Infections and Pregnancy

This book is a complete guide to the diagnosis and management of any infectious disease which may affect the mother or the fetus during pregnancy. Pregnancy is a unique condition in which the interplay of endocrine and immune influences leads to altered severity and susceptibility to infectious diseases. These infections, in turn, are a substantial cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity. The book discusses the immunologic, clinical and epidemiologic evidence for altered responses during pregnancy. Several infections have unique consequences in pregnancy. Some infections have vertical transmission, and their management focuses on decreasing perinatal transmission. Others can be transmitted transplacentally and cause congenital infection. While still, other common infections like gastroenteritis, UTI, tuberculosis, leprosy or certain dermatological and oral conditions can cause pregnancy complications. This book discusses all such diseases in detail as well as suggests means for early identification and appropriate treatment for them. A separate chapter adequately covers the novel coronavirus infection associated with management challenges in pregnant women. The book includes dedicated sections on postpartum infections and fetal outcomes associated with maternal infections. It reviews strategies to prevent infection in obstetrics that plays a key role in decreasing the global burden of maternal morbidity and mortality. The book is relevant for practicing obstetricians and gynecologists, post-graduate students of obstetrics and gynecology as well as general practitioners, family medicine specialists, primary health care workers and undergraduate medical students.