Yes, untreated infections during pregnancy can lead to serious complications for both the mother and her baby. Some infections can cause premature birth, low birth weight, or newborn infections. Others can affect the baby’s growth and development before birth. The good news is that many pregnancy-related infections can be treated or managed with timely medical care, helping reduce these risks.
Pregnancy changes the way a woman’s body responds to certain infections, making early testing and treatment especially important. Common infections, such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), can become more serious if ignored. Other infections, including syphilis, HIV, and certain viral illnesses, may pass from mother to baby during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.
Understanding these risks can help expectant parents make informed decisions about prenatal care. If you want to get to know about infant mortality and birth injuries, learning how infections affect pregnancy is an important place to start. Recognizing warning signs, attending regular prenatal visits, and following medical advice can make a meaningful difference in protecting a baby’s health.
Which Pregnancy Infections Can Harm a Baby?
The risks depend on the infection and how quickly treatment begins. Syphilis can pass to a baby during pregnancy and cause miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth, or serious illness. The CDC reported nearly 4,000 U.S. cases of congenital syphilis in 2024, underscoring the need for screening and timely treatment.
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Group B strep (GBS) may cause no symptoms in the pregnant person, yet a baby exposed during birth can develop a bloodstream infection, pneumonia, or meningitis. The CDC recommends screening during weeks 36 or 37 and giving antibiotics during labor when needed.
Urinary tract infections also need attention. Some cause burning when you pee; others have no clear symptoms. Untreated infections can spread to the kidneys and raise the risk of complications. A prenatal clinician may test your urine and prescribe pregnancy-safe medicine.
Complications Caused by Untreated Infections
Depending on the infection, possible outcomes include:
- Preterm birth: Your baby arrives before 37 weeks and may need extra support with breathing or feeding.
- Low birth weight: Some infections affect a baby’s growth before birth.
- Newborn infection: Germs may pass to the baby during pregnancy or delivery and cause illness soon after birth.
- Long-term health problems: Certain infections can affect hearing, vision, or the brain and nervous system.
These are risks, not certainties. Prompt treatment can reduce the chance of serious complications.
How Can You Reduce the Risk?
Keep prenatal appointments and complete recommended tests, including screening for sexually transmitted infections and GBS. Tell your care team about fever, pain when urinating, unusual discharge, sores, or a new rash. Seek advice promptly rather than waiting for your next visit.
Take prescribed medicine as directed. Do not use leftover antibiotics or stop treatment early without medical advice. If you think you were exposed to an infection, tell your clinician even if you feel well. Some infections cause few or no symptoms, so testing may be the only way to find them.
Get urgent care for a high fever, severe abdominal pain, trouble breathing, or a sudden major change in your condition. Early assessment helps your care team choose treatment and decide whether your baby needs testing or follow-up after birth.
Final Takeaways
- Untreated infections during pregnancy can harm both mother and baby, sometimes leading to serious complications.
- Possible infant complications include premature birth, low birth weight, newborn infections, and long-term health problems.
- Syphilis, group B strep, and urinary tract infections can pose risks if they go untreated or are not properly managed.
- Regular prenatal care and timely testing help detect infections early, even without symptoms.
- Prompt, pregnancy-safe treatment can lower the risk of complications for both mother and baby.
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for general information and education only and is not medical advice. Successful Black Parenting Magazine and its writers are not doctors or licensed health care providers. Always talk with your doctor or a qualified health care provider before starting any exercise program, treatment, medication or supplement, and about any questions regarding your health or your child’s health. Never ignore professional medical advice or delay getting it because of something you read here. In an emergency, call 911 or your doctor right away.
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