Prenatal infections

Prenatal Infections
Prenatal Infections
Other names	Congenital infections, Vertical transmissions

```

Prenatal infections refer to infections that are passed from a mother to her fetus during pregnancy. These infections can lead to serious health problems for the baby, including birth defects, neonatal infections, and even stillbirth. Understanding, preventing, and treating these infections is crucial for ensuring the health and well-being of both the mother and the child.

Causes[edit | edit source]

Prenatal infections can be caused by a variety of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Some of the most common agents include:

Transmission[edit | edit source]

The transmission of infections from mother to fetus can occur in several ways:

Transplacental transmission: The pathogen crosses the placenta and infects the fetus.
Peripartum transmission: The infection is transmitted during the process of childbirth.
Postnatal transmission: The infection is passed to the newborn through breastfeeding or close contact after birth.

Symptoms and Effects[edit | edit source]

The symptoms and effects of prenatal infections vary widely depending on the pathogen involved. Common outcomes include:

Premature birth
Low birth weight
Birth defects (e.g., heart defects, microcephaly)
Neonatal sepsis
Developmental delays

Prevention[edit | edit source]

Preventive measures against prenatal infections include:

Vaccination against diseases like rubella and influenza before or during pregnancy
Regular prenatal care to screen for and manage infections
Practicing good hygiene to reduce the risk of infections
Avoiding contact with known sources of infection (e.g., raw meat, cat litter)