Pregnancy causes many changes in the body, making people more susceptible to complications from many infections.

For example, hormone-related skin changes during pregnancy can cause conditions such as eczema or severely dry skin. If the skin cracks open and bleeds, a serious skin infection, such as cellulitis, can develop. A rare skin disorder called Sweet’s syndrome is also more common during pregnancy than at other times.

Some other infections that may be more serious during pregnancy include:

• the flu
• hepatitis E, which is a typically mild viral form of hepatitis
• herpes, including herpes simplex virus (HSV) and varicella zoster virus (VZV)
• Listeria, which can cause food poisoning
• measles
• HIV

The increased risk of these infections during pregnancy is not well understood but may be due to hormone and other changes that alter the number of blood cells in the body. For example, late in pregnancy, T cells that help fight infection decrease in number.

Pregnancy also causes increased blood circulation and demands on the heart. These demands can also worsen complications. For example, if a pregnant person develops pneumonia from the flu, they may have more difficulty breathing because of the increased demands the fetus places on the heart and lungs.

Some medications that can effectively treat common infections may be less safe during pregnancy. So it is essential that pregnant people who have an infection talk to their doctor or midwife to weigh up the benefits and risks of various treatment options.

How do I know if I have the symptoms of bacterial vaginosis?

One of the symptoms of BV is a gray or whitish discharge that has a foul fishy odor. However, some women do not experience any symptoms. Diagnosis is made through a pelvic exam.

Vaginal discharges is tested through a wet mount (microscopic slide test), pH test (BV often causes a pH level of 4.5 or higher), KOH slide (microscopic slide test) or a whiff test (a mixture that causes a strong fishy odor).

What causes bacterial vaginosis?

Bacterial vaginosis is an imbalance of bacteria which leads to an over growth of bacterial species. The cause has not clearly been identified.  It is not transmitted sexually, but it is associated with having vaginal sex. Therefore, it may be listed under sexually transmitted diseases when you research it.

How can bacterial vaginosis affect my pregnancy?

There is significant evidence that links bacterial vaginosis with preterm labor. Many recent studies have been conducted to verify this information and to find a method of prevention.  Other studies have also shown a possible link to miscarriages, low birth weight, and premature rupture of membranes.

If I am pregnant, will I be screened for bacterial vaginosis?

It is not necessary to screen non-symptomatic pregnant women for BV. When obtaining your prenatal care, you are not routinely screened for bacterial vaginosis. It is important that you discuss any concerns you may have about BV with your health care provider.

Why am I being screened for bacterial vaginosis?

The U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises that all pregnant women with symptoms of bacterial vaginosis be screened and treated. The CDC also supports screening women who have had a previous preterm labor. Screening for BV is left up to your healthcare provider to decide.

What treatments are available for pregnant women with bacterial vaginosis?

Treatment is highly recommended to avoid any chance of preterm labor.

There are various treatments which include:

• Oral medications – Clindamycin 300 mg or Metronidazole 500 mg twice daily for 7 days
• Topical medications – Clindamycin 5 g or Metronidazole at bedtime for 5 days (This treatment may give symptomatic relief, but it is insufficient in preventing pregnancy complications.)

An infection in the uterus can be dangerous for a variety of reasons. The infection may affect the placenta, harm the developing baby, cause premature labor, or lead to birth abnormalities.

Uterine infections can also make labor more dangerous and difficult. Some individuals experience organ failure and other life-threatening complications.

Uterine infections often develop when bacteria from the vagina travels to the uterus, so an untreated vaginal infection is a risk factor for uterine infections. A person is more susceptible to uterine infections if their membranes rupture during an extended labor.

Treatment includes antibiotics and may require hospitalization. If a fever develops during labor, a doctor or midwife will monitor the fetus. If the symptoms are severe, the doctor may recommend a cesarean delivery.

During pregnancy, people may worry more about contracting infections and how they might affect the developing baby.

Vaginal infections, including yeast infections, are common during pregnancy and are usually not a cause for concern. Uterine infections may produce more complications, however.

This article looks at common infections during pregnancy, how they might affect the baby, and how to prevent them from developing.

Vaginal infections during pregnancy

Someone who is pregnant might be more vulnerable to certain infections and may develop more severe complications if the infections are left untreated. Anyone who has even a minor infection during pregnancy should talk to a doctor or midwife.

Typical vaginal infections during pregnancy include:

Vaginal yeast infections

Itchiness around the vagina is a common symptom of a vaginal yeast infection.

Vaginal yeast infections are caused by a fungus called Candida. These infections tend to occur during pregnancy because of changes in the immune system, increased production of glycogen, and higher estrogen levels.

According to a 2015 report, about 20 percent of all women have Candida, which rises to 30 percent during pregnancy. It appears to be more common during the second and third trimesters.

The most common symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection include:

• itchiness around the vagina or vulva
• a thick, white, cottage cheese-like vaginal discharge
• an odor of bread or beer coming from the vagina
• pain or burning in or around the vagina
• pain or burning during sexual intercourse

People can use prescription or over-the-counter medications to treat a vaginal yeast infection. However, anyone who is pregnant should not use these drugs without first talking to a doctor or midwife.

It is essential to get a diagnosis before beginning treatment as other infections, such as bacterial vaginosis and chlamydia, can be confused with yeast infections.

Bacterial vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is an easily treated bacterial infection in the vagina. Symptoms include:

• itching, burning, or pain in the vagina or vulva
• a fishy odor coming from the vagina
• a bad smell that gets worse after sexual intercourse
• a large amount of thin, grey colored discharge

If BV is left untreated during pregnancy, it might cause preterm labor, premature birth, and lower birth weight babies.

Group B Streptococcus (GBS)

Group B streptococcus (GBS) is a group of bacteria that come and go in the body but often frequent the vagina and rectum. They do not typically cause symptoms or even an infection. However, women who have GBS in their bodies when they give birth may pass it to their babies.

Mothers who have GBS will pass it on to their babies in 1 to 2 percent of cases. Although uncommon, GBS in a newborn can be fatal.

Testing late in pregnancy can detect GBS, and is a standard part of most prenatal care.

Treatment with antibiotics through a needle in a vein (IV antibiotics) can significantly reduce the risk of a GBS infection passing to the baby.