The 5 Most Common Infections During Pregnancy :

What You Need to Know in Pregnancy?

Pregnancy is a time of great joy and excitement, but it can also be a time of increased vulnerability to infection. The body's immune system undergoes changes during pregnancy that can make it more difficult to fight off infection. As a result, pregnant women are at an increased risk of developing certain infections, some of which can be serious for both the mother and the baby.

Here are some of the most common infections that pregnant women can experience:

1. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common vaginal infection that affects up to 30% of pregnant women. BV is caused by an imbalance of the normal bacteria in the vagina. It can cause symptoms such as vaginal discharge, itching, and odour. BV is not usually serious, but it can increase the risk of preterm labour and infection of the newborn.
   

2. Group B strep (GBS) is a type of bacteria that lives in the gut and urinary tract of about 25% of healthy adults. GBS is usually harmless, but it can be serious for newborns. If a pregnant woman has GBS, she can pass the bacteria to her baby during childbirth. This can lead to infection of the baby's blood, lungs, or brain.
   

3. Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a virus that causes cold sores and genital herpes. HSV can be passed from mother to baby during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. If a pregnant woman has HSV, she can take medication to reduce the risk of passing the virus to her baby.
   

4. Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic infection that can be spread to humans from infected animals, such as cats. Toxoplasmosis can cause serious problems in pregnant women, including miscarriage, stillbirth, and birth defects. Pregnant women can reduce their risk of getting toxoplasmosis by avoiding contact with cat faeces, eating well-cooked meat, and washing their hands thoroughly.
   

5. Zika virus is a mosquito-borne virus that can cause serious birth defects in babies born to infected mothers. Zika virus can also cause miscarriage and stillbirth. Pregnant women should avoid travel to areas where Zika virus is present.

There are a number of things that pregnant women can do to help avoid infections, including:

• Get vaccinated: There are a number of vaccines that pregnant women can get to help protect themselves from infection, such as the flu shot, the Tdap vaccine, and the chickenpox vaccine.

• Eat a healthy diet: Eating a healthy diet helps to keep the immune system strong. Pregnant women should eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

• Get regular exercise: Exercise helps to boost the immune system and reduce stress. Pregnant women should talk to their doctor before starting any new exercise program.

• Get enough sleep: Sleep helps the body to heal and repair itself. Pregnant women should aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night.

• Wash your hands often: Washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds helps to remove germs. Pregnant women should wash their hands especially often after using the toilet, changing diapers, and before eating.

• Avoid contact with sick people: If you are sick, stay home from work or school to avoid spreading your illness to others. Pregnant women should also avoid contact with people who have contagious infections, such as chickenpox or measles. If you are pregnant and you think you may have an infection, it is important to see your doctor right away. If you have infections during pregnancy I would suggest you visit Florem Hospital Amritsar.

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