Though pregnancy is a complete rollercoaster of emotions with its ups and downs, it is also a wonderful time for a mother to be.
It is common for a woman to become more vulnerable to certain infections during pregnancy due to hormonal imbalances and other disruptions. Hence, pregnancy magnifies the effects of infections, turning mild infections into serious illnesses.
Infections during pregnancy pose a risk not just to the mother but also to the child. As a woman, for the sake of your health and that of your unborn child, you need to take extra measures to prevent infection during pregnancy. If you do not take proper measures, it can lead to congenital disabilities, preterm labor, or even a miscarriage. Below are some ways on how to prevent infections during pregnancy:
Avoid Individuals who have an Infection
No matter how careful and hygienic you are, you will still come in contact with viruses and bacteria during pregnancy. Sometimes during pregnancy infections can’t be treated easily with antibiotics without affecting the baby. This is why abstinence is necessary.
Chickenpox, for instance, is notorious for causing complications during pregnancy and congenital disabilities. Then rubella puts the pregnancy at risk of miscarriage and can lead to stillbirth. If you’ve never had chickenpox or rubella, try as much to stay away from already infected people.
Talk to your doctor about vaccinations
Pregnant women shouldn’t take any medications unless prescribed by a doctor. Self-medication can affect a child’s development mentally and physically.
Once you are pregnant, you should take vaccines before, during, and after delivery. Taking the suitable vaccine at the right time can keep you safe from infections and protect your child from infection and other health problems.
Test for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
It can be pretty uncomfortable to talk about STIs, but they are more common than you might realize. Many individuals with STIs don’t get sick instantly. Relying on symptoms to know if you are a carrier or not would be a red flag. If there is any possibility that you or your partner could have an STI, get it checked and treated as soon as possible.
Maintain Good Hygiene
Naturally, maintaining personal hygiene enhances an individual’s physical and emotional well-being. Handwashing before and after contact with possible carriers is one of the most reliable ways of preventing infections.
Pregnant women should wash their hands before and after activities like using the bathroom, handling food, sneezing, and being in contact with dirty surfaces. For proper hand wash, it is advisable to use either soap and water or an alcohol-based sanitizer.
Taking these extra measures during pregnancy, especially when around children and pets, can lessen your chances of becoming infected.
Bottom Line
Pregnancy is a delicate period. The decisions you make during pregnancy will go a long way in affecting you and your baby. Hence, the safety of you and your child should be a primordial consideration which you should always take heed of. Although there are numerous ways to prevent infection which can be found on the Internet; getting expert advice and keeping close ties with your doctor during this period is advised.
