Lesser known Infections During and After Pregnancy
Infections can occur during and after pregnancy. It is necessary to take precautions to prevent them and to treat them when they do occur.
Regular antenatal checks are important for a mother during her pregnancy to rule out potentially dangerous conditions.
DURING PREGNANCY:
A blood test is done initially to check for iron content, blood group and rhesus states, rubella immunity, blood sugar levels and sexually transmitted and possibly parasitic diseases which could affect the baby. Some hospitals do blood tests routinely at 28 and 36 weeks. In some hospitals, a fetal blood test is done after about 18 to 20 weeks. Blood is taken from the umbilical cord. This is to check for abdominal chromozones or infections.
A urine test is done to check for the presence of protein which could mean an infection or later, pre- eclampsia, glucose or sugar which could signal diabetes or ketones which show that you’re not eating enough.
High blood pressure could mean a risk of pre-eclampsia, a potentially serious circulatory disorder. It is symptomless; it arises in the placenta, and so the baby grows more slowly than normal; but after the baby is born, the disease ends.
The abdomen is checked for the baby’s heart beat.
FOOD HYGIENE:
During pregnancy it is vital to take special care of food hygiene as infections can be transmitted in this way.
Listeria is a rare bacterium found in products made with unpasteurized milk liver, under- cooked meat and pre-cooked meals.
Avoid these products as infection during pregnancy could cause miscarriage or still birth.
Salmonella is a bacterium infection found in eggs and chicken that causes fever, abdominal pain and severe diarhoea. It’s destroyed by thorough cooking.
Water borne diseases can infect you if you don’t take care to wash your raw vegetables and fruit thoroughly.
Apart from food hygiene, you should wash your hands after touching pet animals or after visiting the toilet.
AFTER PREGNANCY:
Stitches need to be kept clean and dry to avoid infections.
Breasts: Keep them clean and dry and make sure your baby always empties them when she feeds. Also wear a proper nursing bra.
Take action immediately if you have cracked nipples. To prevent this apply a chamomile or calendula cream two or three times a day.
Engorgement of breasts can be avoided by having warm baths, wearing a good bra and by expressing some milk gently.
Blocked duct: Tight clothing can cause a blocked duct. Feed your baby often and wear a proper fitting bra.
Mastitis : Not treating a blocked duct can lead to mastitis.
This is an acute inflammation and redness of the breast. Empty your breast; the doctor may also prescribe an antibiotic.
Breast abscess: Untreated mastitis could lead to a breast abscess. You may feel feverish and there may be a red shiny patch on the breast which can be painfully tender. If antibiotics fail, then a minor operation to drain the abscess may be needed.
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