Obstetric and Gynecological Nursing - The Carter Center

Transmission of infection to the fetus can occur as:
- Via the transplacentally for example the human
immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and rubella
- By ascending via the vagina after rupture of the
membranes
- As the baby passes through the birth canal
Care of the woman with an infection
If the woman contracts an infection investigations of the cause
of infection include blood culture and culture of a high vaginal
swab should be assessed.
Treatment
Antimicrobial therapy is undertaken with care over use of
broad – spectium antibiotics has produced resistant
organisms and some antibiotics are contraindicated in
pregnancy because of their effect on the fetus
6.7.2 Pulmonary tuberculosis
Effects on the Woman
The over all effect is to debilitate the woman, making her less
able to cope with pregnancy and her existing family.
Transplacentally, infection of the fetus is rare but possible and
there is a suggestion that the risk of abortion may be
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