Maternal health Dangerous infections you are likely to get when pregnant

Due to the hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy, women are more prone to infections at this period.

The good news is that these infections can be treated before they affect your pregnancy. Here is a list of infections you are most susceptible to when pregnant:

1. Bacterial vaginosis

In every four women, one is likely to contact bacterial vaginosis when pregnant. This infection results from bacteria overgrowth around the vagina and can affect the pregnancy if not treated. The symptoms of BV include a burning sensation when urinating, unusual discharge, and an itchy vagina.

2. Trichomoniasis

This is a sexually transmitted disease which may have no symptoms but it is curable. The best prevention therefore, is to get tested with your partner to ensure none of you has it, stick to one partner and use condoms in case one of you has it. Symptoms include a greenish-foul smelling vaginal discharge, burning, itching and irritation during sex.

3. Yeast infection

During pregnancy, the levels of estrogen and progesterone are very high increasing the risk of yeast infections. A vaginal culture is used to diagnose the disease and administer treatment. Symptoms of yeast infection include an itchy vaginal, discomfort during sex, and a thick yellowish vaginal discharge.

ALSO READ: 4 things every woman should know about yeast infections

4. UTI

Urinary tract infections are very common among pregnant women because their urine is more concentrated with sugars and hormones encouraging bacteria growth. If not treated, the infection can spread to the kidney and cause permanent damage. Symptoms include; frequent urination, nausea, cloudy urine, burning/painful urination, lower back pains and fever.