Learning update: Maternal infections

This educational update article looks at some lesser-known – but potentially serious – maternal infections. It can be used as part of your CPD.

Work through the article and test your knowledge by answering the multiple-choice questions at the end. Record your learning and how you applied it in your practice using the action and evaluation record, which will then be stored in your personal learning log.

Learning objectives

After reading this article you should be able to:

• Describe some of the lesser known infections that can affect the health of a mother and baby during pregnancy
• Provide advice on how to minimise the risk of contracting such infections
• Explain some of the management options.

Key facts

• Many pregnancy infections are little recognised despite having the potential of serious consequences for both maternal and infant health
• Pressure groups are lobbying for automatic strep B screening in pregnancy
• Babies with CMV may have health problems at birth and developmental complications.