HEALTHIER YOU: Preventing infection during pregnancy

BY DR. ANNETTE MAYES, OB/GYN

Some infections before and during pregnancy can hurt both you and your developing fetus. They can cause serious illness, birth defects, and lifelong disabilities, such as hearing loss or learning problems.

Here are some tips to help prevent infections before and during pregnancy …

Protect yourself from Zika virus

Zika virus can be passed from a pregnant woman to her fetus during pregnancy or to her baby around the time of birth. Zika virus infection during pregnancy can cause microcephaly (a birth defect where a baby’s head and brain are smaller than babies of the same age and sex) and other severe brain defects.

If you must travel to an area with Zika, Talk to your doctor or other healthcare provider first and strictly follow steps to prevent mosquito bites during the trip.

Wash your hands with soap and water after the following: Using the bathroom; touching raw meat, raw eggs, or unwashed vegetables; preparing food and eating; gardening or touching dirt or soil; handling pets; being around people who are sick; getting saliva (spit) on your hands; avoid unpasteurized (raw) milk and foods made from it; do not touch or change dirty cat litter; stay away from wild or pet rodents and their droppings; get tested for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), such as HIV and hepatitis B, and protect yourself from them; talk to your healthcare provider about vaccinations (shots); avoid people who have an infection; ask your doctor about group B strep.

These tips can help you prevent infections that could harm you and your developing baby. You will not always know if you have an infection and sometimes you will not feel sick. If you think you might have an infection or think you are at risk, see your healthcare provider. Be sure to talk with your healthcare provider to learn more about safe food preparation, wearing insect repellent when outside, taking medicine, and other important topics.

For more information, call Las Vegas All Women’s Care at (702) 522-9640. Or visit us at 700 Shadow Lane #165 in Las Vegas.