Pregnancy brings about numerous physiological changes that can manifest as discomforts. It is important to distinguish between these expected changes and actual illnesses. Common experiences for pregnant individuals include morning sickness, fatigue, heartburn, and mild swelling. While uncomfortable, these symptoms are typically a normal part of the body adapting to pregnancy. However, true illnesses caused by infections or other health conditions can also occur and warrant attention. Distinguishing between normal pregnancy discomforts and symptoms indicating an underlying illness is important for maternal and fetal well-being.
Understanding Common Illnesses
Pregnant individuals may experience common illnesses like colds, influenza (flu), and urinary tract infections (UTIs) more frequently due to changes in their immune system and physiology. The common cold, caused by viruses, typically presents with symptoms such as a runny nose, sore throat, coughing, and sneezing. While generally mild, pregnancy can sometimes lead to more prolonged or uncomfortable cold symptoms due to a somewhat suppressed immune system.
Influenza, or the flu, can pose a greater risk during pregnancy, potentially leading to more severe illness. Symptoms often include fever, body aches, headache, fatigue, and respiratory issues like cough and sore throat. The immune system’s adaptations during pregnancy can make pregnant individuals more susceptible to flu complications such as pneumonia.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are also common in pregnancy, affecting up to 10% of pregnant women. This increased susceptibility is due to hormonal changes that relax the urinary tract, slowing urine flow. The growing uterus also puts pressure on the bladder, potentially leading to incomplete emptying, and the urine itself becomes more conducive to bacterial growth. Symptoms of a UTI can include painful or burning urination, frequent urges to urinate, cloudy or strong-smelling urine, and pelvic discomfort. Untreated UTIs can potentially lead to more serious kidney infections, preterm labor, and low birth weight.
Serious Infections and Conditions
Certain infections and health conditions can pose significant risks during pregnancy, affecting either the pregnant individual or the developing baby. Foodborne illnesses are a particular concern; for instance, Listeria can cause listeriosis, a serious bacterial infection leading to miscarriage, stillbirth, or severe illness in newborns. Pregnant individuals are approximately 10 to 20 times more likely to contract listeriosis than the general population due to physiological and immunological changes. Toxoplasmosis, caused by a parasite often found in undercooked meat or cat feces, can result in severe neurological damage or eye problems for the baby if acquired during pregnancy. The risk of fetal infection increases later in pregnancy, though earlier infections may lead to more severe outcomes.
Viral infections can also be dangerous. Rubella, if contracted early in pregnancy, especially within the first 12 weeks, can lead to congenital rubella syndrome (CRS), causing deafness, cataracts, heart defects, and intellectual disabilities in the baby. Chickenpox (varicella) during the first 20 weeks of pregnancy poses a small risk of congenital varicella syndrome, which can cause skin scarring, limb abnormalities, and eye or brain damage. If contracted near delivery, it can lead to severe, life-threatening neonatal varicella.
Cytomegalovirus (CMV), a common virus, usually causes mild symptoms in adults but can lead to hearing loss, developmental delays, or vision problems in newborns if transmitted during pregnancy. The risk to the baby is highest with a primary infection in the first half of pregnancy. The Zika virus, primarily transmitted by mosquitoes, is a significant concern due to its link with microcephaly and other severe brain defects in babies, potentially causing growth problems, miscarriage, or stillbirth. COVID-19 infection during pregnancy has been associated with increased risks of severe illness for the pregnant individual and potential complications like preterm birth or stillbirth for the baby. Group B Streptococcus (GBS), a common bacterium found in the vagina or rectum of about 25% of healthy women, usually causes no harm in adults but can cause life-threatening infections in newborns if transmitted during vaginal delivery, including sepsis, pneumonia, or meningitis.
When to Contact a Healthcare Provider
Knowing when to seek medical attention during pregnancy is important for addressing potential complications promptly. Certain symptoms warrant immediate or urgent consultation with a healthcare provider. A high fever (100.4°F / 38°C or higher) should always be reported, as it can indicate an infection affecting both the pregnant individual and the baby. Persistent or severe vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration, a serious concern during pregnancy requiring medical evaluation.
Severe or unremitting headaches, especially if accompanied by vision changes or swelling, could signal conditions like preeclampsia. Any unusual vaginal discharge, bleeding, or fluid leaking from the vagina should be immediately reported, as these could indicate infection, preterm labor, or other complications. Abdominal pain that is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms also requires urgent medical assessment. A noticeable reduction in fetal movement, particularly in the later stages of pregnancy, necessitates immediate medical attention. It is always best to consult a healthcare provider for any concerning symptoms rather than attempting self-diagnosis or waiting for symptoms to worsen.
Steps to Maintain Health
Maintaining health during pregnancy involves several proactive measures to reduce the risk of illness. Practicing proper hand hygiene, such as frequent washing with soap and water, is a simple yet effective way to prevent the spread of infections. This is especially important before eating and after using the restroom or being in public places.
Food safety practices are also paramount. This includes thoroughly cooking meats to recommended temperatures and washing fruits and vegetables carefully. Certain foods, like unpasteurized dairy products, soft cheeses, deli meats, and raw or undercooked eggs, should be avoided due to the risk of bacterial infections such as Listeria and Salmonella.
Staying up-to-date on recommended vaccinations, such as the inactivated influenza (flu) vaccine, the Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis/whooping cough) vaccine, and the COVID-19 vaccine, offers important protection for both the pregnant individual and the newborn. The RSV vaccine is also recommended during late pregnancy to protect the baby from severe respiratory illness. Minimizing contact with individuals who are sick can help prevent exposure to infectious diseases. Adequate rest and a balanced, nutritious diet are fundamental for supporting the immune system and overall health throughout pregnancy.