Infections during
Pregnancy Nursing Care
Plan & Management
Description
1. Maternal infections during pregnancy may contribute
significantly to fetal morbidity and mortality.
2. Two of the most common groups of infections present
during pregnancy are sexually transmitted infections
and TORCH infections.
Sexually transmitted infections include:
1. Chlamydia
2. Gonorrhoea
3. Group B streptococcus
4. Hepatitis B
5. Human papillomavirus
6. Syphilis
7. Trichomonas
8. Candidiasis
9. Bacterial vaginosis
10. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
TORCH infections include:
1. Toxoplasmosis
2. Other infections- hepatitis A, infectious hepatitis, hepatitis
C, or syphilis
3. Rubella
4. Cytomegalovirus
5. Herpes simplex virus
Aetiology
,1. Infections in this category may be caused by various
viruses. Other organisms such as bacteria, spirochetes,
protozoa, or yeast also may cause maternal infections,
which are harmful to the developing foetus. Even though
the infection in the mother may be very mild, the effects on
the foetus can be catastrophic.
2. The infections organism may be acquired during sexual
intercourse, through the use of contaminated articles, such
as needles; from human body fluids (semen, saliva, blood,
urine, cervical mucus, breast milk, and stool); by eating
undercooked meat; or by contact with infected cat faeces in
the litter box, sand box, or garden soil.
3. Most organisms cross the placenta and infect the foetus,
causing birth anomalies. The foetus may also acquire the
organism as it travels the birth canal during labour, causing
illness after birth.
Pathophysiology
1. These infections organisms are capable of crossing the
placenta and adversely affecting the development of the
foetus. Spontaneous abortion or fetal new born
abnormalities may occur.
2. In some instances, the infection can also cause infertility or
sterility in the mother.
Assessment Findings For Sexually Transmitted Diseases
1. Associated findings
a. Previous history of sexually transmitted disease or pelvic
inflammatory disease.
b. Numerous sexual partners
c. Use of intravenous drugs or partners who use intravenous
drugs
2. Common clinical manifestations
a. PROM
b. Preterm birth
, c. Systemic fetal infection
3. Laboratory and diagnostic study findings. Serologic and
culture testing will reveal infection.
Assessment Findings For Torch Infections
1. Common clinical manifestations
a. Influenza-type symptoms
b. Rash
c. Lymphedema and lymphadenopathy
2. Laboratory and diagnostic study findings. Serologic and
culture testing will reveal infection.
Implementation
1. Carefully screen for infections during pregnancy and treat
possible infections as ordered.
▪ At the first prenatal visit, the pregnant woman should have
a rubella titter drawn. A titter of 1:8 provides evidence of
immunity. If the titter is below 1:8, rubella vaccine is offered
to the woman before discharge postpartum. Those women
who require the vaccine should be cautioned not to become
pregnant for at least 3 months afterward.
▪ Cytomegalovirus currently has no effective therapy. This is
important to remember because the highest rate of maternal
infections occurs between the ages of 15 and 35. Usually, the
infection is symptomatic.
▪ Women who are presumed to be susceptible to varicella-
zoster (chicken-pox) should have immune testing. Varicella-
zoster immune globulin should be administered to those
who are susceptible or who have been exposed. Varicella-
zoster immune globulin should be administered to the
exposed new born within 72 hours of their birth.
▪ All pregnant women should be screened for Haig, the
hepatitis B surface antigen. The hepatitis B immune globulin
can prevent infection in both mother and new born. An
initial injection can be given to the new born, followed by
Pregnancy Nursing Care
Plan & Management
Description
1. Maternal infections during pregnancy may contribute
significantly to fetal morbidity and mortality.
2. Two of the most common groups of infections present
during pregnancy are sexually transmitted infections
and TORCH infections.
Sexually transmitted infections include:
1. Chlamydia
2. Gonorrhoea
3. Group B streptococcus
4. Hepatitis B
5. Human papillomavirus
6. Syphilis
7. Trichomonas
8. Candidiasis
9. Bacterial vaginosis
10. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
TORCH infections include:
1. Toxoplasmosis
2. Other infections- hepatitis A, infectious hepatitis, hepatitis
C, or syphilis
3. Rubella
4. Cytomegalovirus
5. Herpes simplex virus
Aetiology
,1. Infections in this category may be caused by various
viruses. Other organisms such as bacteria, spirochetes,
protozoa, or yeast also may cause maternal infections,
which are harmful to the developing foetus. Even though
the infection in the mother may be very mild, the effects on
the foetus can be catastrophic.
2. The infections organism may be acquired during sexual
intercourse, through the use of contaminated articles, such
as needles; from human body fluids (semen, saliva, blood,
urine, cervical mucus, breast milk, and stool); by eating
undercooked meat; or by contact with infected cat faeces in
the litter box, sand box, or garden soil.
3. Most organisms cross the placenta and infect the foetus,
causing birth anomalies. The foetus may also acquire the
organism as it travels the birth canal during labour, causing
illness after birth.
Pathophysiology
1. These infections organisms are capable of crossing the
placenta and adversely affecting the development of the
foetus. Spontaneous abortion or fetal new born
abnormalities may occur.
2. In some instances, the infection can also cause infertility or
sterility in the mother.
Assessment Findings For Sexually Transmitted Diseases
1. Associated findings
a. Previous history of sexually transmitted disease or pelvic
inflammatory disease.
b. Numerous sexual partners
c. Use of intravenous drugs or partners who use intravenous
drugs
2. Common clinical manifestations
a. PROM
b. Preterm birth
, c. Systemic fetal infection
3. Laboratory and diagnostic study findings. Serologic and
culture testing will reveal infection.
Assessment Findings For Torch Infections
1. Common clinical manifestations
a. Influenza-type symptoms
b. Rash
c. Lymphedema and lymphadenopathy
2. Laboratory and diagnostic study findings. Serologic and
culture testing will reveal infection.
Implementation
1. Carefully screen for infections during pregnancy and treat
possible infections as ordered.
▪ At the first prenatal visit, the pregnant woman should have
a rubella titter drawn. A titter of 1:8 provides evidence of
immunity. If the titter is below 1:8, rubella vaccine is offered
to the woman before discharge postpartum. Those women
who require the vaccine should be cautioned not to become
pregnant for at least 3 months afterward.
▪ Cytomegalovirus currently has no effective therapy. This is
important to remember because the highest rate of maternal
infections occurs between the ages of 15 and 35. Usually, the
infection is symptomatic.
▪ Women who are presumed to be susceptible to varicella-
zoster (chicken-pox) should have immune testing. Varicella-
zoster immune globulin should be administered to those
who are susceptible or who have been exposed. Varicella-
zoster immune globulin should be administered to the
exposed new born within 72 hours of their birth.
▪ All pregnant women should be screened for Haig, the
hepatitis B surface antigen. The hepatitis B immune globulin
can prevent infection in both mother and new born. An
initial injection can be given to the new born, followed by
