Screening for maternal infections

“Screening for maternal infections: Because your baby’s care begins way before the his birth”

Maternal Infections

Maternal infections refer to any type of infectious disease in a pregnant woman that can be passed from the mother to the foetus in the womb. These infections can be very dangerous to the growing foetus as they can cause mental and physical impairments in the baby or complications in the pregnancy like preterm birth, etc.

How can maternal infections affect your baby?

Maternal infections during pregnancy can have various adverse effects on the developing foetus. The type and severity of the effects depend on various factors, including the timing of the infection during pregnancy, the type of infection, and the immune response of the mother and the foetus.

Some possible effects of maternal infections on the baby include:

1. Birth defects: Certain infections can cause congenital abnormalities in the baby, such as hearing loss, vision problems, intellectual disability, and heart defects.

2. Preterm birth: Some infections can increase the risk of premature delivery, which can lead to various health problems for the baby.

3. Low birth weight: Maternal infections can also lead to low birth weight, which can increase the risk of various health problems for the baby, including respiratory distress syndrome, infections, and developmental delays.

4. Neonatal infections: Some types of infections can increase the risk of neonatal infections, which can be life-threatening for the baby.

Common Maternal Infections during Pregnancy

Some common maternal infections that can affect the mother and the foetus include:

1. Bacterial vaginosis
2. Chickenpox
3. Chorioamnionitis 
4. Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
5. Group B Strep Infection
6. Hepatitis B
7. Listeriosis
8. Rubella 
9. Syphilis 
10. Toxoplasmosis 
11. Urinary tract infection
12. HIV

Why is Screening Necessary 

During pregnancy, acute maternal infection can lead to a broad range of obstetric complications, which may include maternal morbidity and/or mortality, as well as stillbirth, low birth weight, preterm labour, and miscarriage.

Screenings can help detect infections early enough to protect the mother and the baby from any adverse complications. 

Screenings done at Giggles Hospital for Maternal Infections

Giggles Hospitals for Women And Children Hospital in Kukatpally offer a wide range of screening for Maternal infections during pregnancy. Our doctors will regularly check the mother’s symptoms and look for signs of any infections. Some screenings are compulsory during pregnancy while others may be suggested by the doctors if they suspect an infection. 

Common Screenings done for Maternal Infections at Gynecologist hospital during pregnancy include:

1. Amniocentesis
2. Blood tests
3. Foetal monitoring 
4. Group B strep test
5. Urine tests
6. Vaginal and Cervical cultures

In addition to these tests, we may also perform additional tests if there is a requirement. Our doctors will inform you in detail about any tests that are prescribed. They will explain the treatment plan in case any test comes positive. 

Treatments offered at Giggles Hospital for Maternal Infections 

Our High risk pregnancy doctors at Giggles Hospital do their best to treat infections in the safest possible way for you and your baby. The common treatment plan includes antibiotics, antifungal medicine, antiviral medications, rest and hydration. In addition to this, if the infection is severe, we may need to hospitalise the patient to monitor them cautiously and provide the best treatment. Our doctors will explain to you the treatment plan in detail so you understand that the benefits of treatment outweigh any potential risks to the mother and the baby.