Love shines brighter in February, but nothing compares to the glowing face of an expectant or first-time mother. Protecting their baby is instinctive. Mothers naturally take precautions against respiratory infection during cold and flu season. The risk of prenatal infection is less obvious but equally dangerous. These infections can be transmitted from a mother to a baby during pregnancy or delivery. Prenatal Infection Prevention Month in February promotes awareness to reduce risk.
“Expectant mothers need to understand how to prevent infections even before their baby is born. I provide personalized nursing support to eligible first-time mothers and help them learn ways to promote a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby,” explained Valerie Wagner, BSN, RN- PHN, Bright Start home visiting nurse for the South Dakota Foundation for Medical Care (SDFMC).
Mothers can unknowingly pass fungal, parasitic, bacterial, or viral illnesses during pregnancy or delivery. These infections can result in disability or stillbirth, but they can also be prevented. Pregnant women can follow these simple tips to prevent prenatal infections.
- Wash your hands with soap and water, especially after these high-risk infection situations
- Using the bathroom or changing diapers
- Touching raw meat, eggs, or unwashed vegetables
- Preparing food and eating
- Touching dirt
- Handling pets
- Visiting sick people
- Touching saliva
- Caring for children
- Avoid contact with dirty cat litter and other animal droppings
- Get tested for sexually transmitted diseases
- Talk to your healthcare provider about vaccinations and group B strep
- Avoid people who are feeling ill or have an infection
Recognizing when someone has an infection is difficult, especially when symptoms of infection are missing. Awareness is the first step for women to protect themselves and their developing babies. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers 10 Tips for Preventing Infection Before and During Pregnancy.
Talking to a health care provider or consulting a Bright Start home visiting nurse is the next step for preventing harm from prenatal infection. Anyone can start the Bright Start enrollment process by completing the referral form for themself, a friend, or a family member.
