This sheet is about exposure to malaria in pregnancy and while breastfeeding. This information should not take the place of medical care and advice from a healthcare provider. What is malaria? Malaria is an infectious disease found in many parts of the world with warmer weather, especially in tropical and subtropical areas like sub-Saharan Africa, New Guinea, and South Asia. People can develop malaria from being bitten by a mosquito that was infected with malaria parasites. Less …
The Baby Blog: Infections & Vaccines
Vibrio
This sheet talks about exposure to Vibrio in a pregnancy and while breastfeeding. This information should not take the place of medical care and advice from your healthcare provider. What is Vibrio? Vibrio is a bacteria that lives in warm coastal seawater. There are many different kinds of Vibrio bacteria. Each kind can cause a different illness. Some Vibrio bacteria will cause only a mild stomachache and mild diarrhea. Other Vibrio bacteria can cause severe diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and …
Zika Virus and Pregnancy
This sheet talks about exposure to the Zika virus in pregnancy and while breastfeeding. This information should not take the place of medical care and advice from your healthcare provider. What is Zika? How do people get it? Zika is a virus that is usually spread by infected mosquitoes. Not all mosquitoes carry the Zika virus, and not every person bitten by an infected mosquito will get Zika. People who have the highest risk of getting Zika virus are those who live in or travel to areas with …
Chicken Pox (Varicella)
This sheet talks about exposure to chickenpox or shingles in a pregnancy and while breastfeeding. This information should not take the place of medical care and advice from your healthcare provider. What is chickenpox? Varicella, commonly called chickenpox, is a viral infection that usually happens in childhood. Chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). The most common symptom of chickenpox is a rash which first appears as small, reddish spots or pimples. These spots will …
Escherichia coli (E. coli)
This sheet talks about exposure to Escherichia coli (E. coli) in a pregnancy and while breastfeeding. This information should not take the place of medical care and advice from your healthcare provider. What is Escherichia coli? Escherichia coli (E. coli) are a group of bacteria that live in the intestines and vagina. There are many different types (strains) of E. coli bacteria. Most strains of E. coli are harmless to humans, but some can cause severe illness and infection. The most common …
