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Symptoms of Infection in Pregnancy

Symptoms of infection in pregnancy vary depending on the infection. Infections such as cytomegalovirus (CMV), group B streptococcal disease (GBS), toxoplasmosis, and some sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) may not have any physical symptoms. Or, an infection may cause mild, flu-like symptoms. If you think you have an infection during your pregnancy, it is important to talk to your doctor as soon as possible.

Symptoms of parvovirus B19 (fifth disease) may include:
- Joint pain
- Tiredness
- Rash on the face, trunk, arms, and legs
Symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) may include:
- Itching around vagina
- Discharge from vagina
- Pain during sex
- Pain in the pelvic area
- Sores or blisters in the pelvic area
Symptoms of chorioamnionitis may include:
- High temperature
- Rapid heartbeat (the baby may also have a rapid heartbeat)
- Sweating
- A uterus that is tender to the touch
- A discharge from the vagina that has an unusual smell
Symptoms of listeriosis may include:
- Mild, flu-like symptoms
- Headaches
- Muscle aches
- Fever
- If listeriosis spreads to the nervous system it can cause stiff neck, disorientation, or convulsions.
Symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI) may include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Discomfort or burning feeling when urinating
- Sense of incomplete bladder emptying
- Aching pain over the bladder
- Blood in the urine
- Need to urinate frequently
- If the UTI moves to the kidneys and into the blood stream, it can cause pelvic pain, back pain, vomiting, fever, and early labor.
Symptoms of chickenpox infection may include:
- Fever
- Itchy rash
- Weakness
- Chills
- Headache

References:

Bacterial vaginosis during pregnancy. American Pregnancy Association website. Available at: http://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancycomplications/bacter...vaginosis-2.html. Updated May 2005. Accessed October 4, 2012.

Chorioamnionitis. Cleveland Clinic website. Available at: http://www.clevelandclinic.org/health/health-info/docs/3800/3....asp?index=12309. Accessed October 4, 2012.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/cmv/index.html. Updated July 28, 2010. Accessed October 4, 2012.

Group B Strep (GBS). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/groupbstrep/index.html. Updated May 23, 2012. Accessed October 4, 2012.

Listeria and pregnancy. American Pregnancy Association website. Available at: http://www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnancyh...th/listeria.html. Updated June 2011. Accessed October 4, 2012.

Pregnancy and fifth disease. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/parvovirusB19/pregnancy.html. Updated February 14, 2011. Accessed October 4, 2012.

STDs and pregnancy. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/std/pregnancy/default.htm. Updated September 14, 2012. Accessed October 4, 2012.

Toxoplasmosis. American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at: http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions...xoplasmosis.html. Updated January 2011. Accessed October 4, 2012.

Urinary tract infection during pregnancy. American Pregnancy Association website. Available at: http://www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnancycomplications...iduringpreg.html. Updated April 2006. Accessed October 4, 2012.

Varicella. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed. Updated August 21, 2012. Accessed October 4, 2012.

Last reviewed March 2013 by Andrea Chisholm

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Health Library

Symptoms of Infection in Pregnancy

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