Pregnancy brings heightened health vigilance, yet asymptomatic infections – silent infection threats undetected by symptoms – can severely impact fetal development without mothers noticing. Hepatitis B, syphilis, HIV, Group B Streptococcus (GBS), cytomegalovirus (CMV), toxoplasmosis and rubella often show no signs in mothers but transmit during pregnancy or delivery, risking sepsis, hearing loss or congenital defects.
Experts like Dr Tripti Raheja, Director Obstetrics & Gynaecology at CK Birla Hospital Delhi, stress: “Sometimes a pregnant woman has infection without feeling sick. She feels completely normal, but screening detects risks early”. Dr Alka Chaudhary, Senior Consultant Obstetrician-Gynaecologist at Rainbow Hospital, adds regular testing non-negotiable: “Infections don’t cause symptoms in mother – early diagnosis prevents complications”.
Why Antenatal Screening Essential
Routine blood/urine tests during visits identify silent threats. Hepatitis B/HIV transmission preventable with antivirals; syphilis untreated risks stillbirth; GBS screening (35-37 weeks) guides intrapartum antibiotics, slashing newborn sepsis 80%. Indian guidelines recommend universal screening first trimester onwards.
CMV: Common Overlooked Virus
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) – herpes family – infects 50-80% adults lifetime, often unnoticed. Primary maternal infection (first exposure) risks fetal transmission 30-40%, causing congenital CMV: hearing loss (60%), vision issues, neurological delays. No vaccine/treatment; hygiene key – handwashing, avoiding toddler saliva/urine.
Toxoplasmosis & Rubella: Preventable Perils
Toxoplasmosis from undercooked meat/cat litter causes miscarriage, eye/brain damage. Rubella (first trimester) triggers heart defects, cataracts, deafness – MMR vaccine pre-pregnancy prevents. Awareness gaps persist; screening identifies exposures.
GBS: Birth Canal Risk
Group B Strep colonises 10-30% women asymptomatically; delivery transmission causes pneumonia, meningitis. Universal late-pregnancy culture screening standard – positive cases get IV antibiotics labour, reducing infection 70-90%.
Key Silent Infections Table
| Infection | Transmission Risk | Baby Complications | Screening/Treatment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hep B | 90% vertical | Chronic liver disease, cancer | HBsAg test, antivirals |
| HIV | 15-45% untreated | AIDS, death | Viral load, ART |
| Syphilis | 70-100% | Stillbirth, neurosyphilis | RPR/VDRL, penicillin |
| GBS | 50% vaginal | Sepsis, pneumonia | Rectovag swab 35-37wks |
| CMV | 30-40% primary | Hearing loss (60%), microcephaly | PCR urine/amniotic |
| Toxo | 40% | Hydrocephalus, chorioretinitis | IgM/IgG serology |
| Rubella | 90% 1st trimester | Congenital syndrome | MMR immunity pre-preg |
India’s Alarming Statistics
India faces a silent pregnancy crisis: 13.5% pregnant women carry asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB), rising to 21.8% in third trimester; HBV affects 2.4%; syphilis/HIV undetected in routine ANCs contribute 10-15% adverse outcomes. NFHS-5 reveals 52% anaemia masking infections. Universal screening first trimester slashes newborn sepsis 80%, prevents congenital defects – yet awareness gaps persist in UP/Bihar. Experts mandate 7 key tests: Hep B, HIV, syphilis, GBS, CMV for healthy deliveries.
Routine Testing Saves Lives
Antenatal visits mandate screenings; many asymptomatic. Dr Raheja: “Simple blood tests identify early, reducing baby risks significantly”. Vaccination (Hep B newborn, MMR preconception), hygiene, safe food prevent transmission.
Prevention Strategies List
Vaccinate: Rubella immunity preconception; Hep B newborn
Hygiene: Handwash post-diaper/cat litter; cook meat thoroughly
Screen: First trimester full panel; GBS 35-37 weeks
Safe Sex: Condoms prevent HIV/syphilis
Follow-up: Positive cases treat promptly; partner screening
Indian Context: Rising Awareness
India’s maternal mortality drops with ANCs; silent infections contribute 10-15% adverse outcomes. WHO recommends universal screening; private hospitals like CK Birla/Rainbow lead. Public health campaigns target gaps. For in-depth report read here.
Real Risks Untreated
Untreated Hep B chronic carrier mother → 90% baby infected; HIV → opportunistic infections; syphilis → 40% fetal death. CMV most common congenital infection globally (0.5-1% births).
Doctor Insights Table
| Doctor | Hospital | Key Quote |
|---|---|---|
| Dr Tripti Raheja | CK Birla Delhi | “Normal feeling ≠ no infection; screen baby” |
| Dr Alka Chaudhary | Rainbow Hospital | “Regular testing extremely important” |
Empowering Pregnant Women
“Feeling fine doesn’t mean everything fine,” experts warn. Antenatal care proactive – not reactive. Early detection/treatment transforms outcomes: healthy mothers deliver thriving babies.
Silent infections underscore pregnancy vigilance. Routine screenings bridge knowledge gaps, ensuring safer journeys motherhood. Consult obstetrician; prioritise tests – baby’s future depends it.
