Being pregnant is amazing for a lot of reasons – it’s simply magical to experience a life growing within you. However, baby bump time is also a vulnerable period for mothers because they are more susceptible to infections. Sometimes these infections pose a threat not just to the mom but to the baby as well so it’s important to be more conscious about protecting yourself. Here are some tips on preventing pregnancy infections.
1. Maintain good hygiene.
Wash your hands often—especially when you’re around or caring for children, before and/or after using the bathroom, handling food or even blowing your nose. If there’s no soap/water, use a hand sanitiser.
2. Cook your meat until it’s well done.
The juices should run clear and there should be no pink inside. Avoid hot dogs, suya or other undercooked meat unless they are reheated until steaming hot because they might contain harmful bacteria.
3. Avoid unpasteurized (raw) milk and eggs.
Do not eat soft cheeses unless they have labels that say they are made from pasteurized milk. Unpasteurized (raw) products can contain harmful bacteria.
4. Ask your doctor about Group B streptococcus (GBS).
About 1 in 4 women carry GBS but do not feel sick but an easy swab test near the end of your pregnancy will show if you’re infected. Talk to your doctor about how to protect your baby during labour.
5. Talk to your doctor about vaccinations.
Some vaccines are recommended before you become pregnant, during pregnancy, or right after delivery. Having the right vaccinations at the right time can help keep you healthy.
6. Get tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Some people that have STIs do not feel sick or have any symptoms. It’s important to know if you have an STI when you’re pregnant because this can have serious effects on you and your baby.
7. Avoid people who have an infection.
This is especially true for infections like chickenpox or rubella. Chickenpox can cause pregnancy complications/birth defects & rubella can put you at risk for miscarriage or stillbirth. The same applies to COVID-19.
Infections during pregnancy can hurt both you and your baby. Thankfully, you can improve the chances that your baby will be born healthy by taking these precautions. When you make healthy choices on a daily basis, preventing pregnancy infections is a more straightforward process.
