Typhus during pregnancy, what is the impact on the mother and baby in the womb?

Typhus is a disease that is often suffered by Indonesians. Based on research published by the Indonesian Ministry of Health's Research and Development Agency, typhus was reported to have infected nearly 100 thousand people throughout 2008 alone. Children and adults are both at risk of developing typhus. This disease is caused by bacteria that stick to food or drinks, usually as a result of indiscriminate snacks. So, what happens if the mother gets typhus during pregnancy? Will the mother's illness affect the health of the baby in her womb? Here's the explanation.

Symptoms of typhus during pregnancy that you should be aware of

Typhus or typhoid fever is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria Samonella typhi. Typhus is generally spread through unsanitary food and water that you consume. Typhus can also be spread through food and drink that is worried about the faeces of an infected person. In rare cases, transmission occurs due to exposure to urine infected with bacteria.

Symptoms of this disease generally appear gradually in 1-3 weeks after the body is infected with bacteria. But, in some cases, the symptoms of this disease can also occur suddenly. Some of the symptoms of typhus that you may experience include high fever (40 ° C), headache, stomachache, diarrhea or constipation, muscle aches and pains, a rash or red spots on the skin, and decreased appetite. Typhoid complications can lead to death if not treated quickly.

Reported on the Baby Center website, typhus during pregnancy can affect the symptoms you experience, but not aggravate them. A study found that pregnant women who contract typhus may experience coughing as a symptom of this disease.

Then, what if you experience typhus during pregnancy?

Several studies have reported that this infection can slip into the placenta, affecting the health of the baby. According to a study published in the journal Obstetric Medicine, typhus during pregnancy can increase the risk of miscarriage or giving birth to a baby who also has typhoid fever. Typhus during pregnancy is also thought to increase the risk of preterm delivery and low birth weight babies.

However, there is not enough scientific evidence that can confirm the effect of typhus during pregnancy experienced by mothers on the baby in their womb. So it is very difficult to conclude whether typhus during pregnancy can actually harm your pregnancy or not.

Even so, these various possible risks can be prevented and can be treated properly with timely administration of antibiotics once you experience symptoms. Babies who develop typhus at birth can be given the antibiotic ceftriaxone and can return to full recovery.

If I got typhus during pregnancy, is the medicine safe for me to take?

If during pregnancy you experience symptoms as mentioned above, it's good to immediately consult this with your doctor to keep your pregnancy healthy until it's time to give birth.

Not all typhus drugs are safe for pregnant women. However, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics that are safe for consumption and do not harm your pregnancy or your fetus. If your stomach does not appear to be enlarged because it is still in the first trimester and the doctor you are complaining about does not know you are pregnant, tell the doctor that you are pregnant.