Women are particularly mindful about their health during pregnancy. They get regular checkups, eat healthier, and sleep more. However, what happens if an infection exists but doesn’t manifest as fever, pain, or other symptoms?
Pregnancy related diseases can impact the fetus even if the mother is absolutely silent, according to doctors. As the infection subtly affects the fetus, the mother may have what are known as subclinical illnesses.
Many of these illnesses are missed without regular screening, according to Dr. Alka Chaudhary, Senior Consultant-Obetrician and Gynecologist at Rainbow Hospital. Regular testing throughout pregnancy is crucial since these diseases frequently do not create symptoms in the mother, she says.
Similarly, “A pregnant woman may have an infection without experiencing any symptoms at all,” according to Dr. Tripti Raheja, Director of Obstetrics & Gynecology at CK Birla Hospital in Delhi. She might feel perfectly normal. But the baby can still be impacted if appropriate screening isn’t done.
Prenatal checkups are therefore essential for early identification and prevention and go beyond simple routine visits.
CYTOMEGALOVIRUS (CMV): A COMMON BUT OVERLOOKED THREAT
Cytomegalovirus is one of the most prevalent silent infections (CMV). The majority of individuals may have been exposed to this common virus at some point in their lives.
Rarely do pregnant women get any discernible symptoms from CMV. Congenital CMV, however, may result if the virus infects the fetus. The youngster may experience neurological issues, eyesight issues, developmental delays, or hearing loss as a result of this.
Since the mother frequently exhibits no symptoms, screening and vigilance are essential.
TOXOPLASMOSIS AND RUBELLA: MILD FOR MOTHERS, SERIOUS FOR BABIES
Another illness that can not show any signs in expectant mothers is toxoplasmosis. It is typically acquired from cleaning cat litter, handling contaminated dirt, or consuming undercooked meat.
Depending on the stage of pregnancy, the infection might cause the baby to have vision problems, brain damage, or miscarriage, even though the mother may feel healthy.
Additionally harmful is rubella, particularly in the early stages of pregnancy. The mother may have an undetectable or extremely minor illness. It can, however, result in severe birth defects such heart deformities, hearing impairments, and visual issues if contracted during the first trimester.
One of the greatest methods to avoid issues with rubella is to get vaccinated before getting pregnant.
HEPATITIS B, SYPHILIS, HIV AND GBS: INFECTIONS THAT CAN PASS TO THE BABY
During pregnancy or birth, several infections can be quiet in expectant moms but can be transferred to the unborn child.
HIV and hepatitis B can be passed to the newborn even if they may not show any signs at first. These infections can cause long-term health issues if they are not treated promptly.
Another infection that could go undetected in its early stages is syphilis. It may cause congenital infection, preterm birth, or stillbirth if left untreated.
In the birth canal, Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is frequently found without causing any symptoms. It may, however, infect the newborn during birth and result in life threatening illnesses like meningitis, pneumonia, or sepsis.
Pregnancy related routine blood testing and screening aid in the early detection of certain illnesses, enabling prompt treatment.
WHY REGULAR TESTING IS NON-NEGOTIABLE DURING PREGNANCY
Many women, especially those who feel well, question why so many blood tests are recommended during prenatal appointments. According to doctors, this is precisely the reason why symptoms alone are insufficient to identify silent infections.
According to Dr. Tripti Raheja, early infection detection during pregnancy can be achieved with basic blood testing. “Timely treatment through early diagnosis can greatly lower the baby’s risks,” she says.
In order to ensure a healthy pregnancy outcome, Dr. Alka Chaudhary adds that preventive measures including vaccination (where available), safe eating practices, adequate hygiene, and routine check-ups are essential.
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Experts have a clear message: Just because you feel good doesn’t indicate that everything is going well. It is imperative to receive regular prenatal care in order to protect both the mother and the unborn child.
A healthy start in life and issues can be determined by early detection.
