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Symptoms of Infection in Pregnancy

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Symptoms of infection in pregnancy vary depending on the infection. Infections such as cytomegalovirus (CMV) , group B streptococcal disease (GBS) , toxoplasmosis , and some sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) may not have any physical symptoms. Or, an infection may cause mild, flu-like symptoms. If you think you have an infection during your pregnancy, it is important to talk to your doctor as soon as possible.

  • Symptoms of parvovirus B19 (fifth disease) may include:
    • Joint pain
    • Tiredness
    • Rash on the face, trunk, arms, and legs
  • Symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) may include:
    • Itching around vagina
    • Discharge from vagina
    • Pain during sex
    • Pain in the pelvic area
    • Sores or blisters in the pelvic area
  • Symptoms of chorioamnionitis may include:
    • High temperature
    • Rapid heartbeat (the baby may also have a rapid heartbeat)
    • Sweating
    • A uterus that is tender to the touch
    • A discharge from the vagina that has an unusual smell
  • Symptoms of listeriosis may include:
    • Mild, flu-like symptoms
    • Headaches
    • Muscle aches
    • Fever
    • If listeriosis spreads to the nervous system it can cause stiff neck, disorientation, or convulsions.
  • Symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI) may include:
    • Nausea and vomiting
    • Discomfort or burning feeling when urinating
    • Sense of incomplete bladder emptying
    • Aching pain over the bladder
    • Blood in the urine
    • Need to urinate frequently
    • If the UTI moves to the kidneys and into the blood stream, it can cause pelvic pain, back pain, vomiting, fever, and early labor.
  • Symptoms of chickenpox infection may include:
    • Fever
    • Itchy rash
    • Weakness
    • Chills
    • Headache

Revision Information

  • Reviewer: Andrea Chisholm
  • Review Date: 03/2013 -
  • Update Date: 00/31/2013 -

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

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All rights reserved.

References

  • Bacterial vaginosis during pregnancy. American Pregnancy Association website. Available at: http://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancycomplications/bacterialvaginosis-2.html . Updated May 2005. Accessed October 4, 2012.

  • Chorioamnionitis. Cleveland Clinic website. Available at: http://www.clevelandclinic.org/health/health-info/docs/3800/3857.asp?index=12309 . Accessed October 4, 2012.

  • Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/cmv/index.html . Updated July 28, 2010. Accessed October 4, 2012.

  • Group B Strep (GBS). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/groupbstrep/index.html . Updated May 23, 2012. Accessed October 4, 2012.

  • Listeria and pregnancy. American Pregnancy Association website. Available at: http://www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnancyhealth/listeria.html . Updated June 2011. Accessed October 4, 2012.

  • Pregnancy and fifth disease. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/parvovirusB19/pregnancy.html . Updated February 14, 2011. Accessed October 4, 2012.

  • STDs and pregnancy. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/std/pregnancy/default.htm . Updated September 14, 2012. Accessed October 4, 2012.

  • Toxoplasmosis. American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at: http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/toxoplasmosis.html . Updated January 2011. Accessed October 4, 2012.

  • Urinary tract infection during pregnancy. American Pregnancy Association website. Available at: http://www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnancycomplications/utiduringpreg.html . Updated April 2006. Accessed October 4, 2012.

  • Varicella. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed . Updated August 21, 2012. Accessed October 4, 2012.

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