Pregnancy is an exciting and special time in every woman’s life. While this period is filled with anticipation, hope, and joy, there are also important things you should not take lightly.
When a woman is pregnant, her body is under stress, and during these months she becomes more vulnerable to infections. Many infections are mild and pass on their own.
However, some can affect the baby. For this reason, it is necessary to be cautious and well informed.
8 Pregnancy Infections That Could Affect the Baby
1. Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
Overview
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common infections during pregnancy. They are usually not dangerous if treated promptly. They occur when the growing uterus puts pressure on the bladder and urinary tract, preventing complete emptying and allowing bacteria to multiply.
Why it matters
If left untreated, UTIs may lead to kidney infections, preterm labor, or low birth weight in the baby.
Symptoms
Burning sensation when urinating
Frequent urge to urinate
Cloudy or strong-smelling urine
Lower abdominal discomfort
Prevention and Treatment
UTIs can be detected by a simple urine test during a prenatal visit. Safe antibiotics are prescribed, along with recommendations to drink plenty of water and empty the bladder regularly.
Related: Crying During Pregnancy: This Is How It Affects the Baby
2. Group B Streptococcus (GBS)
Overview
GBS is a type of bacteria found in the digestive or lower genital tract of about one in four women. It usually causes no symptoms in adults, but it can pass to the baby during delivery.
Why it matters
GBS can cause life-threatening infections in newborns, including pneumonia, sepsis, and meningitis.
Symptoms in mothers
Usually none. GBS is discovered through routine screening between 35 and 37 weeks of pregnancy.
Prevention and Treatment
If a mother tests positive, she is given intravenous antibiotics during labor to prevent transmission to the baby. With treatment, the risk to the newborn is greatly reduced.
3. Toxoplasmosis
Overview
Toxoplasmosis is caused by a parasite found in undercooked meat, contaminated water, or cat feces. Most healthy adults have no symptoms or only mild ones, but infection during pregnancy can be dangerous.
Why it matters
If transmitted to the baby, toxoplasmosis can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, vision or hearing loss, and developmental delays.
Symptoms in mothers
Flu-like aches and pains
Swollen lymph nodes
Fatigue
Prevention and Treatment
Pregnant women should avoid handling cat litter, wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly, and cook meat well. If infection is confirmed, specific medications can reduce the risk of passing it to the baby.
Related:15 Foods to Avoid During Pregnancy
4. Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
Overview
CMV is a common virus that usually causes no serious effects in adults. However, if a woman experiences a first-time infection during pregnancy, the baby can be infected.
Why it matters
Congenital CMV can cause hearing loss, vision problems, intellectual disabilities, and developmental delays.
Symptoms in mothers
Mild cold-like symptoms: fatigue, swollen glands, and low-grade fever.
Prevention and Treatment
There is no vaccine or guaranteed treatment. However, frequent handwashing—especially after handling diapers or toys—can lower the risk. If a baby is infected, early therapies can improve long-term outcomes.
5. Listeriosis
Overview
Listeriosis is caused by Listeria monocytogenes. Pregnant women are up to 10 times more likely to contract it than non-pregnant women. It often comes from contaminated food such as unpasteurized dairy, deli meats, or soft cheeses.
Why it matters
Listeriosis can lead to miscarriage, premature birth, stillbirth, or severe illness in newborns.
Symptoms in mothers
Fever and chills
Muscle aches
Nausea or diarrhea
Prevention and Treatment
Avoid unpasteurized dairy products, heat deli meats until steaming, and wash produce thoroughly. Antibiotics are prescribed if infection occurs.
Related: How Much Water Should A Pregnant Woman Drink?
6. Hepatitis B
Overview
Hepatitis B is a viral infection that affects the liver and can be transmitted from mother to baby during childbirth.
Why it matters
Babies born with hepatitis B are at high risk of chronic infection, which can lead to liver disease or cancer later in life.
Symptoms in mothers
Fatigue
Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
Nausea and abdominal pain
Sometimes no symptoms at all
Prevention and Treatment
All pregnant women are screened for hepatitis B. If positive, the baby receives the hepatitis B vaccine and immune globulin injection at birth, reducing the risk of infection.
7. Rubella (German Measles)
Overview
Rubella is rare in countries with widespread vaccination, but infection during pregnancy can be severe.
Why it matters
Congenital rubella syndrome can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, heart defects, hearing or vision loss, and intellectual disabilities.
Symptoms in mothers
Mild rash
Low-grade fever
Joint pain
Prevention and Treatment
There is no treatment if infection occurs. The best prevention is vaccination before pregnancy, as the rubella vaccine cannot be given during pregnancy. Women planning to conceive should confirm immunity beforehand.
Related: Safe Sleeping Positions During the Second Trimester of Pregnancy
8. Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)
Overview
Genital herpes, caused by HSV-1 or HSV-2, can be passed to a baby during vaginal delivery if the mother has active lesions.
Why it matters
Neonatal herpes is very serious and can affect the baby’s skin, eyes, mouth, brain, and other organs.
Symptoms in mothers
Painful blisters or sores in the genital area
Itching or tingling before sores appear
Sometimes no noticeable symptoms
Prevention and Treatment
Antiviral medications can reduce outbreaks. If active sores are present during delivery, a cesarean section is usually recommended to prevent transmission.
Protecting Yourself and Your Baby
While not every infection can be prevented, you can lower your risk by following some key steps:
Wash hands often, especially after handling food, diapers, or pets.
Cook meat thoroughly and avoid high-risk foods such as unpasteurized cheese or undercooked eggs.
Stay up to date on vaccinations before pregnancy.
Attend all prenatal visits and screenings.
Speak with your doctor if you notice unusual symptoms.
Conclusion
Pregnancy is a time when women need to be especially cautious and aware of risks. Although not all infections can be avoided, knowledge and preventive care greatly reduce the chances of harm. The eight infections most important to watch for are UTIs, GBS, toxoplasmosis, CMV, listeriosis, hepatitis B, rubella, and herpes.
On the bright side, when detected early, most can be managed with treatment, preventive measures, and support from healthcare providers. Being informed and proactive helps ensure that your pregnancy remains as safe and joyful as possible for both you and your baby.
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