Infections

Title: Infections During Pregnancy: Risks to the Baby and the Importance of Early Diagnosis

Introduction:

During pregnancy, certain infections can pose a risk to both the mother and the developing baby. Timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial to minimize potential complications. This webpage aims to provide information on common infections that can affect the baby during pregnancy, including their symptoms, diagnostic methods, and potential long-term effects if left untreated. Last, if your baby is injured by one of these infections, you should consult with a Maryland birth infections lawyer.

Birth Infections

1. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Infection:
   • Symptoms:
     • Most pregnant women with CMV infection show no symptoms.
     • In some cases, symptoms may include fever, fatigue, muscle aches, and swollen glands.
   • Diagnosis:
     • Blood tests can diagnose CMV infection, including serology and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing.
   • Potential Long-Term Effects:
     • Consequently, if left untreated, CMV infection can lead to hearing loss, vision problems, developmental delays, and intellectual disabilities in the baby.
2. Rubella (German Measles) Infection:
   • Symptoms:
     • Symptoms of rubella infection in pregnant women are similar to those in non-pregnant individuals and may include rash, fever, headache, and swollen lymph nodes.
   • Diagnosis:
     • Rubella infection can be diagnosed through blood tests to detect specific antibodies.
   • Potential Long-Term Effects:
     • If rubella infection occurs during the first trimester, it can cause severe birth defects, including deafness, heart abnormalities, intellectual disabilities, and vision problems.
3. Toxoplasmosis Infection:
   • Symptoms:
     • Pregnant women with toxoplasmosis may experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, and fatigue.
     • However, most infected individuals show no symptoms.
   • Diagnosis:
     • Blood tests to detect specific antibodies can diagnose Toxoplasmosis.
   • Potential Long-Term Effects:
     • If left untreated, toxoplasmosis can lead to eye and brain damage, hearing loss, and intellectual disabilities in the baby.
4. Group B Streptococcus (GBS) Infection:
   • Symptoms:
     • GBS infection in pregnant women typically does not cause symptoms.
     • However, it can lead to urinary tract infections or, rarely, more severe infections.
   • Diagnosis:
     • GBS infection is diagnosed through a swab test of the vagina and rectum during the third trimester.
   • Potential Long-Term Effects:
     • If GBS infection is not treated promptly during pregnancy, it can result in serious complications for the baby, including sepsis, pneumonia, and meningitis.

For each of these infections, speak to the Maryland birth infections lawyer at the Kopec Law Firm for advice specific to your child’s situation.

Next Step: Call a Maryland Birth Infections Lawyer Now

Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of infections during pregnancy are essential to protect the health and well-being of both the mother and the baby. Failure to diagnose or treat these infections in a timely manner may constitute medical malpractice, potentially leading to long-term consequences for the baby. If you suspect negligence or have concerns about your medical care, then it is important to consult with a Maryland birth infection lawyer to understand your rights and options.

Visit the free consultation page or video. Then contact the Kopec Law Firm at 800-604-0704 to speak directly with Attorney Mark Kopec. He is a top-rated Baltimore medical malpractice lawyer. The Kopec Law Firm is in Baltimore and pursues cases throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C.