Parasitic infections affect tens of millions of pregnant women worldwide. These infections lead directly and indirectly to a spectrum of adverse maternal and fetal/placental effects.
Can having parasites affect pregnancy?
Parasitic infections are common among pregnant women due to reduced body immunity and therefore can affect physiological systems of the body [1]. Malaria and ameba infections during pregnancy have been associated with increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes and complications [2, 3].
Can parasites cause birth defects?
Diseases from parasites like malaria or toxoplasmosis, genetic mutations and even excessive alcohol consumption during early pregnancy can all cause microcephaly.
Can you treat parasites while pregnant?
The most common medications for treatment during pregnancy, Praziquantel, and Niclosamide, are both in risk category B. Most often, doctors will prescribe these medications if the risk of withholding treatment outweighs the risk of the potential drug effects to the fetus during pregnancy.
What is a parasitic pregnancy?
Parasitic infections disrupt pregnancy at the maternal, fetal, and placenta level. Many parasites cause severe maternal disease, which can lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes.
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