Can having strep throat while pregnant hurt the baby?
Anyone who is pregnant and thinks that they may have strep throat should see a doctor. Doctors can treat strep throat with medications that fight bacterial infections. Although it does not often happen, untreated strep throat during pregnancy can lead to serious medical complications in both the woman and the fetus.
How do you know if you have strep throat while pregnant?
Allergies and other infections can easily cause inflammation and irritation in your throat. If you have a sore throat with a fever you should check in with your doctor. Your doctor will give you a “strep test” (culture collected by a swab to the tonsils) to determine if it is a strep infection.
Can you pass strep throat to a fetus?
It’s extremely unlikely that your baby will get strep. Babies rarely become infected, probably because the antibodies they receive before birth are still at work and most babies have very small tonsils.
How does strep affect pregnancy?
In pregnant women, GBS can cause infection of the urinary tract, placenta, womb, and amniotic fluid. Even if they haven’t had any symptoms of infection, pregnant women can pass the infection to their babies during labor and delivery.
What can you do for strep throat while pregnant?
You can try the following:
- Gargle with warm salt water to help your sore throat feel better.
- Avoid cold liquids, which can aggravate a sore throat. Instead, try caffeine-free herbal teas, such as chamomile or lemon tea with cinnamon. Be sure to stay hydrated.
- Get plenty of rest to allow your body to heal.
Should I be worried about a sore throat while pregnant?
When you’re pregnant, sore throat is often due to congestion and postnasal drip. When should I go to the doctor with a sore throat during pregnancy? If your symptoms are severe or last more than 24 hours, talk to your doctor.
What helps a throat infection when pregnant?
Can strep throat go away by itself?
Strep throat typically goes away in three to seven days with or without antibiotic treatment. However, if you don’t take antibiotics, you can remain contagious for two to three weeks and are at a higher risk for complications, such as rheumatic fever.