Infectious diseases

During pregnancy, certain teething problems can be dangerous for the unborn baby. Below is a brief explanation of the various childhood diseases.

Different rules apply to pregnant women who have professional contact with groups of children (for example, if you are a teacher or work at a crèche). It is best for them to contact the midwife if children in their group have an infectious disease.

CHICKENPOX

If you have ever had chickenpox in your life, you are protected against chickenpox. In the Netherlands this applies to 93% of the population. If you yourself are protected against the disease, this also applies to the baby. If you have been in contact with chickenpox and you are not sure whether you had chickenpox as a child, please contact your midwife. The midwife will want to know a few things about you and possibly have your blood checked.

FIFTH DISEASE

Fifth disease can be harmful during the first 20 weeks of pregnancy. Again, if you have already had this disease, there are no risks for the baby. If you have never had this disease and you have had intensive contact with a child with fifth disease, please contact the midwife. If fifth disease is prevalent at school, you may pick up your own child from school. The chance of infection when picking up and dropping off your child is very small.

RUBELLA

Rubella can be harmful to the baby at the beginning of pregnancy. That is why the midwife will check whether you have been vaccinated against this during the first check-up. See also blood test.

SIXTH DISEASE

The sixth disease is not dangerous in pregnancy

CMV (CYTOMEGALIVIRUS)

The cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a relatively unknown virus for many people that causes minor complaints. More than half of the Dutch have had it at some point. The virus can cause mild flu-like symptoms and because the symptoms are often mild, you usually do not know whether you have had it. CMV can be passed on through contact with body fluids from people who carry the virus. You can think of saliva, snot, urin, or feces. As a result, you can pass it on to each other through cuddling with your child, and good hand hygiene is therefore important to prevent contamination with the virus. For example, wash your hands well after changing the diaper and do not lick your child's teat, bottle, or spout cup.

If there is someone in your area who has or suspects CMV, please contact the midwife.