can actually be prevented.
3 Infections Pregnant Women Can Avoid
Rubella (German measles) — If you haven’t had the measles or a shot to prevent it, make sure you get vaccinated before you become pregnant. This easy to avoid virus can cause brain damage and jaundice in your baby.
Toxoplasmosis — This parasitic infection comes from:
- Cat feces. Avoid cleaning the kitty box or wear gloves and thoroughly wash your hands if you have to clean the box yourself.
- Eating raw or undercooked meat during pregnancy that is infected with the parasite. You can’t tell by looking at the meat, so always cook it thoroughly.
- Unwashed or improperly washed fruits or vegetables that are infected. Again, you cannot tell if they are infected by looking at them. Always wash well, even if it’s organic.
The parasite that causes toxoplasmosis is also found in soil and can therefore be transferred from bugs, insects, and birds. So always wash your hands thoroughly after gardening.
An added concern with toxoplasmosis is that you may not even suspect that you have the parasite. And if you do feel any effects, you will probably feel “flu-ish.” This is an easy symptom to ignore when you are pregnant since you may not feel well anyway.
Toxoplasmosis is quite common in the American population. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as many as 60 million American’s could be infected with the parasite.
Fortunately, if you or your doctor suspects you have toxoplasmosis, you can take a medication that is safe for your baby. But do take this infection seriously—the parasite can cause inflammation and brain damage, as well as jaundice, in your baby.
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)/Kidney Infection
As a woman, chances are that at some point in your life you have or will come down with a urinary tract infection (UTI). The incidence in men is much lower. Why?
Simply put, a woman’s physical makeup makes it easy for bacteria to reach the bladder where it can grow and create an infection. (A woman’s urethra is located closer to the rectum than a man’s.) And if you do not fully empty your bladder, bacteria are more likely to grow in the urine that was not emptied out.
If you have already experienced a UTI, then you know it’s painful. But what you might not know is that developing a UTI or kidney infection while pregnant is much more serious. In fact, it increases your chances of developing high blood pressure, a condition that can cause you to deliver prematurely.
If You Suspect an Infection While Pregnant
If at some point during your pregnancy you suspect any type of infection, bring it to your doctor’s attention immediately. Be sure that he or she takes your concerns seriously.
Some infections are easy to treat, and some can be prevented. But all maternal infections during pregnancy pose long-term health risks to your baby. One of those risks is developing cerebral palsy.
If You Had an Infection While Pregnant But Did Not Receive Due Care and Attention
Seek expert advice. It’s the only way to know if your doctor and medical team did everything possible to keep you and your baby safe and healthy. If your doctor failed you and your baby in any way, you may be entitled to financial help.
Contact 4MYCHILD today and see if your child is eligible for Benefits4Life.
