[Infections in pregnancy]

Infections of the mother-to-be continue to be a problem for a successful birth. However, on the basis of the case history, special examination methods (infection serology, pathogen determination) and the noninvasive and invasive prenatal diagnostic work-up, the risks for the fetus can be much better assessed than 10-15 years ago. This avoids unnecessary terminations of the pregnancy, better counseling of the parents-to-be, appropriate monitoring of the fetus, and improved treatment of mother and child during the pregnancy, or of the neonate. To ensure optimal care of mother and fetus, the family doctor, too, should be familiar with the major relevant infections, their symptoms, prophylactic options and treatment. As a general rule, cooperation with midwives, obstetricians and/or obstetric centers, specialist laboratories and neonatologists is essential.