Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Feb 18: Pregnancy is a phase when women become especially conscious about their health — eating nutritious food, taking adequate rest and attending regular antenatal check-ups. However, medical experts caution that certain infections may remain completely silent in the mother while posing serious risks to the unborn baby.

Doctors explain that these are known as asymptomatic infections, where the expectant mother may not experience fever, pain or any visible signs, yet the infection may quietly affect the foetus.

Dr Alka Chaudhary, Senior Consultant – Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Rainbow Hospital, says many such infections go unnoticed without routine screening. “These infections often do not cause symptoms in the mother, which is why regular testing during pregnancy is extremely important,” she notes.

Echoing similar concerns, Dr Tripti Raheja, Director – Obstetrics & Gynaecology at CK Birla Hospital, explains, “Sometimes a pregnant woman can have an infection without feeling sick at all. She may feel completely normal. But without proper screening, the baby could still be affected.”

Health experts emphasise that antenatal check-ups are not merely routine visits but crucial opportunities for early detection and prevention.

One of the most widespread silent infections is Cytomegalovirus (CMV). Most adults may have been exposed to the virus at some point in their lives. In pregnant women, CMV rarely produces noticeable symptoms.

However, if transmitted to the foetus, it can lead to congenital CMV, which may result in hearing loss, developmental delays, vision impairment or neurological complications in the child. Since mothers often remain asymptomatic, awareness and screening play a vital role.

Toxoplasmosis is another infection that may not cause symptoms in expectant mothers. It is commonly contracted through consumption of undercooked meat, contact with contaminated soil or handling cat litter. While the mother may feel unaffected, the infection can cause miscarriage, brain damage or eye disorders in the baby, depending on the stage of pregnancy.

Rubella, particularly dangerous in early pregnancy, may present as a mild illness or go completely unnoticed in the mother. If contracted during the first trimester, it can lead to severe birth defects such as heart abnormalities, hearing loss and vision problems. Doctors stress that vaccination prior to pregnancy remains one of the most effective preventive measures against rubella-related complications.

Certain infections may remain silent in mothers but can be transmitted to the baby during pregnancy or delivery.

Hepatitis B and HIV may not show obvious early symptoms, yet without timely intervention, they can lead to long-term health complications in newborns. Syphilis, often unnoticed in its initial stages, can result in stillbirth, prematurity or congenital infection if left untreated.

Group B Streptococcus (GBS), commonly present in the birth canal without symptoms, can infect the baby during delivery and cause severe conditions such as sepsis, pneumonia or meningitis.
Routine blood tests and screening during pregnancy help detect these infections early, allowing doctors to initiate appropriate treatment and reduce potential risks.

Regular testing crucial for a healthy pregnancy

Many women question the need for multiple blood tests during antenatal visits, particularly when they feel healthy. However, doctors clarify that silent infections cannot be identified based on symptoms alone.

Dr Tripti Raheja states that simple blood investigations during pregnancy can detect infections at an early stage. “Early diagnosis allows timely treatment, which can significantly reduce risks to the baby,” she says.

Dr Alka Chaudhary further highlights the importance of preventive measures such as vaccination where applicable, safe food practices, maintaining proper hygiene and adhering to scheduled check-ups.

The message from medical experts is unequivocal: feeling well does not always guarantee the absence of infection. Regular prenatal care is essential to safeguard both mother and child, as early detection can make the difference between complications and a healthy beginning to life.