PATHCHAT Edition
Published: 2024
Please contact your local Ampath pathologist for more information.
Why is Infectious Disease Screening Important During Pregnancy?
✅ Infections can impact both the mother and baby
- Certain infections can lead to complications such as:
- Miscarriage.
- Preterm birth.
- Congenital anomalies.
- Severe neonatal infections.
✅ Basic precautions, routine screening, and vaccinations help protect both mother and child.
📌 Early detection and prevention of infections during pregnancy improve outcomes for both mother and baby.
Available Screening Tests for Infections During Pregnancy
Before Falling Pregnant
- Rubella antibodies:
- If rubella antibodies are absent or too low, a rubella vaccine should be administered at least one month before conception.
Screening During Early Pregnancy
- Urine culture:
- Screens for bacteria in the urine, which can increase the risk of pyelonephritis and preterm birth.
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs):
- HIV.
- Syphilis.
- Hepatitis B virus.
- Other STIs as indicated.
Screening During Late Pregnancy
- Vagino-rectal swab at 35–37 weeks:
- Detects Group B Streptococcus (GBS) colonisation.
- GBS colonisation can result in neonatal sepsis, a life-threatening condition in newborns.
- Repeat screening for:
- HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B virus, and other STIs (if indicated).
📌 Routine screening during different pregnancy stages helps prevent complications and ensures appropriate treatment when needed.
Recommended Vaccinations During Pregnancy
✅ Influenza Vaccine
- Pregnant women are at higher risk of severe complications from influenza.
- Safe at any stage of pregnancy.
- Strongly recommended by international guidelines.
✅ Tdap Vaccine (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis)
- Protects newborns from pertussis (whooping cough), which can be life-threatening.
- Administered between 27–36 weeks of pregnancy.
- Provides passive immunity to the baby through transplacental antibody transfer.
✅ SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccine
- Recommended for all pregnant women to reduce the risk of severe illness and complications.
📌 Vaccination during pregnancy helps protect both the mother and baby from severe infections.
How to Stay Healthy During Pregnancy
✅ Safe Sexual Practices
- Prevention of STIs through safe sex reduces pregnancy complications.
✅ Avoid High-Risk Foods
- Do not consume:
- Raw eggs.
- Undercooked, raw, or processed meat.
- Unpasteurised milk, cheese, and fruit juice.
- Raw sprouts and unwashed fresh produce.
✅ Avoid Animal-Associated Infections
- Avoid handling cat litter to reduce the risk of toxoplasmosis.
- Avoid petting zoos and contact with farm animals.
📌 Following basic hygiene and food safety practices can prevent many infections during pregnancy.
Contact Information
✅ For more information or to arrange testing, contact:
- Ampath Customer Care: 012 678 1000
- Visit: ampath.co.za
📌 Screening and vaccination during pregnancy are essential for maternal and newborn health.