What infections affect pregnancy?

Certain infections during early pregnancy can cause birth defects in the fetus. Rubella (German Measles) virus infection during early pregnancy can cause birth defects and even miscarriages. Therefore, women of child bearing age are tested for blood antibodies against this virus. Women lacking rubella virus antibodies are susceptible to rubella infection, and should be vaccinated against this virus. Pregnancy should be avoided for one month after vaccination, due to the theoretical concern that the vaccine virus itself may cause fetal damage.

Toxoplasmosis is a small parasite that is transmitted through cat feces and raw meats, especially pork. Toxoplasmosis, like the rubella virus, can cause severe birth defects if the infection occurs during early pregnancy. Women planning pregnancy should avoid raw meat and avoid handling the kitty litter box. Many people have been exposed to toxoplasmosis without even knowing it. As a result, they develop a protective immunity from the "silent" infection. Women who have a blood test that is positive for toxoplasmosis immunity can be reassured that they will not develop toxoplasmosis complications during pregnancy. Hepatitis B is the only type of hepatitis that is known to affect the newborn infant.