Vertical transmission of disease from mother to infant during perinatal period can occur through placental transmission, exposure to bodily fluids during labor, and breast milk. HIV, hepatitis C, and toxoplasmosis are examples of vertically transmitted diseases. Precautions and tests during pregnancy can reduce risks, and a C-section may be recommended in some cases. Mothers can take steps to protect their babies, such as avoiding sources of infection and working with experienced obstetricians.
Vertical transmission is the passage of disease from a mother to an infant during the perinatal period beginning shortly before birth and extending into the time immediately following birth. Pathogens can be passed from mother to child in several ways and are a problem during pregnancy. Women with diseases known to be vertically transmitted may need to take special precautions, especially during labor and delivery, to protect their babies.
Placental transmission is a potential way for an organism to jump between mother and child. The placenta provides vital nutrients to the baby and can also harbor disease if the mother carries an organism known to cause prenatal infections. During labor and delivery, vertical transmission can occur due to exposure to the mother’s blood and other bodily fluids. Breast milk can also potentially be a vector for disease transmission.
Some organisms with a history of vertical transmission include human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C. Conditions such as toxoplasmosis can cause birth defects if a mother becomes infected while pregnant. When a woman becomes pregnant, her doctor may recommend some tests to check for common risks, as well as precautions to prevent contracting infections and subsequent vertical transmission. If a mother has a concerning illness, the doctor will discuss how to best manage the pregnancy and delivery.
In some cases, concerns about vertical transmission can lead a doctor to recommend a C-section for delivery. This will limit stress during labor and delivery and reduce the chances of passing on an infection during this time. If a mother’s breast milk is unsafe, the milk bank is an option to provide the baby with breast milk, or the doctor may discuss formula feeding. The best approach will depend on the situation and infection at hand, and it may be helpful to consult a nutritionist to discuss feeding options.
Mothers-to-be concerned about vertical transmission can take some steps to protect their babies. In mothers without known infections, avoiding obvious sources of infection such as mishandled food can reduce the chances of getting sick and passing the infection on to the baby. Mothers with active infections may be able to take medications to suppress them and protect their developing fetuses for as long as possible. It can also help to work with an obstetrician who has experience in this area for labor and delivery.
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