Q: Are there any infections that I need to take note of during my pregnancy?

1) Chicken Pox

This is particularly dangerous if contracted before delivery because it can infect the foetus. If you have never contracted chicken pox before, do avoid anyone who may have the disease. If a child is born while the mother still shows signs of chicken pox, there may be a need for an immunoglobulin injection for the baby. Your doctor will decide this.

2) Toxoplasmosis

It is caused by a parasite that can affect the foetus. It is contracted by eating half-cooked meat. It can also pass from animals such as cats to humans. If you own a cat, you can have your own body checked for toxoplasmosis before and shortly after becoming pregnant.

3) Herpes

It occurs in the genital tract and can cause much pain and ulcers. There is only a small risk of affecting the baby as she moves down the birth canal.

4) German Measles (Rubella)

If this is contracted during the 1st 3 months of pregnancy, it may cause deafness, intellectual disability and heart abnormalities in the foetus.

This illness can be prevented by immunisation but you must not be immunised when you are pregnant.

Ask your doctor to do a blood test for you if you are not sure whether you are immune to it.

Fortunately, the majority of women are immune to German measles as they had the disease during childhood or they have already been immunised against it.