Index
- Lyme disease and pregnancy: what are the risks?
- Essential information to remember about Lyme disease
- Pregnant woman and Lyme disease, what are the implications?
- Lyme disease before conception
- Being pregnant and having Lyme disease
- Can the disease make childbirth difficult?
- What are the risks to baby's health?
Lyme disease and pregnancy: what are the risks?
Every woman experiences pregnancy as a unique and unforgettable experience. However, it must be stressed that during this period, a woman's health, as well as that of her baby, is very fragile. It is therefore important to take great care to bring the pregnancy to term without any problems. However, despite the precautions, certain diseases such as Lyme disease can affect the pregnant woman and affect her health. Especially after going to an area contaminated by ticks. Lyme disease and pregnancy, what are the effects of this disease on the health of the mother-to-be and the foetus? What treatments does a pregnant woman with this disease need to follow to regain her health? Find the answers to these questions in the following.
Essential information to remember about Lyme disease
Lyme disease or Lyme borreliosis is an infection caused by the bacteria called borrelia burgdorferi. Generally, this bacterium, which belongs to the spirochete family, is transmitted to humans via tick bites. However, the tick in question must be infected with the bacteria and remain attached to its host, in this case man, for more than 24 hours.
This infectious pathology is characterized by its evolution by phase. Its symptoms do not appear all at once, but take time to manifest themselves. Thus, the first phase of Lyme disease corresponds to the appearance of erythema migrating at the level of the pricked area. This then becomes swollen and red. The next phase is when the infection affects various parts of the body. Thus, the disease begins to manifest itself in joint and cardiac symptoms. Nervous system disorders, headaches and paralysis may also occur.
If the disease has not been treated in time and is progressing seriously, the patient may have dermatological, ophthalmic or cardiac problems of varying degrees of severity.
Pregnant woman and Lyme disease, what are the implications?
Are you pregnant or planning to have a child? But you have Lyme disease and are wondering what effect it could have on your health and/or that of your baby? In fact, when detected in time, this disease can easily be treated and you can continue your pregnancy with peace of mind.
Lyme disease before conception
You and your partner are in the middle of a baby project, but you recently learned that you have Lyme disease? The best solution for you is to treat the disease in order to make its symptoms disappear for at least a few months. To do this, your doctor will prescribe a course of antibiotics. This type of treatment is carried out intermittently for a maximum of four months. And before conception, your doctor will check whether your antibodies are within the normal range.
Being pregnant and having Lyme disease
You are already pregnant and despite the precautions you have taken, you are affected by Lyme disease? Lyme disease and pregnancy do not mix. In any case, although there is a risk that the fetus may be affected, there is a reliable treatment that you can follow. However, it is always necessary to consult your doctor. Your doctor may prescribe high-dose Amoxicillin. This type of treatment is mainly prescribed to protect you.
Can the disease make childbirth difficult?
Having Lyme disease during pregnancy makes you wonder if it will make giving birth more difficult? Well, you should know that there is no risk of complications if you start your treatment on time. So there's no need to worry about premature delivery or a caesarean section. In fact, a study on the subject has shown that Lyme disease cannot be associated with an increased risk of malformations, neonatal mortality or premature delivery.
What are the risks to baby's health?
Treating Lyme disease during pregnancy is therefore quite possible. However, there is some doubt about its impact on your baby's health? You must understand that nothing is certain. Indeed, even though numerous studies have been conducted on the subject, the results are quite contradictory. In any case, according to a French study carried out in 2013, it was discovered that Borrelia burgdorferi has the ability to pass through the transplacental barrier.
As you will have understood, the best solution is therefore prevention. And if you're infected, don't delay in seeking treatment.
What about disease transmission through breastfeeding?
The mother may also be concerned about Lyme disease transmission during breastfeeding. Until now, and with the many studies that have been done on what can link Lyme disease and pregnancy, no cases of transmission or spread of the bacteria through breast milk have been reported.
