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Diagnosis of Infection in Pregnancy

Authors:
  • Cynthia M. Johnson, MA
Publication Type:

Condition InDepth

Diagnosis of Infection in Pregnancy

You will be asked about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done.

The tests you will have depend on your symptoms, health, stage of pregnancy, and what infection the doctor thinks you might have. These tests may be done to find out whether you or your growing baby has an infection:

  • Culture—Your genitals will be gently swabbed to see if an infection is there. Your urine and blood will also be tested.
  • Urinalysis—This is a test to check for bacteria in the urine. A special paper strip will be used to test it. It may also be sent to a lab.
  • Ultrasound —This tool uses sound waves to make a picture of the baby. This helps check for any abnormalities with the baby that might point to an infection in the mother.
  • Amniocentesis—A test that removes a bit of the fluid around your baby. It will be tested.
  • Chest x-ray (rare)—A test that takes a picture of structures inside the chest. A shield is used to protect your growing baby.

References

  • Bacterial vaginosis during pregnancy. American Pregnancy Association website. Available at: http://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancycomplications/bacterialvaginosis-2.html.
  • Chickenpox. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T116084/Chickenpox .
  • Chorioamnionitis. Cleveland Clinic website. Available at: http://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases_conditions/hic_Am_I_Pregnant/hic_Premature_Labor/hic_Chorioamnionitis.
  • Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and congenital CMV infection. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/cmv/index.html.
  • Group B Strep (GBS). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/groupbstrep/index.html.
  • Listeria and pregnancy. American Pregnancy Association website. Available at: http://www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnancyhealth/listeria.html.
  • Pregnancy and fifth disease. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/parvovirusB19/pregnancy.html.
  • STDs during pregnancy. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/std/pregnancy/default.htm.
  • Toxoplasmosis. Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at: http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/toxoplasmosis.html.
  • Urinary tract infection during pregnancy. American Pregnancy Association website. Available at: http://www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnancycomplications/utiduringpreg.html.

Contributors

  • Beverly Siegal, MD, FACOG
Last Updated:
2023-03-29

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This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.