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Symptoms of Infection in Pregnancy

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

Condition InDepth

Symptoms of Infection in Pregnancy

Symptoms of infection differ with each type of infection. You may not have any signs. Or, an infection may cause mild signs that are like the flu. If you think you have an infection, talk to your doctor right away.

  • Signs of parvovirus B19 (fifth disease) may be:
    • Joint pain
    • Fatigue
    • Rash on the face, trunk, arms, and legs
  • Signs of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) may be:
    • Itching around vagina
    • Discharge
    • Pain during sex
    • Pain in the pelvis
    • Sores or blisters
  • Signs of chorioamnionitis may be:
    • Fever
    • Rapid heartbeat (the baby may also have a rapid heartbeat)
    • Sweating
    • A womb that is tender to the touch
    • A discharge that has an unusual smell
  • Signs of listeriosis may be:
    • Mild signs like the flu
    • Headaches
    • Muscle aches
    • Fever
    • If listeriosis spreads to the nervous system it can cause stiff neck, confusion, or seizures.
  • Signs of a urinary tract infection (UTI) may be:
    • Nausea and vomiting
    • Pain or burning feeling when urinating
    • Sense of incomplete urination
    • Aching pain over the bladder
    • Blood in the urine
    • Need to urinate often
    • If the UTI moves to the kidneys and into the blood stream, it can cause pelvic pain, back pain, vomiting, fever, and early labor.
  • Signs of chickenpox infection may be:
    • Fever
    • Itchy rash
    • Weakness
    • Chills
    • Headache

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

(C) Copyright 2023 EBSCO Information Services

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.