Perinatal transmission

Perinatal transmission refers to the transmission of certain infectious diseases or substances from a mother to her child during the period immediately before and after birth. This period is often defined as the time from the 20th week of gestation to the 28th day of newborn life. The term is often used synonymously with vertical transmission.

Types of Perinatal Transmission

There are three main types of perinatal transmission: intrauterine, intrapartum, and postnatal.

• Intrauterine transmission occurs when the mother passes the infection to the fetus during pregnancy. This can occur across the placenta, through the amniotic fluid, or via the birth canal during childbirth.
• Intrapartum transmission occurs during the process of birth, most commonly when the baby comes into contact with maternal blood and vaginal secretions.
• Postnatal transmission can occur any time after birth, often through breastfeeding.

Common Diseases Transmitted Perinatally

Some of the most common diseases transmitted perinatally include HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, herpes simplex virus, and group B streptococcus.

Prevention

Prevention of perinatal transmission involves a combination of prenatal testing, treatment of the mother, cesarean delivery when necessary, and treatment of the newborn. The specific measures depend on the particular disease.

See Also

• Vertical transmission
• Congenital infection
• Neonatal infection

References

This infectious disease related article is a stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it.

This obstetrics related article is a stub.