Pregnancy is a delicate time in a woman’s life when her immune system undergoes changes that may increase susceptibility to certain infections. Are you aware of meningitis and how it can impact pregnancy? Read on to know the risks, warning signs, and treatment for this disease when it affects pregnant women.
Meningitis is an infection that causes inflammation of the protective membranes around the brain and spinal cord. The membranes around the brain and spinal cord are known as meninges, and inflammation of these membranes is called meningitis.
Meningitis can be caused by viral, bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infections. While viral meningitis is quite common, bacterial meningitis is more severe and can cause serious complications if not diagnosed and treated in time.
A pregnant woman’s immune system is altered to ensure the system does not attack the baby, mistaking it for a foreign invader. As a result, she is more prone to infections, including meningitis. As her immunity is less effective against certain infections, the body takes a longer time to fight the infection and recover as well.
Meningitis during pregnancy can cause serious complications like miscarriage, preterm birth, or even stillbirth in severe cases. Timely diagnosis and prompt treatment are essential for the safety of both the baby and the mother.
Bacterial meningitis is less common but dangerous and can lead to serious complications in pregnancy, affecting the mother and baby. Viral meningitis is less severe than the bacterial variants and requires good care. Fungal meningitis is very rare but still possible due to the weakened immune system during pregnancy.
The cause of meningitis can vary according to the type of meningitis.
1. Bacterial Meningitis – Pathogen List
● Listeria monocytogenes: Mostly contracted through consumption of unpasteurised dairy or deli meats. It can cross the protective placental barrier and impact the baby.
● Group B Streptococcus (GBS): This bacterium is transferred from the infected mother to the newborn in the birth canal during vaginal delivery.
● Streptococcus pneumoniae: A common bacterial cause, which can also result from ear or sinus infections.
2. Viral Meningitis – This is a generally less severe form of meningitis that can be caused by Enteroviruses, Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), mumps, varicella, measles, or the Zika virus. This type of meningitis is still risky during pregnancy.
3. Fungal & Parasitic Meningitis – A very rare type of meningitis, but it is still possible in women with a weak immune system or who are immunocompromised.
If you notice any of the following symptoms during pregnancy, consult your doctor without any delay. These symptoms could indicate meningitis and require prompt treatment to prevent complications.
● Sudden high fever
● Neck stiffness
● Severe headaches
● Nausea or vomiting
● Drowsiness or confusion
● Increased sensitivity to light
● Skin rash (seen in certain types of bacterial meningitis)
If a newborn develops meningitis, they may experience the following symptoms –
● Poor feeding or reduced feeding
● Irritability
● Extreme sleepiness (more than usual for a newborn)
● Bulging of the soft spot (fontanelle) on the head
When a pregnant woman contracts meningitis, the following complications may occure –
● The risk of a preterm delivery, miscarriage, or stillbirth may increase, especially in severe or untreated cases.
● Certain types of bacterial meningitis can be passed from the mother to the baby during vaginal delivery, resulting in newborn meningitis.
● Meningitis in newborns can increase the long-term risk of hearing loss, learning disabilities, and brain damage.
Once your doctor suspects meningitis based on your symptoms, they will order multiple tests to confirm the diagnosis. This includes testing samples of blood, urine, and other body fluids. If necessary, they may collect a sample of cerebrospinal fluid–the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
Based on the bacterium, virus, or fungus identified as causing the meningitis, the doctor will prescribe pregnancy-safe treatment, including antibiotics if the infection is bacterial. If the infection is severe, they will start with an IV antibiotic and follow it up with oral antibiotics that you will need to take for a few days.
Some types of viral and bacterial meningitis are contagious and can spread through respiratory droplets released when sneezing or coughing. Close contact with an infected person can increase the risk of transmission. If someone in your house or at work is diagnosed with meningitis, inform your doctor and undergo necessary tests for timely diagnosis, even if your symptoms are mild.
It is a standard protocol for most doctors to screen for Group B Streptococcus around the 36th week of pregnancy. If the test comes back positive, your doctor will administer antibiotics during labour to prevent transmission to the baby.
Yes, since meningitis can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites, certain preventive measures can reduce the risk during pregnancy. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle along with good hygiene practices can help prevent meningitis during pregnancy. In addition to washing your hands with soap and water, cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, avoid close contact with infected individuals, prioritise quality sleep to support immunity, and quit smoking.
Meningitis during pregnancy is uncommon, but it can be a serious complication that should be prevented whenever possible. If an infection occurs, timely diagnosis and prompt treatment can prevent serious pregnancy-related complications. Be proactive and talk to your healthcare provider if you or someone around you shows symptoms suggestive of meningitis.
Meningitis is an infection that causes inflammation of the protective membranes around the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis during pregnancy can increase the risk of serious complications such as preterm birth, miscarriage, or stillbirth, especially if not treated promptly.
Common symptoms include sudden high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, joint or body aches, photophobia (sensitivity to bright light), confusion, and flu-like symptoms.
Some types of meningitis, especially certain bacterial and viral forms, are contagious and can spread through close contact or respiratory droplets. Pregnant women may be more susceptible due to a weakened immune system, so prompt medical advice is important if exposure is suspected.
The only way to treat meningitis during pregnancy is through antibiotics. The doctor will give an IV antibiotic if the infection is severe or just oral medications. Ample rest, plenty of fluids, and pregnancy-safe medications for pain relief are the usual treatments during pregnancy.
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