Infections during pregnancy

There are infections you may be tested for if you have symptoms or have possibly been exposed.

• Chlamydia- this sexually transmitted disease (STD) may increase your risk of preterm birth and its complications. Your provider will test you for this infection if you have been exposed to (your partner has it), or are at high risk of exposure.
• Cytomegalovirus (CMV) - a common virus present in many body fluids, but usually does not cause health problems. You may not know you have this infection, but if passed to your fetus, can cause health problems or disabilities.
• Fifth disease- is a common childhood virus that is easily spread person to person. If infected, pregnant moms usually have no problems, but if passed to the fetus, miscarriage can occur or your fetus could develop anemia.  Good handwashing is important to reduce your chances of getting this infection.
• Genital herpes - late in pregnancy infection has a high risk of infecting your fetus. Herpes infections in newborns are serious and life-threatening.  If you have had genital herpes in the past, your provider may prescribe medications to help reduce your risk of outbreak and passing the infection to your fetus.
• Hepatitis C virus (HCV)- a common chronic infection that may be passed to your fetus during pregnancy. Newborns will be tested for HCV if their mother has this infection.
• Human papillomavirus (HPV) - If you are pregnant and have HPV, you can get genital warts or develop abnormal cell changes on your cervix. Abnormal cell changes can be found with routine cervical cancer screening. You should get routine cervical cancer screening even when you are pregnant.
• Listeria (listeriosis)- this serious infection usually caused by eating food contaminated with a certain type of bacteria can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, preterm birth, or life-threatening infection of the newborn. These foods are associated with listeria:  improperly reheated hot dogs, luncheon meats, deli-style meats; unpasteurized (raw) milk and soft cheeses made with raw milk; smoked seafood and salads made in the store such as ham, chicken, or seafood salads; raw vegetables.  For more information, visit:  https://www.cdc.gov/listeria/prevention.html
• Toxoplasmosis- is a disease caused by a parasite that may be present in cat feces or used cat litter. You can decrease your risk of exposure by having someone else empty and clean the litter box and wearing gloves while gardening.
• Trichomoniasis- your health care provider will prescribe treatment for you if you have this infection. Infection in pregnancy has been linked to premature rupture of membranes, preterm birth, and low birth weight infants.