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Infections and Pregnancy
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Pregnancy Reproduction

Infections and Pregnancy

While some common infections are mild during pregnancy, others can pose serious risks to both the parent and the fetus, making early detection and prevention essential.

How can infections affect your pregnancy?

During pregnancy, some common infections such as the common cold or a skin infection do not usually cause serious problems. Some infections, such as the flu, can be more severe when you're pregnant. But other infections can be harmful to you, your fetus, or both.

Certain infections during pregnancy may lead to or cause complications or health problems for your fetus, such as:

  • Preterm birth
  • Low birth weight
  • Serious illness
  • Birth defects
  • Lifelong disabilities, such as hearing loss or learning problems

What infections can be harmful during pregnancy?

Some infections that can be harmful during pregnancy include:

  • Bacterial vaginosis (BV)
  • Group B strep (GBS)
  • Cytomegalovirus
  • Hepatitis
  • Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
  • Toxoplasmosis
  • Urinary tract infections
  • Yeast infections
  • Zika virus

What are the symptoms of an infection during pregnancy?

Sometimes, it's hard to know what's normal during pregnancy. Symptoms of an infection can vary based on the infection. Talk with your health care provider about what symptoms to look for and how to keep healthy. But, if something is worrying you, share your symptoms with your provider for early detection and treatment of infections.

What are the treatments for infections during pregnancy?

If you do get an infection during pregnancy, contact your provider about treatment that will best protect you and your fetus. Only some medicines are safe during pregnancy.

Can infections during pregnancy be prevented?

Taking care of yourself and getting early and regular prenatal care from your provider may help identify and treat infections early.

To lower your risk of certain infections or prevent others:

  • Don't eat raw or undercooked meat.
  • Don't share food or drinks with other people.
  • Wash your hands frequently.
  • Don't clean litter boxes. Cats can transmit toxoplasmosis.
  • Talk to your provider about vaccinations.
  • If you have sex, use a condom every time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Symptoms of infection can vary widely, but you should contact your provider if you experience fever, chills, unusual vaginal discharge, pain or burning during urination, persistent cough or flu-like symptoms, skin rashes, or any new or worsening symptoms that worry you. Early detection and treatment are crucial for protecting both you and your fetus.
When an infection is diagnosed during pregnancy, your healthcare provider will carefully weigh the risks of the infection to both you and your fetus against the potential risks of treatment. They will choose medications known to be safe and effective during pregnancy, often at the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration necessary. In some cases, monitoring may be preferred over immediate treatment, depending on the specific infection and its severity.
To prevent toxoplasmosis, avoid eating undercooked meat, wash hands thoroughly after handling raw meat, and avoid changing cat litter or wear gloves if you must. For Group B strep, there are no specific preventative measures you can take, but your provider will screen you between 36 and 37 weeks of pregnancy and offer antibiotics during labor if you test positive to protect your baby. Practicing safe sex can prevent STIs, and avoiding mosquito bites is key for Zika prevention.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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