5 infections during pregnancy that can lead to birth defects in kids

A healthy pregnancy ensures the healthy birth of the baby, something that all women aspire when expecting. However, pregnancy can make women more susceptible to certain kinds of infections that may have grave consequences. In some cases, even mild infection may lead to a serious issue that can turn harmful to the mother as well as the baby. It can lead to miscarriage, preterm labour, or birth defects. The infection may even be passed on to the baby in the womb through the placenta or during birth.

Skin, vaginal (UTI) or respiratory tract infection does not have any serious complications. These can be managed or treated by taking medications and proper treatment. However, some specific infections, which are mostly left undiagnosed due to lack of clear symptoms may prove dangerous for the pregnancy. It can either lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, low birth weight or birth defects like dysfunction of multiple organ systems in the baby. Early detection of infection and prevention is the only way to minimise the risk and secure the health of your kids. Here are 5 infections that may be harmful during pregnancy.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is the most common infection that may lead to a birth defect in infants or may be passed on to newborns. Women affected with CMV during pregnancy can increase the risk of congenital CMV in babies at birth, inflammation of the retina, rash present at birth, abnormally small head, yellow skin or low birth weight. Some infants may even have long-term neurological problems, which may take years to manifest. The virus cytomegalovirus, is naturally present in the environment that may be hard to avoid. in the environment; thus, it can be hard to avoid. Pregnant women can protect themselves by washing their hands frequently and avoid coming in contact with younger children who can spread the virus easily.

Rubella virus infection during the first trimester can be very serious. It may lead to miscarriage, premature delivery, and death of the fetus. Babies born to a mother infected with this virus may suffer from a condition called congenital rubella syndrome. The symptoms of the syndrome include eye, ear, heart defects, microcephaly, abnormally small head, autism, and motor delay. There is no treatment available for this condition. Pregnancy women need to get vaccinated for rubella virus before pregnancy to develop immunity and avoid complications.

Group B streptococcus infection is caused by a bacterium known as group B streptococcus. This kind of bacteria comes and goes naturally in the body and are not harmful in most cases. In rare cases, it may cause serious illness in people of all ages and may cause severe infection in newborns. The virus is usually transferred from the mother to the child during vaginal deliveries, as the bacterium may be present in the mother’s vagina or rectum. During pregnancy, the bacteria may cause internal inflammation and also stillbirth. If left untreated, the infection may cause birth defects in the baby, including hearing or vision loss and mental issues.

Zika virus infection is spread by the Aedes mosquito which stings during the daytime. It can also be passed on from one person to the other by practising unprotected with an infected partner. India has a history of Zika virus transmission, but there is no evidence of an ongoing Zika Virus outbreak. Still, it is important to know about it to stay safe. When infected by this virus the mother can pass the infection to the baby that may lead to severe birth defects, including microcephaly and brain abnormalities. There is no treatment available for preventing this virus. So, while travelling to Zika virus affected countries pregnant women must extra care and use bug repellant.

Toxoplasmosis infection is caused by the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. This infection is mostly spread by cats, who become infected by eating rodents and birds infected with this parasite. That's why pregnant women are advised to avoid changing cat's litter as the parasite is mostly passed through faeces. Apart from this, uncooked or partially cooked meat and soil and water can also cause this infection.