Screening For Maternal Infections

Maternal screening is done to ensure that you understand if any blood infections can affect you or your baby. It is done by professionals and is a safe process.

Pregnancy is a time when you must be extremely careful and ensure that you are under constant care. The most common implication is that it might further increase complications if you cannot assess it on time. Not only that, the infections can sometimes be catastrophic for the mother as well as the baby.

Different Types of Screening For Maternal Infections

1. HIV Screening: The first infection the mother should take up is HIV or human immunodeficiency virus. It is essential as it can spread to the infant and tends to posit life risks.
2. Hepatitis: The next screenings, which come in two different domains, are the hepatitis B and hepatitis C virus screenings. Did you know that approximately 80–84% of women are positive when they test for the same?
3. Syphilis: Although this infection is less prevalent now, there are times when pregnant mothers get tested and are positive for syphilis. It is a sexually transmitted infection. The infant is usually born with defects and is extremely malnourished.
4. Chicken Pox and Measles: Both are contagious diseases and if the mother somehow contracts it, immediate care is necessary. Babies can be severely impaired if the mother gets the disease; if they do not take immediate action, it can worsen.

Why Are the Tests Conducted?

The first three tests are extremely important during pregnancy, and you must take them routinely. On the other hand, the last two that we have mentioned are only important if you showcase symptoms for them.

Maternal screening for infection is often neglected, but you should not do the same. Some of the major reasons behind conducting the test are:

• Screening for infections at an early stage.
• Providing the mother and the infant with immediate care and medication.
• Understanding possible complications during the delivery of the infant.

Preparing For the Test

As a pregnant mother, preparing for the maternal screening can be difficult because there is a bit of apprehension regarding the same. Here are some things you can do to prepare for the test!

• Keep a calm mind and do not panic because that could harm the infant.
• Ask your test provider if you need to cut down on water or food before the screening. Usually, for pregnant mothers, this is not advisable.
• Consult with your gynecologist. Once they give you a green signal, do not hesitate and take these tests.
• Don't be too worried, as it can have an impact on the levels of your blood pressure.

Risk Factors Associated With The Test

You can rest assured that all the tests mentioned above are extremely safe, and you do not need to worry. The technician tends to draw a small amount of blood from your body. You need to be aware of whom you are calling for the test and whether they are trusted and maintain optimum levels of hygiene.

When Should You See A Doctor?

There is a global surge in the number of mothers contracting infections. The best thing to do is be under routine screening, which can help you assess better. Don't worry; the process is quite simple and risk-free.

Request an appointment at Apollo Cradle, Hyderabad - Jubilee Hills. Call 1860-500-4424 to book an appointment.