Infection Pregnancy Complete Guide
Pregnancy changes how your immune system works, which can make some infections more likely and means a few common bugs need extra care to treat safely. Here's what to watch for and when to get help.
Common infections in pregnancy
Most infections that come up in pregnancy are the same ones you'd get at any other time, but they're worth taking seriously and mentioning to your midwife or GP so the right treatment is chosen.
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs) — very common in pregnancy due to hormonal changes and pressure on the bladder; usually treated with a pregnancy-safe course of antibiotics
- Thrush — a yeast infection that's more likely in pregnancy; treated with pessaries or cream rather than oral tablets, which aren't usually recommended
- Bacterial vaginosis (BV) — a change in the normal vaginal bacteria; treated with antibiotics and worth reporting if you notice unusual discharge or odour
- Colds and flu — treated with rest, fluids, and paracetamol as needed; most cold and flu remedies containing decongestants or ibuprofen should be avoided, so check with a pharmacist
- Group B Strep (GBS) — a common bacterium that doesn't usually cause problems for you but can occasionally affect the baby during birth if not managed
Infections that need extra caution
A small number of infections are worth being particularly careful about because of the potential impact on the pregnancy:
- Listeria — found in some unpasteurised dairy, pâté, and cold deli meats; avoided by following NHS food safety guidance during pregnancy
- Toxoplasmosis — can be picked up from cat litter or undercooked meat; reduce risk by wearing gloves when gardening or changing litter trays and washing hands afterwards
- Salmonella — linked to undercooked eggs and poultry; cook food thoroughly and avoid raw or partially cooked eggs
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV) — spread through bodily fluids, often from young children; regular handwashing after nappy changes or wiping noses helps reduce risk
- Chickenpox — can be more serious in pregnancy if you haven't had it before; contact your GP promptly if you're exposed and unsure of your immunity
When to seek help
Contact your midwife or GP if you have any signs of infection, and don't wait if you notice:
- A high temperature or fever
- Pain when passing urine, or needing to go much more often than usual
- Unusual vaginal discharge, especially if it's smelly, green, or blood-stained
- Abdominal pain that doesn't settle
- Feeling generally unwell, shivery, or achy
Most infections in pregnancy are straightforward to treat once picked up, and pregnancy-safe antibiotics and other medications are available for the common ones — the main thing is not to leave symptoms unreported.
Frequently Asked Questions
What infections are common in pregnancy?
The most common are UTIs, thrush, bacterial vaginosis, and ordinary colds — all of which have pregnancy-safe treatments. Foodborne infections like listeria and salmonella are less common but worth actively avoiding through food safety practices, since they carry more risk if they do occur.
Can infections harm my baby?
Most everyday infections, like a cold or a treated UTI, don't harm your baby. A smaller number of infections, including listeria, toxoplasmosis, and untreated Group B Strep, can occasionally affect the pregnancy, which is why prevention and prompt treatment matter. Always tell your midwife about any infection so it can be assessed and managed appropriately.
Is it safe to take antibiotics while pregnant?
Many antibiotics are considered safe in pregnancy and are routinely prescribed for infections like UTIs and BV — your GP or midwife will choose one suitable for your stage of pregnancy. Never take antibiotics left over from a previous prescription; always get a fresh assessment so you're given the right medication and dose.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
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