Infections During Pregnancy

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.


Why is physical activity during pregnancy good for you:

For healthy pregnant women, regular exercise can:

  • Keep your mind and body healthy. Physical activity can help you feel good and give you extra energy. It also makes your heart, lungs and blood vessels strong and helps you stay fit.
  • Help you gain the right amount of weight during pregnancy
  • Ease some common discomforts of pregnancy, like constipation, back pain and swelling in your legs, ankles and feet
  • Help you manage stress and sleep better. Stress is worry, strain or pressure that you feel in response to things that happen in your life.
  • Help reduce your risk of pregnancy complications, like gestational diabetes and preeclampsia. Gestational diabetes is a kind of diabetes that can happen during pregnancy. It’s a condition in which your body has too much sugar (called glucose) in the blood. Preeclampsia is a kind of high blood pressure some women get after the 20th week of pregnancy or after giving birth. These conditions can increase your risk of having complications during pregnancy, like premature birth (birth before 37 weeks of pregnancy).
  • Help reduce your risk of having a cesarean birth (also called c-section). Cesarean birth is surgery in which your baby is born through a cut that your doctor makes in your belly and uterus.
  • Gets your body ready for labor and birth. Activities like prenatal yoga and Pilates can help you practice breathing, meditation and other calming methods that may help you manage labor pain. Regular exercise can help give you energy and strength to get through labor.

Exercises to do during pregnancy

1.Warm up

All exercise should begin with a warm up and cool down period. The hormones produced during pregnancy make women especially flexible in preparation for childbirth but this can lead to excessive stretching and pulling which can cause injury. Stretching should be done very gently, especially after the first trimester.


2.Walking

Walking is the most common exercise amongst pregnant women. Walking is safe for everyone, including pregnant women who are only just beginning to exercise. Walking has a low risk of falls and it is easy to control exertion levels. Brisk walking is low impact for joints and muscles yet still gives a total body workout and improves cardiovascular fitness.


3.Water sports

Some water sports such as swimming, water aerobics and water walking are safe and fun sports.

Swimming works almost all muscles in the body without the risk of overheating. Water aerobics is great for cardiovascular fitness. These water sports are safe as there is no risk of falling or losing balance and the water supports body weight so the risk of muscle strain is low.

Water activities are especially effective for women who experience back pain and leg swelling during pregnancy as it has been found to alleviate these symptoms.


4.Stationary cycling

Cycling is another good cardiovascular workout that will help improve leg muscle strength. During pregnancy stationary cycling is a better alternative because as your belly grows, especially in the third trimester, balance on a bike will be difficult.


5.Weight training

Studies to date on light to moderate resistance trainingusing free weights and weight machines during pregnancy have found no adverse findings in patients that regularly engaged in the activity before pregnancy. Women who have never engaged in weight training prior to their pregnancy should not begin once they have conceived.

Studies have shown that there are benefits from engaging in weight training while pregnant. Improvements in strength and flexibility have been noted. This is turn will help the body adapt to the physiological changes that occur during pregnancy. Women may find they can tolerate their heavier body weight and altered centre of gravity better with muscle strengthening that is gained from training, especially focussing on lower back strength.


5.Running

Running is safe in moderation for women that were running frequently before they became pregnant. It is not advised that women that have never run before take up running during their pregnancy. Depending on the individual, the running regime may need to lessen in intensity and frequency.

Healthy Food

1.Dairy product

Dairy products, especially yogurt, are a great choice for pregnant women. They help you meet increased protein and calcium needs. Probiotics may also help reduce the risk of complications.

2.Salmon

Salmon contains the essential omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, which are important for brain and eye development in your growing baby. It’s also a natural source of vitamin D.

3.Eggs:

Whole eggs are incredibly nutritious and a great way to increase your overall nutrient intake. They also contain choline, an essential nutrient for brain health and development.

4.Lean meat:

Lean meat is a good source of high-quality protein. Beef and pork are also rich in iron, choline and B vitamins, all of which are important nutrients during pregnancy.

5.Fish liver oil:

A single serving (one tablespoon or 15 ml) of fish liver oil provides more than the required amount of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D and vitamin A. Fish liver oil may be particularly important for women who don’t eat seafood.