PRÄVENTION

What are the main pathologies of pregnancy?

Several infectious diseases are generally not of concern unless they reach pregnant women. These pregnancy diseases can have serious consequences for the fetus, which should be protected. It is necessary to know how to identify the first symptoms of these diseases in order to take appropriate measures. The most dangerous pregnancy diseases are :

• Toxoplasmosis
• Rubella
• Chicken pox
• Listeriosis
• Urinary tract infections

Toxoplasmosis

Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic infection with often discrete symptoms. However, it can cause serious birth defects in pregnant women.

Symptoms and effects

During pregnancy, the disease can manifest itself in the form of a mild fever, fatigue and swollen glands. Without symptoms, the woman may not know that she has toxoplasmosis. The doctor always prescribes a toxoplasmosis serology at the beginning of the pregnancy to avoid this. In any case, the parasite must not cross the placental barrier, otherwise the fetus is at risk:

• A premature delivery
• One dead in utero
• Neurological or ophthalmological sequelae

Precautions to take

A single infection of the disease normally confers immunity. A negative serology then implies precautions to be taken. Care should be taken to wash hands thoroughly and brush nails regularly. This is very important, especially after handling raw meat or unclean vegetables. At the same time, every kitchen surface and utensil should be washed after each use. Raw meat consumption is the main cause of illness and should be avoided. Tartars and bleeding cooking, raw sausages, raw milk, cheese or goat's milk should be avoided. It is also necessary to rinse raw vegetables and fruit well. If the person has a cat, the litter must be changed every day and preferably washed in hot water.

Rubella

Rubella is a contagious, short-lived infectious disease. It is one of the pathologies of pregnancy because it can be very serious for a pregnant woman.

Implications

Rubella can cause serious birth defects in children. It can cause stunted growth, deafness, cataracts, paralysis of the limbs and heart defects. It can even affect brain development and cause mental disability. Immunization against rubella can be done either by a first infection or by a vaccine. However, a rubella serology is always part of the blood tests at the beginning of pregnancy. Even if the mother shows no symptoms, the infection can still reach the fetus.

Chickenpox

It is a highly contagious infectious childhood disease characterized by a rash. If it is contracted during pregnancy, the consequences are frightening.

Implications

If a pregnant woman contracts chickenpox, it can cause malformations in the fetus. In particular, it can cause neurological damage and intrauterine growth retardation. Near delivery, chickenpox can reach the baby's lungs. Currently, these pregnancy pathologies are associated with a mortality risk of 20 to 30%. Pregnant women should avoid any contact with a sick person, otherwise an immediate consultation with a doctor is necessary.

Listeriosis

Listeriosis comes in two forms: adult listeriosis and fetal-maternal listeriosis. The second type is very dangerous because it can be responsible for miscarriages and premature deliveries. These types of pregnancy diseases also lead to infections in the newborn. In the mother, the disease results in fever, headaches and digestive problems. If the pregnant woman notices these symptoms, she should receive appropriate treatment as soon as possible.

Means of prevention

Pregnant women must take great care to prevent contamination. These include regular hand washing after handling raw food. Washing also affects work surfaces and utensils. Raw and undercooked meats, cold cuts and soft cheeses should also be avoided.

Urinary tract infections

Changes in the urinary system

A woman's immune defences are lowered during pregnancy and put the urinary system at risk. The urethra expands, and because it is more permeable, germs easily travel up to the bladder. The bladder loses its tone due to the weight of the fetus and the effect of progesterone. The bladder no longer empties completely and therefore encourages the stagnation of urine. The microbes will be able to proliferate there.

Prevention

Pregnant women should drink 1.5 to 2 litres of water per day and urinate before and after sexual intercourse. She should favour daily intimate hygiene and wear cotton underwear. If constipation occurs, it must be treated. Last but not least, do not refrain from going to the toilet. At the same time, you should always wipe from front to back to prevent bacteria from getting close to the urethra.