1. Yeast Infection
Yeast infections, also known as monilial vaginitis or vaginal candidiasis, are caused by overgrowth of a fungus that is normal present in vagina of many women.

During pregnancy, the susceptibility to this infection increases much more than otherwise, to some extent due high estrogen levels. The infection is too annoying and may be painful as well. It will not harm the development of your baby but may pass on to him/her at the time of birth causing ‘thrush’, which needs treatment.

- Symptoms of Yeast Infection

• Itchiness, burning, irritation and redness of vagina
• White, creamy, odorless discharge from vagina
• Painful sex

- Prevention of Yeast Infection

- Ensure your vaginal area is always clean and dry.
- Wash your genital area with warm water, do not use harsh soap, detergent, or feminine hygiene sprays.
- Use breathable cotton underwear. Do not use leggings or pantyhose, especially the synthetic ones.
- Avoid wearing underwear during the night sleep so that your genital area gets air.
- Consume yogurt, it has Lactobacillus acidophilus, which may aid restoring proper vaginal microflora.

2. Listeriosis

Bacteria present in foods like unpasteurized milk, raw fish, undercooked poultry, hot dogs and soft cheese cause listeriosis. Pregnancy associated metabolic changes and suppression in immune system makes pregnant women more prone to infection by the bacteria.

Listeriosis may prove to be dangerous if left untreated causing miscarriage or stillbirth. It may also cause various adverse effects on the baby, which are apparent after birth as breathing problems and meningitis.

- Symptoms of Listeriosis
Symptoms appear days or even weeks after infection and include nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, body pain and diarrhea. See your doctor immediately if you have these symptoms.

- Prevention of Listeriosis
- Avoid the food that you suspect is infected
- Cook the food thoroughly
- Refrigerate the food below 0 °F and ensure your refrigerator is working properly

3. Toxoplasmosis

Toxoplasmosis is caused by a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii. It is not a very common infection during pregnancy, but if occurs, might be potentially damaging to the developing baby causing hearing and visual damages; enlargement of spleen and liver; pneumonia, jaundice and mental retardation. It may even cause miscarriage and stillbirth.

- Symptoms of Toxoplasmosis
Unfortunately there are no symptoms of the infection in adults (thus among pregnant women). In certain cases, there may be chills, fever, sore throat, body pain and fatigue, swollen lymph gland. If you get these symptoms, consult your doctor and get yourself screened for this infection.

- Prevention of Toxoplasmosis
- Cook you food thoroughly and wash vegetables and fruits properly before eating.
- Prevent food from being contaminated.
- Avoid getting cuddly with your cat.

4. Urinary Tract Infection
Urinary tract infections (UTI) or cystitis are common among pregnant women and are apparent as increased urination with a burning sensation while passing urine.

- Other symptoms of UTI
- Pain in lower abdomen
- Urine may be cloudy and foul smelling
- Urine may have blood but it is difficult to make out the presence of blood by naked eye.
- Cystitis may cause kidney infection during pregnancy so see your doctor if you have any of these symptoms.

- Prevention of Cystitis
- Keep your genital area dry and clean
- Drink lots of water (8-10 glasses)
- Never neglect urge to urinate
- After you pass the feces, wipe from front to back, doing so will keep the bacteria in feces to infect urethra.
- Have cranberry juice; it discourages the growth of bacteria causing UTI.

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