Infection in Pregnancy

UTI - Urinary Tract Infection - The hormones that relax the womb also relax the bladder, making infection with bacteria more likely. It is important that your urine is checked once pregnant as some women (up to 10%) can have bacteria in their urine and not even know it (asymptomatic bacteruria). Antibiotics can treat these bacteria before a serious infection develops. If you are passing urine frequently, have pain passing urine or feel unwell, get your urine checked as soon as possible. Fortunately these infections rarely affect the fetus if treated early.

Chorioamniotis
In pregnancy the womb (uterus) can become infected, either through the blood stream or ascending infection from the vagina. This is more common if the membranes have ruptured (see PROM). Although uncommon it is a very serious life threatening complication. The uterus become tender and the mother often has a fever and vaginal discharge. If you experience unusual abdominal pain, especially with a feveer or discharge, you should contact your obstetrician or midwife (see major symptoms - abdominal pain).

Other infections
The mother can get other infections throughout the body, whether pregnant or not, e.g. chest infection. Most of these infections will only put the baby at risk if the mother becomes very unwell, so early diagnosis and treatment is the safest approach.