Infections during pregnancy can be  fatal . During pregnancy  some infections are more severe and can cause harm to the unborn baby. However there  are  ways you can reduce infections.
 

 

Ways to avoid infections during pregnancy

 
Hand washing : Wash your hands with soap and water especially after

• using the bathroom
• changing diapers
• handling pets
• gardening
• touching uncooked meat, raw eggs and unwashed vegetables
• being around sick people
• playing with kids
• getting saliva on your hands

 
Food precaution : You need to take these precautions when it comes to food.

• cook food until it is well done
• avoid unpasteurized milk and dairy products
• do not eat hot dogs, luncheon meat or deli meat until they are reheated steamy hot

Sexually transmitted infection STI : Your risk for sexually transmitted infections increases if you have more than one sexual partner. Unless you are absolutely sure your partner is free of STIs , you need to wear a condom anytime you have sex.

Animal and insect  borne illnesses : You need to avoid coming into contact with cat litter. Have someone else change the cat litter. Have a pest control professional get rid of pet droppings in and around the house. Let someone else care for rodent pets until after the baby arrives. You should also wear protective clothes or use insect repellants   to avoid mosquito bites. Ask your doctor which repellants are safe for pregnant women.

Immunization : Ask you doctor about vaccinations recommended before getting pregnant , during pregnancy and after delivery of the baby. Being up to date with your vaccines can help protect you and your baby from serious illnesses.

Stay away from sick people :  It is crucial  to avoid people with infections  such as chicken pox  especially if you have not had it before or haven’t been vaccinated against it.

Ask about group strep B :  If test shows that you have this bacteria, you will be given an IV with antibiotics during labor to prevent your baby from getting infected. This bacteria is harmless and may not even exhibit any symptoms. However it can cause harm to your unborn child.
 
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