Infections during pregnancy

- expectant mothers fear that it'll harm their unborn baby if they get ill during pregnancy

Some of the infections:
1. Thrush
- common infection among pregnant woman
- more often seen in women who are also diabetic, have a high sugar/carbohydrate intake or who are overweight during pregnancy
- at times occur due to poor hygiene when pregnant women have difficulty reaching and cleaning the groin

2. Group B Streptococcal (GBS or Strep B for short)
- some bugs can be transmitted to baby through the placenta or during birth when women gets an infection during pregnancy
- infection found in up to 25-30% of pregnant woman's vagina or rectum
- can cause profuse vaginal discharge in any trimester
- a small percent of mothers can pass GBS to her baby during pregnancy, resulting in severe infection of the lungs and brain resulting in the possible death of the baby within the first few days of birth

- test swab of the vagina can be done at betw 35 & 37 weeks during the routine antenatal visits
- other symptoms include rupture of membrane before 37 weeks, fever during labour (>38 deg C), GBS urinary tract infection during your pregnancy and a previous baby infected with GBS infection
- doc will administer intravenous antibiotics during your pregnancy to prevent baby from becoming infected

3. Chickenpox
- can be more severe if you're pregnant, and more likely to develop dangerous complications such as pneumonia
- have to bear with discomfort as there's no specific treatment for chickenpox except for anti-viral drugs at the early stages
- seek medical assistance should you have any breathing problems

4. Toxoplasmosis
- caught through eating raw, undercooked or cured meat as well as contact with animal faeces
- can cause infection in unborn baby resulting in eye problems and brain abnormalities if left untreated
- symptoms such as fever or flu-like symptoms
- antibiotics are necessary to destroy the parasite

5. Common Cold
- expectant women have lower immunity and more likely to catch colds and coughs
- check with your doctor as some medications contain substances decongestants that are not tested for safety during pregnancy
- caffeine & alcohol could affect baby's development and health
- unlikely that flu will harm baby
- should you have fever, seek medical help

Natural remedies to ease discomfort:
- add a few drops of eucalyptus oil into a bowl of hot water, lean over and inhale
- drink plenty of fluids to replenish lost fluids through the mucus or fever
- for sore throat, concoct a soothing drink of honey with a slice of lemon in a cup of warm water. Alternatively, gargle with salt water
- sleep and have more rest for your body to recover by itself

Boost immune system:
- eat a healthy diet including plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables and wholegrain foods
- substitute caffeinated drinks for water or fruit juice
- get plenty of rest and try to manage your stress levels by keeping it to a minimum
- consider taking a vitamin and mineral supplement specifically formulated for pregnant women

Alternatively,
- avoid crowded places, eat healthily and visit your gynaecologist regularly
- do not hesitate to schedule a visit your doc should you suspect you have an infection