Can a viral infection harm my unborn baby?

A viral infection is a contagious illness. Most viruses will not hurt your baby. However, some viruses can cause miscarriage or birth defects in your baby. A virus can affect your respiratory tract (breathing) and can cause other symptoms.

What viruses can harm an unborn baby?

Infections in pregnancy that may affect your baby

• Chickenpox in pregnancy.
• CMV in pregnancy.
• Group B streptococcus in pregnancy.
• Infections transmitted by animals.
• Hepatitis B.
• Herpes in pregnancy.
• HIV in pregnancy.
• Slapped cheek syndrome in pregnancy.

What is the most common virus transmitted in utero?

CMV is the most common virus known to be transmitted in utero, affecting approximately 0.5%-1.5% of births. Approximately 40% of maternal CMV infections during pregnancy result in congenital infection.

When is fetus most vulnerable to infection?

The fetus is most vulnerable during the first 12 weeks. During this period of time, all of the major organs and body systems are forming and can be damaged if the fetus is exposed to drugs, infectious agents, radiation, certain medications, tobacco and toxic substances.

Can a baby be born with a virus?

When a baby is infected in utero, it’s called “congenital CMV.” “The biggest concern is when the virus is first contracted during pregnancy, it can infect the baby and cause significant problems such as hearing and vision loss and learning disabilities,” said Shelley J.

What virus can cause miscarriage?

The association of systemic infections with malaria, brucellosis, cytomegalovirus and human immunodeficiency virus, dengue fever, influenza virus and of vaginal infection with bacterial vaginosis, with increased risk of miscarriage has been demonstrated.

How long does viral infection last in babies?

A viral infection usually lasts only a week or two. But when your child is feeling rotten, this can seem like a long time! Here are some tips to help ease symptoms and help your child get better faster: Rest.

How are viral infections treated in babies?

Viruses cannot be treated with antibiotics. The best remedy is for your child is to get an adequate amount of rest so her or her immune system will be able to fight the virus.

What happens if you get a viral infection during pregnancy?

It has been well established that viral infection of the cells at the maternal-fetal interface can affect placental function, which may result in pregnancy complications such as miscarriage, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), or preterm birth (PTB).

Can a fetus be infected with CMV during pregnancy?

The virus usually does not cause health problems, but once it is in a person’s body, it stays there for life and can reactivate at different times. A pregnant woman may not even know she has the infection, and she may pass the virus on to her fetus, causing congenital CMV infection.

What happens if you get cytomegalovirus during pregnancy?

Cytomegalovirus affects 1 of every 100 pregnant women. It can cause birth defects, such as hearing loss, development disabilities, or even death of the fetus. It’s important to prevent cytomegalovirus because there is no way to treat it. Women who work in day care centers or a health care setting have the highest risk of getting infected.

Can a baby get an eye infection during pregnancy?

Chlamydia infection during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of preterm birth and its complications. 2 If the infection is present and untreated at the time of delivery, it can lead to eye infections or pneumonia in the infant. 1 In most hospitals, infants’ eyes are routinely treated with an antibiotic ointment shortly after birth.