Did you know that February is recognized as the International Prenatal Infection Prevention Month? Several common preventable infections can cause serious illness, birth defects, and lifelong disability in the developing baby if the mother becomes exposed before or during pregnancy. Here are 8 tips suggested by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for preventing these deadly infections:
1. Avoid unpasteurized (raw) milk and foods made from it.
Raw milk (also called unpasteurized milk) can carry harmful bacteria such as the Listeria species. Raw milk can also be made into other food products such as soft cheeses (feta, brie, queso fresco), ice cream, and yogurt which have been linked to Listeria outbreaks. Pregnant women are at higher risk of severe disease if infected with Listeria. Only consume pasteurized milk and food products making sure to keep them refrigerated at 40° F or colder. Look for the word ‘pasteurized’ on the food label. If in doubt, don’t buy it!
2. Do not touch or change dirty cat litter.
Dirty cat litter may contain the harmful parasite Toxoplasma which causes blindness and brain damage in infants of infected mothers. Cats and kittens play an important role in the spread of toxoplasmosis via their feces. Pregnant women should avoid changing the cat litter as much as possible. If no one else can perform the task, wear disposable gloves and wash your hands with soap and water afterward. Ensure that the cat litter box is changed daily. The Toxoplasma parasite does not become infectious until 1 to 5 days after it is shed in a cat’s feces.
3. Stay away from wild or pet rodents and their droppings
Lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCM) is a rodent-borne viral infectious disease primarily spread by the common house mouse. This pregnancy-related infection has been associated with eye infections and brain damage in infants. Have a pest control professional get rid of pests in or around your home. If you have a pet rodent, like a hamster or guinea pig, have someone else care for it until after your baby arrives.
4. Get tested for sexually transmitted diseases
Sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV and hepatitis B can be transmitted from the mother to the developing baby. If you remain sexually active during pregnancy, you should still practice safe sex. Get tested! Knowing if you have one of these diseases is very important and you should talk to your primary care physician or OBGYN about reducing your baby’s chances of getting infected.
5. Avoid people who are sick with infectious diseases.
If you have not yet had or did not have the vaccine before pregnancy, stay away from people who you know have infections, such as chickenpox and rubella. Chickenpox is highly contagious and can be life-threatening in pregnant women. Other infections such as rubella can cause serious complications in infants. If anyone is exhibiting flu symptoms including fever, headache, cough, sore throat, fatigue, or body aches, especially during this covid-19 pandemic, it is best to avoid contact.
6. Reduce contact with body fluids from others
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common virus that causes hearing loss and microcephaly in infants. This virus can be spread easily through body fluids such as saliva, urine, blood, tears, semen, and breast milk. In the United States alone, nearly 1 in 3 children are already infected with CMV by age five and over half of all adults have been infected with CMV by age 40. Once CMV is in a person’s body, it stays there for life and can reactivate. A person can also be re-infected with a different strain of the virus. Most people with CMV infection have no symptoms and aren’t aware that they have been infected. To lower the risk of infection, avoid sharing food and utensils with babies and young children. Wash your hands with soap and water after changing diapers. Practice safe sex!
7. Talk to your healthcare provider about vaccinations
Some vaccinations are recommended before you become pregnant, during pregnancy, or right after delivery. Having the right vaccinations at the right time can help keep both you and your baby from getting very sick or having life-long health problems. Make sure that your vaccination record is up to date. Your immunity can protect your baby from the womb during the first few months of life.
8. Learn more about Group B Strep
About 1 in 4 women carry the Group B Streptococcus bacteria but do not feel sick. An easy swab test near the end of pregnancy (around 36 weeks) will show if you have this type of bacteria. If you do have group B strep, talk to your healthcare provider about how to protect your baby during labor. Find out more about Group B Strep from our article right here on Focus On Her.
For more patient information and advice regarding infections in pregnancy, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.