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Throughout the 9 months of pregnancy, most mothers worry about whether their baby in the womb is healthy, if there are any diseases or infections transmitted from the mother&#8217;s illness. To ensure the baby in the womb is healthy and safe, mothers should have knowledge and take care of themselves to avoid infections that could affect the fetus.
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<h2>4 Dangerous Infectious Diseases During Pregnancy, What Are They?</h2>
<h2>1. Chickenpox</h2>
Chickenpox is caused by an infection with the varicella virus, the same virus that causes shingles. It is transmitted through breathing in airborne virus particles and by contact. The incubation period is 10-20 days, but once infected, immunity usually lasts a lifetime, and most patients do not get it again. In some cases, the virus may hide in nerve ganglia and can cause shingles later.
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If chickenpox infection occurs in pregnant women during the first three months, it may cause fetal abnormalities such as limb deformities, retinitis and blindness, segmental intestinal atresia, and neurological abnormalities. Additionally, pregnant women who get chickenpox within 5 days before delivery or 2 days after delivery may have babies with severe chickenpox.
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Chickenpox symptoms are the same whether pregnant or not, including itchy blisters that may or may not bleed, difficulty breathing, chest pain, fatigue, severe nausea and vomiting, high fever, and vaginal bleeding. Vaginal bleeding is a dangerous sign that requires immediate medical attention.
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Prevention of Chickenpox: Currently, chickenpox can be prevented by vaccination, but the vaccine cannot be given during pregnancy. Pregnant women should protect themselves by avoiding close contact with infected individuals and avoiding crowded public places, especially during outbreaks.
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<h2>2. Rubella</h2>
Rubella is a mild viral fever with rash. It spreads through respiratory droplets from the mucus and saliva of infected individuals to those nearby. The contagious period is 7 days before the rash appears until 5 days after. Rubella does not harm the mother, but if the mother contracts rubella during pregnancy, the fetus may develop abnormalities depending on the gestational age at infection. If infection occurs during the first 3 months, noticeable defects include cataracts or glaucoma, deafness, congenital heart defects, small size, low platelet count causing skin bruising, enlarged liver and spleen, brain abnormalities, or fetal death due to infection.
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Prevention of Rubella: Vaccination is the best prevention and should be given during childhood or young adulthood before exposure. Vaccination is not allowed during pregnancy, so during the first 3 months of pregnancy, avoid contact with people who have or are suspected of having rubella and avoid crowded places. If vaccination is needed, it should be done at least 3 months before pregnancy. If rubella infection is confirmed during the first 3 months of pregnancy, doctors often recommend termination due to a 50-90% chance of fetal abnormalities. Pregnant women with rubella should consult a doctor promptly for proper care.
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<h2>3. Vaginal Discharge During Pregnancy</h2>
Actually, vaginal discharge is normal for pregnant women. Normal discharge is clear or milky white, similar to wet starch, in small amounts, possibly daily but minimal. The characteristics and amount depend on hormonal influences.
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Causes of Vaginal Discharge During Pregnancy: During pregnancy, the cervix and vaginal walls soften and produce more discharge to prevent infections from spreading to the uterus. The discharge helps protect the baby. In the last weeks before delivery, the baby&#8217;s head presses on the cervix, increasing discharge, which becomes thicker and may have a smell similar to blood, signaling that labor is near.
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However, pregnant women should be cautious of abnormal discharge caused by infections that can lead to dangerous vaginal inflammation during pregnancy. If these symptoms occur, further internal examination and treatment are necessary to reduce pregnancy complications if the inflammation is severe.
Abnormal Vaginal Discharge in Pregnant Women
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<li>Discharge that is gray or dark white like mucus, in large amounts, or clumpy, with a different color than usual</li>
<li>Burning sensation in the vagina</li>
<li>Severe itching in the vagina</li>
<li>Strong abnormal odor, especially a musty fishy smell
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These symptoms may indicate vaginal inflammation caused by bacterial or fungal infections. These infections are often related to sexual activity. Although sexual intercourse is not prohibited during pregnancy, caution and protection against infections during intercourse are necessary to reduce the risk of vaginal inflammation, which can affect the fetus. One good prevention method is using condoms. Vaginal douching is not recommended; instead, clean the external genital area with water, dry thoroughly, and avoid wearing tight, damp, or humid clothing.
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<h2>4. Toxoplasmosis</h2>
An infection caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, which can be found in cat feces, raw or undercooked meat. Usually, it does not cause symptoms, but some patients may experience flu-like symptoms. The infection can be transmitted from mother to fetus. Infection early in pregnancy may rarely transmit to the fetus, but severe cases can cause fetal death or miscarriage.
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Surviving infants may have serious health problems such as seizures, enlarged liver and spleen, jaundice, or eye infections leading to blindness. Infection during the third trimester poses the highest risk of transmission to the fetus but usually causes fewer abnormalities, with symptoms possibly developing later in childhood.
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Prevention of Toxoplasmosis: Prevention involves behavioral changes such as avoiding close contact with pets during pregnancy, maintaining pet health and hygiene, reducing infection risk by practicing good personal hygiene and keeping the environment clean. This includes wearing gloves and masks when handling animals, cleaning pet items and surroundings thoroughly, eating well-cooked food, and washing hands after touching pets.
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<h2>Preparation Before Pregnancy to Prevent Risky Diseases</h2>
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<li>Get vaccinated to build immunity before pregnancy, such as measles, rubella, chickenpox, etc.</li>
<li>If blood tests show certain infections (or symptoms of disease), treat them before pregnancy.</li>
<li>Reduce the risk of infection by using condoms during sexual intercourse, not only for contraception but also to prevent infections. Ensure pets are fully vaccinated and maintain hygiene.</li>
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Throughout the 9 months of pregnancy, mothers should be cautious of various infections, especially 4 dangerous diseases: chickenpox, rubella, abnormal vaginal discharge, and cat scratch disease, which have prevention methods and ways to avoid infection.

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4 Infectious Diseases Pregnant Mothers Must Be Careful Of

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