Prenatal Infection Prevention Month is a reminder of the important steps individuals and families can take to reduce the risk of infections that may affect pregnancy and a baby’s early development. While not all infections can be prevented, awareness and proactive care play a powerful role in improving outcomes. This month encourages education, prevention, and support for healthier pregnancies and stronger starts for babies.
Why Prenatal Infection Prevention Matters
Infections during pregnancy can sometimes lead to complications such as premature birth, birth defects, low birth weight, or other serious health concerns for both the parent and baby. Many infections may show mild or no symptoms in the mother but can still impact fetal development. That’s why prevention, early detection, and timely treatment are essential.
Understanding how infections spread—and how to reduce exposure—helps expecting parents make informed decisions for their health and the well-being of their growing baby.
Common Infections That Can Affect Pregnancy
A variety of infections can potentially affect pregnancy. Some of the most common include:
- Influenza and other respiratory viruses
- COVID-19
- Group B Streptococcus (GBS)
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Toxoplasmosis
- Zika virus
- Listeria, often related to contaminated foods
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV), a very common virus that can cause congenital infection
Awareness of these infections—and how to prevent them—helps parents and caregivers take practical steps toward healthier pregnancies.
Key Prevention Strategies
While not every infection can be avoided, adopting healthy habits before and during pregnancy greatly reduces risk. Some of the most effective strategies include:
Practice Good Hand Hygiene
Frequent handwashing—especially after being in public spaces, handling raw food, using the restroom, or caring for young children—helps prevent many common viral and bacterial infections.
Make Safe Food Choices
Avoiding high-risk foods like unpasteurized dairy products, undercooked meats, raw seafood, and deli meats can help reduce the risk of listeria and other foodborne infections.
Reduce Exposure to Harmful Germs
Simple steps, such as avoiding contact with sick individuals, not sharing utensils, and cleaning frequently touched surfaces, can help limit exposure to viruses and bacteria.
Take Precautions With Pets and Pests
Avoid cleaning cat litter boxes, which can contain toxoplasma. Wear gloves when gardening, and wash hands well afterward. Take steps to reduce mosquito exposure in areas where Zika or other mosquito-borne illnesses are a concern.
Practice Safe Sex
Using condoms and undergoing routine STI testing before and during pregnancy can reduce the risk of infections that may affect the baby.
Attend Regular Prenatal Appointments
Health care providers screen for infections, provide preventive guidance, and treat conditions early—key steps in ensuring healthy pregnancy outcomes.
Supporting Healthy Pregnancies Through Awareness
Prenatal Infection Prevention Month encourages families, health care providers, and communities to work together to promote safe, healthy environments. Education and access to resources empower expecting parents to protect themselves and their babies from preventable infections.
By raising awareness and highlighting simple, effective prevention strategies, we help create stronger beginnings for every child—and ensure that families feel informed, supported, and confident throughout pregnancy.