What infections are most dangerous during pregnancy?

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) usually infects the breathing passages and lungs in small children and infants. Adults can also be affected by RSV. Unless they have an impaired immune system, adults have usually the immunity to fight off RSV. However, young children and infants have not yet built up enough immunity so the condition may worsen and lead to other illnesses.

Syphilis is an on-going problem in Mexico. Each year more than 330,000 pregnant women test positive for syphilis. Syphilis can be passed to the infant; resulting in congenital syphilis in some cases. Researchers from Central de Investigaciones in Morelos, Mexico completed a cross-sectional study to update current syphilis status in pregnant women.

Pregnant women who experience a bacterial infection while in a hospital may be at higher risk of having a child with autism, according to a new study. Infections during pregnancy are common and most infections do not increase the risk for autism. Only bacterial infections diagnosed in the hospital were associated with an increased risk for the disorder.

HIV-Positive Infant Cured

In a small town in Mississippi, a mother reports to the hospital in labor. She has received no prenatal care and has no idea she is HIV-positive. When her infant is born, HIV tests are positive and suggest the infant contracted the virus in utero. ... read more »

Acute Pyelonephritis in Pregnancy

Pyelonephritis is an ascending urinary tract infection that may reach the kidney. Severe cases of the infection may lead to pus surrounding the kidney, kidney failure or death. In a pregnancy setting, any infection poses a risk to fetal and maternal health. ... read more »

Common Recreational Water Illnesses

Recreational water illnesses are contracted when pregnant and non-pregnant swimmers come in contact with germs present in treated and untreated water. Germs pose the highest risk to swimmers with impaired immune function, including pregnant women. ... read more »

Hepatitis C Virus Discordant Couples and ART

When couples require assisted reproductive technology (ART) to conceive, fertility specialists must take the health of both patients into consideration before choosing the best course of treatment. ... read more »

Preventing Recreational Water Illness During Pregnancy

The summer months mean public pools, private pools, lakes, oceans, and river excursions. But water can be contaminated with germs that cause illness. ... read more »

Three Tips for Ensuring a Healthy Swimming Environment During Pregnancy

Germs present in pool waters can cause recreational water illnesses. While public pools are typically chlorinated, many public pools fail inspections and are immediately shut down for maintenance when chlorine and pH levels test below or above normal. ... read more »

Treatment of Acute Respiratory Infections During Pregnancy is Vital

Researchers published a study in Romanian Journal of Morphology and Embryology showing a connection between acute respiratory infection and inflammatory infiltration of the placenta. ... read more »

Reducing HIV Mother-Child Transmission with Oral Zidovudine (ZDV)

Mother to children transmission (MTCT) rates for HIV can be greatly reduced with anti-retroviral medications. However, according to researchers, a clinical study has not established the effectiveness and safety of oral zidovudine (ZDV) in infants. ... read more »

Infection During Pregnancy and Asthma Risk in Baby

Researchers from the Yale University School of Medicine found an unexpected link between one particular maternal infection and an increased risk of childhood asthma. ... read more »

Vaccinations and Pregnancy Safety

Information about vaccinations and pregnancy safety - who should have them and when. ... read more »

Infections During Pregnancy

Infections in pregnancy are among the major complications leading to premature labor, delivery, and other complications ... read more »

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Pregnancy

Arthropod-borne bacterial diseases affect more than 25,000 Americans every year. Diagnosis is particularly challenging during pregnancy, as these infections may mimic common pregnancy-specific conditions, such as typical and atypical preeclampsia, or symptoms of pregnancy itself. ... read more »

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