Prenatal Infections And Ways To Prevent Them
Prenatal infections like Zika and rubella, can harm fetal development. Prevent them by following prenatal tips for a healthy baby
Last updated
Prenatal infections like Zika and rubella, can harm fetal development. Prevent them by following prenatal tips for a healthy baby
Last updated
Prenatal infections, also known as maternal infections during pregnancy, have been linked to an increased risk of preterm birth and severe health issues for the unborn child. The infections cause damage to particular organs, delay development, and even death in some rare instances. Some prenatal infections can be detected with pregnancy symptoms and treated to prevent the spread of prenatal infections from mother to child during pregnancy and labor.
Additionally, considering the long-term health of your child, stem cell banking is an option to explore. Stem cell banking involves preserving the umbilical cord blood and tissue, which are rich sources of valuable stem cells that can potentially be used for future medical treatments and therapies for your child or family members. This proactive approach can provide an extra layer of protection for your child's health beyond addressing prenatal infections. Let's learn more about prenatal infections, how to protect yourself from them, and the benefits of stem cell banking.
Prenatal infections are caused due to bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, or other microorganisms that enter the mother's body through her vagina or cervix. Over 60% of expectant mothers will contract an infection at some point. They might not experience any symptoms until later in the pregnancy. These are a few typical prenatal infections to look for:
Cytomegalovirus (CMV):
A typical virus that spreads through bodily fluids is Cytomegalovirus (CMV). A high temperature, sore throat, aches and pains, unusually high levels of fatigue, and feeling sick are common symptoms of CMV virus. Approximately 1 in 200 infants are born with this virus, while 20% experience complications.
Zika Virus:
You might catch the virus if a mosquito bites you while carrying Zika Virus. When a baby is delivered, the infection may pass from mother to child. If the baby contracts the Zika virus, the baby can develop complications, like a small head or brain, eye issues, hearing loss, and seizures.
Group B Streptococcus (GBS):
Approximately 1 in 4 pregnant women have a type of bacteria called GBS in their bodies. It poses a threat to up to 4% of newborn lives if it gets transmitted.
Listeriosis:
This infection is caused by eating food contaminated with Listeria bacteria. Some foods are more likely to contain this substance, like lunch meat, cold cuts, raw sprouts, unpasteurized milk, and soft cheeses. Of the 1,600 people infected with the disease each year, 1,500 get hospitalized, whereas 20 to 30 percent die.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID):
A condition in which the uterus gets infected is known as Pelvic Inflammatory Disease or PID. Chlamydia or gonorrhea are typical causes of this prenatal infection. The pregnancy symptoms include abdominal cramps, bleeding between periods, and painful urination. If untreated, it increases the risk of HIV/AIDS and cervical cancer.
Prenatal infections can harm you and your growing fetus, resulting in life-threatening illness or congenital disabilities with lifelong disabilities. Here are some preventive measures or pregnancy tips for managing prenatal infections:
Protection From Zika Virus:
The Zika virus can be transmitted from a pregnant woman to her fetus either during pregnancy or right before delivery. That's why it is best to avoid visiting Zika-affected areas if you are pregnant or strictly adhere to the precautions to avoid mosquito bites while you are there.
Wash Your Hands:
Clean your hands with soap and water after using a restroom, unwashed produce or raw meat or eggs, preparing and eating food, gardening, or interacting with animals or sick people.
Avoid foods made with raw and unpasteurized milk:
Eat only soft cheeses with labels indicating they have been pasteurized.
Never Touch Dirty Cat Litter:
Never touch or replace soiled cat litter. If you must change the cat litter yourself, wash your hands afterward and wear gloves.
Keep rodent droppings and wild or pet rodents away from your body:
Get rid of pests in or around your house by hiring a pest control specialist. Have someone else look after your pet rodent until your baby is born.
Discuss vaccination with your healthcare provider:
The vaccinations administered at the right time can help you stay healthy and prevent serious illnesses or lifelong health issues for your child.
Summing Up!
Using these preventive pregnancy tips, you can protect yourself and your unborn child from prenatal infections. Consult your healthcare provider if you suspect any prenatal infection or believe you are in danger.
However, if you are concerned that a health issue can risk your baby's life, invest in stem cell banking to safeguard your baby's health from birth. Visit our website www.cryoviva.in to learn how stem cells can secure your baby's future from diseases.
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