Infections that Affect Pregnancy

Beautiful pregnant woman sitting on bed at home. Young african pregnant woman relaxing in bedroom with her hands on her belly.

If you're pregnant or planning a pregnancy, there are simple steps you can take to protect you and your unborn baby or newborn from infections that cause serious health problems.

Vaginal infections have been linked with a pregnancy in the tubes (ectopic pregnancy), preterm labor, babies born too early and Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (an infection in the uterus and tubes) that can lead to problems getting pregnant in the future.

Babies born early have a much higher chance of dying within the first year of life. Since over 50% of pregnancies in the United States are not planned, it is important to take steps to avoid getting an infection or, if you have an infection, to get treated as soon as possible.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) or bladder infections are more common in women who are pregnant. If you are pregnant and think you may have a UTI, be sure to tell your doctor right away. If untreated, it may cause problems for you and your baby, including kidney infection that may lead to preterm labor.

Learn about more simple steps that you can take to help keep your unborn baby safe and healthy.

If you are planning a pregnancy or are pregnant and have ever had more than one sex partner or have a partner that has had or currently has more than one sex partner, ask your health care provider to test you early in your pregnancy. Your insurance will likely pay for testing.

If you change partners during your pregnancy or suspect your partner has other partners(s), ask your health care provider to test again during pregnancy. The testing is simple and often the infection is curable before delivery. This will increase the chances for a healthy pregnancy and a strong and healthy baby.

Testing site locations or visit http://hivtest.org/.

A pregnant mother who may have HIV needs to take precautions in preparation for the arrival of her newborn. She will need to think of her own health and the health of her child.

Not all infected women will pass HIV to their child. Only 1 in 4 pregnant women with HIV will transmit the virus to their newborn. There are some things you can do to decrease the risk of transmission. Today’s treatment can lower passing HIV to your child to a rate as low as 1 in 100.

Overview: HIV, STDs, and Viral Hepatitis during pregnancy

Contact Information

Jill Nobles-Botkin, APRN-CNM
Administrative Program Manager
Email: MCH@health.ok.gov

Mailing Address:
Oklahoma State Department of Health
Perinatal and Reproductive Health Division
123 Robert S. Kerr. Ave Suite 1702
Oklahoma City, OK 73102-6406

Physical Address:
Oklahoma State Department of Health
Perinatal and Reproductive Health Division
123 Robert S. Kerr. Ave
Oklahoma City, OK

Infections that Affect Pregnancy

Getting Tested

HIV and Pregnancy

Resources

Contact Information