Infections
Varicella Zoster
Infection of this during pregnancy can lead to:
More severe cases in the mother, like varicella pneumonitis, hepatitis or encephalitis
Congenital varicella syndrome
Severe neonatal varicella infection – if infected near delivery
Every pregnant woman exposed to VZV should be given IV VZV Ig as prophylaxis if non-immune.
If the rash develops during pregnancy, Aciclovir should be given.
Features of Congenital Varicella Syndrome:
Scars and significant skin changes in a dermatomal distribution
Limb hypoplasia
Foetal growth restriction
Microcephaly, Hydrocephalus, LD
Cataracts, Chorioretinitis (inflammation in eye)
Syphilis
Infection of this during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or death of the neonate. Features of its infection inlcude:
Bone damage
Severe anaemia
Hepato/Splenomegaly
Jaundice
Blindness, Deafness
Meningitis
Treated with Penicillin.
TORCH Syndrome
TORCH stand for:
Toxoplasma Gondii
Other e.g. Treponema, VZV, Parvovirus B19, HIV
Rubella
CMV
HSV
Features of it vary depending on the underlying infection, but the congenital heart disease.
Its complications include Premature birth, Intrauterine growth restriction, Physical malformations (e.g. deafness, PDA), and Miscarriage.