Perinatal Infection Month: Protecting Moms & Babies from Hidden Threats

🚨 Did you know? Perinatal infections are a leading cause of complications for both moms and babies, yet many are preventable with the right care. Some infections—like Group B Strep (GBS), cytomegalovirus (CMV), and syphilis—can be silent but deadly if left undiagnosed.

📊 Shocking Stats:

• 1 in 4 pregnant people carry GBS, a bacteria that can cause life-threatening infections in newborns if not treated.

• Congenital CMV is the most common infectious cause of birth defects, yet only 9% of pregnant people have even heard of it.

• Syphilis cases in pregnancy have skyrocketed in the U.S., leading to a tragic increase in stillbirths and newborn deaths.

10 Tips to Protect Moms & Babies

1. Get tested early in pregnancy for infections like syphilis, HIV, and hepatitis.

2. Ask your provider about GBS screening at 36-37 weeks.

3. Avoid unpasteurized foods to reduce the risk of listeria, which can cause miscarriage.

4. Wash hands frequently, especially if caring for young children (CMV prevention!).

5. Get vaccinated—flu, Tdap, and COVID vaccines protect both mom and baby.

6. Practice safe sex to prevent STIs that can harm pregnancy.

7. Don’t clean the litter box—toxoplasmosis can harm your baby.

8. Know the symptoms of UTIs—untreated infections can lead to preterm birth.

9. Avoid mosquito bites in areas where Zika is present.

10. If you feel unwell, don’t ignore it! Some infections have mild symptoms but serious consequences.

➡️ The Bottom Line: Perinatal infections can be devastating, but knowledge is power. Simple steps—screening, hygiene, and vaccines—can make all the difference.

❓ Have questions? Drop them below! Let’s raise awareness together. Share this to help protect moms and babies!

#PerinatalInfectionMonth #MaternalHealth #ProtectOurBabies