Index
- Is Lyme disease during pregnancy risky?
- What is Lyme disease?
- Symptoms of the disease
- Treatment
- How does a pregnant woman cope with the injection?
- First aid
- Treatment by the doctor
- Precautions
- Lyme disease and childbirth
- Risks for the baby
- Breastfeeding
- Summary of studies
- Some statistics
- What is Lyme disease?
Is Lyme disease during pregnancy risky?
Many infections and diseases that are normally begenin are often dangerous in pregnant women. Researchers have conducted studies to determine if Lyme disease is one of them. Indeed, risks are present during pregnancy although research is not yet conclusive. In this article we will look at the possible risks of Lyme disease during pregnancy.
What is Lyme disease?
Lyme disease is also known as Lyme borreliosis. This infectious disease is the result of a bacterium of the spirochete family: borrelia burgdorferi. It is transmitted through tick bites, as the mite can cling to the patient for more than 24 hours.
Symptoms of the disease
The first stage of the disease is characterized by redness, stiffness and swelling of the area. This is called erythema migrans. The infection then spreads throughout the body, affecting the nervous system, joints, heart and eyes. This expansion often leads to joint pain, neuralgia, headaches and even paralysis. At the same time, a feeling of fatigue and physical discomfort that accompanies fever can occur. When the disease worsens, it can cause dermatological, cardiac or ophthalmic disorders.
Treatment
The treatment of Lyme disease relies on taking antibiotics, which is usually enough to cure it. However, some people may still have symptoms after treatment. In these cases, pain medication may be necessary.
How does a pregnant woman cope with the injection?
First aid
In the event of a tick bite in pregnant women, urgent action must be taken. The insect must be removed immediately from the skin with tweezers or a tick remover. It should also be checked that the head or rostrum leaves with the entire body. At the same time, the area should be thoroughly disinfected and the bite reported to the attending physician.
Treatment by the doctor
If a woman has contracted Lyme disease during pregnancy, immediate medical attention is essential. The doctor will likely prescribe medication, including amoxicillin, for a few weeks. Prolonged treatment may be necessary depending on the symptoms and the time of diagnosis. Some people may experience symptoms that last for more than six months after treatment. In any case, there are no serious consequences for the fetus if treatment with antibiotics is given. It should be noted that doxycycline administration is prohibited in pregnant women.
Precautions
The tick bite is responsible for several diseases such as Lyme disease, encephalitis, haemorrhagic fevers, ... A pregnant woman must pay particular attention to these bites and take extra precautions. While walking, especially in the countryside, it is always necessary:
- A ticker, available in pharmacies
- Protect your head and neck
- Wear long clothes and closed shoes
Lyme disease and childbirth
The question is whether contracting Lyme disease during pregnancy is risky for the delivery. These risks include miscarriage and premature delivery. Research has shown that these concerns are preventable if treatment is started early. An American study concluded that exposure to Lyme disease during pregnancy does not increase the risk of birth defects. The same applies to possible birth defects and prematurity.
Risks for the baby
There is insufficient evidence to show that Lyme disease during pregnancy causes adverse effects on the fetus. The results of the various studies are contradictory. Some have concluded that the bacteria can actually cross the placental barrier and reach the fetus. In particular, researchers have stated that the risks are mainly in heart disease and heart defects.
Breastfeeding
There have been no reports of Lyme disease being spread from mother to child through breastfeeding. The same is true for the treatment of the disease during breastfeeding. However, if necessary, health care professionals should always be consulted for appropriate antibiotic therapy.
Summary of studies
- Lyme disease can have harmful effects on the fetus and the unborn child. However, it is not clear how these effects are caused by the bacteria.
- Comparison of uninfected and infected pregnant women did not show a high rate of negative effects on infected women. However, the risks are not totally absent.
In any case, further research is needed to clearly identify whether the disease presents real risks in pregnant women. The fact is that there are still many uncertainties about the effects of Lyme disease during pregnancy.
Some statistics
In France, there are approximately 26,000 new cases per year. For the whole of Europe, this amounts to 65,000 cases. There is a wide disparity in these statistics. While the eastern regions are the most affected, the Mediterranean region is generally spared.
