Davidson County
Health Department
Monecia R. Thomas, MHA
Health Director
Michael Garrison, MD
Medical Director
Rebecca Daley, RN, MHA
Chair, Board of Health
THE PUBLIC PULSE
“Your Health Department Working for You”
Contact: Jen Hames
242-2354
Date: February 2, 2015
For Release: Immediately
INTERNATIONAL PRENATAL INFECTION PREVENTION MONTH
Quite exciting news to an expecting mother is what’s going on inside of her belly.
Prenatal refers to both the care of the woman during pregnancy and the growth and development
of the fetus. As eager as the mother is to know what positive development is going on during her
pregnancy, there are some negative aspects that may occur. Prenatal infections are unexpectedly
common, yet many pregnant women do not know that they are infected or that their babies may be
at risk of infection. Some infections that can cause serious health problems to her and to her
unborn baby during the pregnancy are toxoplasmosis, Group B Strep, and some Sexually
Transmitted Diseases (STDs) just to name a few. If you're pregnant or planning a pregnancy,
there are simple steps you can take to protect your unborn baby or newborn from infections that
can be harmful to their health. Ask your health care provider about the best way to protect you and
your baby.
February is International Prenatal Infection Prevention Month! The underling goal is to
create awareness, find the best prevention methods, and increase women’s participation in
prevention programs. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),
approximately 1 in 4 pregnant women carry Group B Strep (GBS), the most common cause of
life-threatening infections in newborns. GBS is a type of bacteria that is naturally found in the
PO Box 439, Lexington, NC 27293
(336) 242-2300
digestive and reproductive tracts of both men and women. GBS can infect babies during
pregnancy and the first few months of life. Not every baby exposed to GBS becomes infected,
but, for the ones who do, the results can be destructive. GBS can cause babies to be miscarried,
stillborn, born prematurely, become very sick, have lifelong handicaps, or even die. This is why it
is important for expectant mothers to become aware and participate in prevention methods.
Toxoplasmosis is considered to be a leading cause of death caused by foodborne illness in
the United States, according to the CDC. Also, toxoplasmosis has been found in nearly all warmblooded animals including cats, so pregnant women should not clean the litter box. Men, women,
and children in the U.S. carry the Toxoplasma parasite, but very few have symptoms because the
immune system usually prevents the parasite from causing illness. However, women newly
infected with Toxoplasma during pregnancy should be aware that toxoplasmosis can have severe
consequences. Food should always be cooked to safe temperatures, a food thermometer should be
used to measure temperatures, do not sample meat until it is cooked, and always adhere to U.S.
Department of Agriculture (USDA) guidelines.
Women who are pregnant can become infected with sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
STDs can complicate pregnancy and may have serious effects on both a woman and her
developing baby. Some of these problems may be seen at birth; others may not be discovered until
months or years later. Sexually transmitted diseases can cause a pregnant woman to have a
miscarriage, premature labor, or premature birth. STDs can cause babies to have low birth weight
or be still born. STDs during pregnancy can be prevented by vaccinations, monogamy, condoms,
and testing.
You have the facts; now protect yourself and your unborn baby from Prenatal Infections!
For more information about prenatal infections, health department services, community data, or
health status data, contact the Public Information Officer at the Davidson County Health
Department at 336-242-2354.