If someone with a runny nose and flushed cheeks asked to hold your newborn, you’d likely politely – but firmly – decline. Avoiding contact with people who are sick is just as important when you’re pregnant.
February is International Prenatal Infection Prevention Month, and, here, a perinatal nurse navigator at the Hoag Women’s Health Institute offers tips to help moms-to-be prevent the transmission of infectious diseases to their growing babies.
“In utero, a baby’s health is dependent on a mother’s health. We provide the support and individualized attention to guide expecting moms on their motherhood journey,” said Jaimie Shane perinatal nurse navigator at Hoag. “Our goals are to maximize their wellness, the health of their baby (or babies), during pregnancy, childbirth, and post-partum.”Hoag’s perinatal nurse navigator team works with women who are experiencing high-risk pregnancies, their obstetrician, and other specialists, to create a comprehensive, multidisciplinary plan of care. “We impart patient education tailored to meet individuals where they are at, to help minimize risk of any complications including prenatal infection”.
Infections may be harmful to mom and baby. Prenatal infections can be caused by bacterial, viral, parasitic, or fungal illnesses.
While symptoms of prenatal infection will depend on the cause, they may include preterm labor, decreased to no fetal movement, agitated movements, confusion, fever, or pain. If you are experiencing any of these, please call your doctor or visit the emergency department.
Here are some tips to help minimize the risk of prenatal infections:
- Vaccinate: Protecting your baby against infection starts with protecting yourself.
“It is critical that pregnant women talk with their doctor about which vaccines they should receive during pregnancy,” Jaimie Shane said.
- Get regular check-ups: Regular visits with your OB/GYN or CNM during pregnancy to ensure that you are receiving the best prenatal care.
- Practice good personal hygiene: Frequent handwashing and avoiding bodily fluids from other people are critical during this time. Avoid sharing food, drinks or eating utensils with other people. Pay attention to food safety. Avoid cleaning a cat’s litter box- if you need to, use gloves and wash your hands afterwards.
- Eat well: Healthy foods are in. Unpasteurized foods and fluids are out.
“Lunch meat, unpasteurized milk and dairy products, and raw fish or eggs can increase the risk of listeria,” Jaimie Shane said. A listeria infection could be harmful to mom and baby.
- Use a latex condom when you have sex if there is a chance your partner has an infection you could catch during sex. Make sure you know how to use condoms correctly.
- Get tested: Stay informed about your risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as HIV and hepatitis B, and make sure to get tested and protect yourself from them.
Lastly, Jaimie Shane advises to avoid being near people who are sick. People may want to give you a big congratulatory hug upon seeing your growing belly but ask them to wait until their sniffles have passed.
“Motherhood begins with pregnancy,” she said. “Your actions during pregnancy can help protect you and your baby from prenatal infection, and prevention is best.”
