Treating an infection may stop it from being passed on to your newborn.
If there any concerns that the infection might harm the baby, you will be monitored. If your growing baby appears to be ill, there are special tests and ways to care for your baby. Your doctor will talk to you about them.
Some health problems, like herpes and HIV , can spread to your baby during a vaginal birth. In some cases, you may need a cesarean section instead. It may lower the chances of spreading the infection to your baby.
References
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and congenital CMV infection. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/cmv/index.html. Updated June 6, 2018. Accessed August 13, 2018.
Parvovirus B19 infection. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T115232/Parvovirus-B19-infection . Updated May 29, 2015. Accessed August 13, 2018.
Pregnancy and fifth disease. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/parvovirusB19/pregnancy.html. Updated November 17, 2017. August 13, 2018.
STDs during pregnancy. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/std/pregnancy/default.htm. Updated October 6, 2017. Accessed August 13, 2018.
Revision Information
- Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review Board Beverly Siegal, MD, FACOG
- Review Date: 05/2018
- Update Date: 08/13/2018