[Hygiene measures in antenatal care]

The prevention of infections in the obstetric care of pregnant women is paramount, on the one hand with regard to pathogens of congenital infections and on the other hand due to the association of maternal infections with premature delivery.

Which measures are recommended for effective prevention of bacterial and viral diseases relevant to obstetrics?

Literature search on hygiene measures in terms of preventing transmission of infection.

The physiological vaginal flora of the pregnant woman is a fundamental factor in natural defence against infection. Its disruption-also through antimicrobial therapies-has a proven influence on the course of pregnancy (premature rupture of membranes, premature birth). It also leads to a disturbed intestinal microbiome in newborns, which has long-term consequences for their neurological, respiratory, metabolic and immunological development and increases mortality. The focus should therefore be on prevention-rather than therapy-of infectious diseases during pregnancy. This requires a detailed anamnesis, monitoring and updating of the vaccination status and, if necessary, clarification of the infection status by means of targeted serological tests. Then the gynecologist can give individual advice on preventive measures. This article provides specific recommendations on selected obstetrically relevant infections.

Focusing on hygiene measures to prevent infection in obstetrics can improve the health of both mother and child.