Treating an infection may stop it from being passed on to your newborn.
Monitoring
If there any concerns that the infection might harm the baby, you will be monitored. If your growing baby appears to be ill, there are special tests and ways to care for your baby. Your doctor will talk to you about them.
Birth Method
Some health problems, like herpes and HIV, can spread to your baby during a vaginal birth. In some cases, you may need a cesarean section instead. It may lower the chances of spreading the infection to your baby.
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and congenital CMV infection. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Updated June 6, 2018. Accessed August 13, 2018.
Parvovirus B19 infection. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T115232/Parvovirus-B19-infection . Updated May 29, 2015. Accessed August 13, 2018.
Pregnancy and fifth disease. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Updated November 17, 2017. August 13, 2018.
STDs during pregnancy. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Updated October 6, 2017. Accessed August 13, 2018.
Last reviewed May 2018 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Beverly Siegal, MD, FACOG
Last Updated: 8/13/2018