Pregnancy is a time when women are extra careful about their health. They eat better, rest more, and attend regular check-ups. But what if an infection is present without causing any fever, pain, or visible signs?
Doctors warn that several infections during pregnancy can be completely silent in the mother, yet still affect the unborn baby. These are called asymptomatic infections, meaning the mother may feel perfectly normal while the infection quietly impacts the foetus.
According to Dr Alka Chaudhary, Senior Consultant – Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Rainbow Hospital, many such infections go unnoticed without routine screening. “These infections often do not cause symptoms in the mother, which is why regular testing during pregnancy is extremely important,” she explains.
Similarly, Dr Tripti Raheja, Director – Obstetrics & Gynaecology at CK Birla Hospital , Delhi, says, “Sometimes a pregnant woman can have an infection without feeling sick at all. She may feel completely normal. But without proper screening, the baby could still be affected.”
This is why antenatal check-ups are not just routine visits; they are critical for early detection and prevention.
CYTOMEGALOVIRUS (CMV): A COMMON BUT OVERLOOKED THREAT
One of the most common silent infections is Cytomegalovirus (CMV). It is a widespread virus, and most adults may have been exposed to it at some point in life.
In pregnant women, CMV rarely causes noticeable symptoms. However, if the virus passes to the foetus, it can lead to congenital CMV. This may cause hearing loss, developmental delays, vision problems, or neurological complications in the child.
Because symptoms are often absent in the mother, screening and awareness become crucial.
TOXOPLASMOSIS AND RUBELLA: MILD FOR MOTHERS, SERIOUS FOR BABIES
Toxoplasmosis is another infection that may not cause symptoms in pregnant women. It is usually contracted by eating undercooked meat, handling contaminated soil, or cleaning cat litter.
While the mother may feel fine, the infection can lead to miscarriage, brain damage, or eye disorders in the baby, depending on the stage of pregnancy.
Rubella is also dangerous, especially in early pregnancy. The infection may be very mild or unnoticed in the mother. However, if contracted in the first trimester, it can cause serious birth defects such as heart abnormalities, hearing loss, and vision problems.
Vaccination before pregnancy is one of the best ways to prevent rubella-related complications.
HEPATITIS B, SYPHILIS, HIV AND GBS: INFECTIONS THAT CAN PASS TO THE BABY
Certain infections may remain silent in expectant mothers but can pass to the baby during pregnancy or delivery.
Hepatitis B and HIV may not cause obvious symptoms initially, yet they can be transmitted to the newborn. Without timely treatment, these infections can lead to long-term health complications.
Syphilis is another infection that may go unnoticed in its early stages. If untreated, it can result in stillbirth, prematurity, or congenital infection.
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is commonly present in the birth canal without symptoms. However, during delivery, it can infect the baby and cause serious conditions like sepsis, pneumonia, or meningitis.
Routine blood tests and screening during pregnancy help detect these infections early, allowing treatment to begin on time.
WHY REGULAR TESTING IS NON-NEGOTIABLE DURING PREGNANCY
Many women wonder why so many blood tests are advised during antenatal visits, especially when they feel healthy. Doctors say this is exactly the point that silent infections cannot be detected solely by symptoms.
Dr Tripti Raheja explains that simple blood tests during pregnancy can identify infections early. “Early diagnosis allows timely treatment, which can significantly reduce risks to the baby,” she says.
Dr Alka Chaudhary adds that preventive measures such as vaccination (where available), safe food practices, proper hygiene, and regular check-ups are key to ensuring a healthy pregnancy outcome.
The message from experts is clear: Feeling fine does not always mean everything is fine. Regular prenatal care is not optional — it is essential for protecting both mother and child.
Early detection can make the difference between complications and a healthy start to life.
