During pregnancy, there are always concerns about any infection
that can affect the unborn baby. For a pregnant woman who is a MRSA
(methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) carrier, which means she
has the bacteria, but she doesn't have any symptoms, there is no risk to
the baby. There may be risks to the baby when the mom has an infection
and must be treated with strong antibiotics or require surgery. Risks to
the baby will need to be weighed against the risks of MRSA to the
pregnant woman.
MRSA Colonization
When MRSA is colonized, it is present, but doesn't cause an infection. A pregnant woman who has a colonization may be able to spread the bacteria even thought she doesn't have an infection or any symptoms. The most common place that MRSA colonizes is in the nose. It can also be found in urine, trachea, skin folds, rectum, arm pits, and groin.
MRSA Risks to Unborn Baby
A pregnant woman who has a MRSA infection does not have an increased risk of miscarriage or giving birth to a baby with birth defects. There are many antibiotics that are safe for pregnant women to take. As long as these are effective on treating the infection, there will be no risks to the unborn baby. A methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection that is not treated early may need stronger antibiotics or require surgery, which may have risks to the baby. To reduce risks, MRSA should be treated immediately.
When a pregnant woman has MRSA her health is compromised and she may be more susceptible to a secondary health issue that could affect the unborn baby.
Reducing MRSA Risks
The best way to reduce the risks of a MRSA infection is to avoid an infection. These are some ways a pregnant woman can prevent an infection:
- Wash hands regularly, especially if coming in contact with someone with a skin infection
- Shower after using shared exercise equipment
- Insist healthcare professionals wash their hands and use gloves before any contact
- Don't touch any surface that has been in contact with someone who has MRSA
- Keep open sores covered when in public places
- Build a strong immune system
During the birth, it will be important that the infected area doesn't come in contact with the newborn because it is a very contagious bacterium. The infected area can be covered and the baby's umbilical cord can be covered. An open wound or break in the skin is a possible entry point for MRSA bacteria.
It can be scary to have any illness or infection while pregnant, but over-all, there are minimal or no risks to the unborn baby when a pregnant woman has a MRSA infection.
Recognizing a MRSA Infection
To successfully treat MRSA with minimal or no affect on the unborn baby, MRSA should be diagnosed early. The signs and symptoms of a MRSA infection include the following:
- Pus filled skin infection
- Rash
- Bug bite looking bumps
- Boils
- Flu like symptoms
When MRSA has spread to the organs, the symptoms may be more severe like difficulty breathing or chest pains.
Prompt attention to skin infections and preventive action will reduce the risks of contracting MRSA and needing treatment while pregnant.
MRSA Colonization
When MRSA is colonized, it is present, but doesn't cause an infection. A pregnant woman who has a colonization may be able to spread the bacteria even thought she doesn't have an infection or any symptoms. The most common place that MRSA colonizes is in the nose. It can also be found in urine, trachea, skin folds, rectum, arm pits, and groin.
MRSA Risks to Unborn Baby
A pregnant woman who has a MRSA infection does not have an increased risk of miscarriage or giving birth to a baby with birth defects. There are many antibiotics that are safe for pregnant women to take. As long as these are effective on treating the infection, there will be no risks to the unborn baby. A methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection that is not treated early may need stronger antibiotics or require surgery, which may have risks to the baby. To reduce risks, MRSA should be treated immediately.
When a pregnant woman has MRSA her health is compromised and she may be more susceptible to a secondary health issue that could affect the unborn baby.
Reducing MRSA Risks
The best way to reduce the risks of a MRSA infection is to avoid an infection. These are some ways a pregnant woman can prevent an infection:
- Wash hands regularly, especially if coming in contact with someone with a skin infection
- Shower after using shared exercise equipment
- Insist healthcare professionals wash their hands and use gloves before any contact
- Don't touch any surface that has been in contact with someone who has MRSA
- Keep open sores covered when in public places
- Build a strong immune system
During the birth, it will be important that the infected area doesn't come in contact with the newborn because it is a very contagious bacterium. The infected area can be covered and the baby's umbilical cord can be covered. An open wound or break in the skin is a possible entry point for MRSA bacteria.
It can be scary to have any illness or infection while pregnant, but over-all, there are minimal or no risks to the unborn baby when a pregnant woman has a MRSA infection.
Recognizing a MRSA Infection
To successfully treat MRSA with minimal or no affect on the unborn baby, MRSA should be diagnosed early. The signs and symptoms of a MRSA infection include the following:
- Pus filled skin infection
- Rash
- Bug bite looking bumps
- Boils
- Flu like symptoms
When MRSA has spread to the organs, the symptoms may be more severe like difficulty breathing or chest pains.
Prompt attention to skin infections and preventive action will reduce the risks of contracting MRSA and needing treatment while pregnant.
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