Why is Infectious Disease Screening Important During Pregnancy?
Infections can impact both the mother and baby
- Certain infections can lead to complications such as:
- Miscarriage.
- Preterm birth.
- Congenital anomalies.
- Severe neonatal infections.
Basic precautions, routine screening, and vaccinations help protect both mother and child.
Early detection and prevention of infections during pregnancy improve outcomes for both mother and baby.
Available Screening Tests for Infections During Pregnancy
Before Falling Pregnant
- Rubella antibodies:
- If rubella antibodies are absent or too low, a rubella vaccine should be administered at least one month before conception.
Screening During Early Pregnancy
- Urine culture:
- Screens for bacteria in the urine, which can increase the risk of pyelonephritis and preterm birth.
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs):
- HIV.
- Syphilis.
- Hepatitis B virus.
- Other STIs as indicated.
Screening During Late Pregnancy
- Vagino-rectal swab at 35–37 weeks:
- Detects Group B Streptococcus (GBS) colonisation.
- GBS colonisation can result in neonatal sepsis, a life-threatening condition in newborns.
- Repeat screening for:
- HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B virus, and other STIs (if indicated).
Routine screening during different pregnancy stages helps prevent complications and ensures appropriate treatment when needed.
Recommended Vaccinations During Pregnancy
Influenza Vaccine
- Pregnant women are at higher risk of severe complications from influenza.
- Safe at any stage of pregnancy.
- Strongly recommended by international guidelines.
Tdap Vaccine (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis)
- Protects newborns from pertussis (whooping cough), which can be life-threatening.
- Administered between 27–36 weeks of pregnancy.
- Provides passive immunity to the baby through transplacental antibody transfer.
SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccine
- Recommended for all pregnant women to reduce the risk of severe illness and complications.
Vaccination during pregnancy helps protect both the mother and baby from severe infections.
How to Stay Healthy During Pregnancy
Safe Sexual Practices
- Prevention of STIs through safe sex reduces pregnancy complications.
- Avoid High-Risk Foods
- Do not consume:
- Raw eggs.
- Undercooked, raw, or processed meat.
- Unpasteurised milk, cheese, and fruit juice.
- Raw sprouts and unwashed fresh produce.
Avoid Animal-Associated Infections
- Avoid handling cat litter to reduce the risk of toxoplasmosis.
- Avoid petting zoos and contact with farm animals.
Following basic hygiene and food safety practices can prevent many infections during pregnancy.
Screening and vaccination during pregnancy are essential for maternal and newborn health.