Infectious Diseases in Pregnancy

Infectious diseases are disorders caused by pathogenic microorganisms (e.g., bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites) that may be transmitted directly or indirectly by various sources. Some infections may be harmful, but some may be harmless; all may be preventable. Certain patient populations may also be more susceptible to infections, including pregnant women. During pregnancy, some common infections that may occur are the flu, vaginal yeast infections, uterine infections, group B streptococcus, bacterial vaginosis, and listeria. Changes in immune function may cause this increased risk of infection, and if left untreated, may lead to serious complications. Complications from severe infections during pregnancy may include preterm birth, low birth weight, birth defects, learning problems, and possibly pregnancy loss. Prevention, early detection, and treatment are vital to help minimize and eliminate these complications.