Scarlet Fever in Pregnancy

introduction

During pregnancy, expectant mothers are often very afraid of infection. Expectant mothers often ask themselves whether an illness can harm their unborn child. Some diseases such as rubella are clarified in routine preventive examinations if there is a lack of immunity. The scarlet fever is not one of them. Scarlet fever is a typical childhood illness that almost everyone goes through at some point in their life. Mainly due to the painful tonsillitis (Tonsillitis) and the typical fine-spotted rash, scarlet fever is known to most people.

Read more on this topic: How contagious is scarlet fever?

Nowadays, thanks to the available antibiotic penicillin, it is easy to treat, so that secondary diseases and complications no longer play a role in industrialized nations. Of course, pregnant women can also develop scarlet fever. However, unlike syphilis, for example, this infection no direct danger to child development out. Nevertheless, a pregnant woman with scarlet fever should receive more intensive care than a non-pregnant woman. After all, secondary diseases of scarlet fever, which often affect the heart and kidneys, can endanger the pregnant woman and the well-being of the unborn child. Scarlet fever causes with the child however no malformations.

causes

The scarlet fever is a general disease caused by special bacteria caused. These bacteria are known as group A streptococci. In fact, special toxins, bacterial poisons, cause scarlet fever and lead to one Immune response in the body of the person concerned. This is expressed in the typical fine-spotted, red rash (Please also read: Scarlet fever rash). Other symptoms, such as a fever and a sore throat, also occur because it is an infectious disease that causes a general reaction in the body. Since group A streptococci have various toxins, one can get scarlet fever several times in the course of one's life. A passed infection therefore delivers no lifelong immunity against the pathogen. However, there is a certain protection from the immune system after infections, so that the likelihood of developing scarlet fever decreases after infections.

The infection will mostly transmitted via coughing and sneezing and is very contagious. Therefore, pregnant women are at risk of becoming infected, especially when they come into contact with young children. Contact with people with symptoms such as cough, sore throat, fever or feeling sick should be avoided during pregnancy. Avoiding community facilities such as schools, kindergartens or other places with many people is also recommended.

diagnosis

The diagnosis of scarlet fever in pregnant women is usually made as a so-called eye diagnosis. This means that the doctor can use the symptoms to determine that it is scarlet fever. Further examinations are usually not necessary. If the symptoms are not clear, a rapid test against group A streptococci can be performed.

Read more on the subject at: Scarlet fever test

Concomitant symptoms

Scarlet fever manifests itself in a pregnant woman in the same way as it does in a non-pregnant woman. The symptoms are the same. One of the main symptoms of scarlet fever in a pregnant woman is the fine-spotted, red rash that spreads all over the body. The cheeks in particular are red. The area around the mouth is typically unaffected by the rash, known as perioral pallor. Furthermore, there is a sore throat, difficulty swallowing and an abrupt onset of the disease with a high fever. Chills, fatigue, and a general feeling of illness are also typical. As a pregnant woman, it is advisable to consult a doctor at the onset of the first symptoms such as fever and fatigue. This is accompanied by headaches, vomiting or diarrhea. The tongue appears very red and swollen. This is known as strawberry or raspberry tongue.

Further information on the topic can be found here: The scarlet tongue

In addition, a bad smelling bad breath occurs with those affected. However, there are no specific symptoms that affect pregnancy. However, an early examination is advisable, as complications of scarlet fever can impair pregnancy.

Read more about this: Red spots on the tongue during pregnancy and fever during pregnancy

Itching as a symptom

Scarlet fever does not cause itching. Since there are many skin rashes, some of which look very similar, itching is an important differentiating factor. For example, an itchy rash can be thought of as an allergy. However, itching is not typical for scarlet fever.

Treatment / therapy

Scarlet fever is almost always associated with one antibiotic treated. The antibiotic shortens the duration of symptoms and prevented the appearance of Secondary diseaseswhich may affect the heart or kidneys of the pregnant woman, for example. Preventing the latter in particular is very important, as an impairment of the heart or kidneys can endanger pregnancy and the unborn child. The scarlet fever is fine with the antibiotic, however penicillin treatable. This is usually for 7 days prescribed. The symptoms subside after 2 to 3 days, but the antibiotic must be taken until the last day of prescription in order to effectively combat all bacteria.

Penicillin is one of the antibiotics of choice during pregnancy and breastfeeding and, unlike many other antibiotics, can taken without hesitation become. However, if the pregnant woman suffers from a penicillin allergy, another drug such as clindamycin must be used. In addition to antibiotic therapy, other measures to alleviate symptoms such as lowering fever or lozenges for sore throats are recommended.

risk

Many pregnant women fear infection during pregnancy. Some infections, such as syphilis or rubella, can be very dangerous for the child and lead to malformations. This damage cannot be repaired after the birth. Of course, you want to prevent this as much as possible through preventive examinations and therapies.

The scarlet fever fortunately causes no malformations in the child and does not directly endanger pregnancy. Nevertheless, pregnant women should of course take care to avoid people with symptoms. Contact with young children can also put the pregnant woman at increased risk of developing the typical childhood disease of scarlet fever. Community facilities such as schools, kindergartens, public offices and the like should therefore be avoided by pregnant women. The risk of infection is particularly high in such facilities.

The greatest danger for pregnant women and their unborn children are those Secondary diseases of scarlet fever. These occur weeks after infection and can affect the kidney and heart, among other things. This can disrupt the child's care, which can lead to stunted growth and other complications. However, thanks to the good medical care and therapy options in industrial nations like Germany, such secondary diseases hardly occur at all.

Duration

The duration of scarlet fever can vary from patient to patient. On average it takes about one week, until that Fever subsides. After about 3 to 4 days begins the Rash to fading. However, characteristic flaking of the skin, especially on the face, groin, trunk and armpits, can still occur 14 days after the disease. With penicillin therapy, the symptoms of scarlet fever improve after 2 to 3 days. The risk of infection also decreases 24 hours after the start of antibiotic therapy. On average the disease lasts about 1 to 2 weeks.

Employment ban

Scarlet fever generally does not pose a great risk to pregnant women. Still, it applies to pregnant women, especially those in community facilities work with children, a temporary ban on employment when scarlet fever occurs in the workplace. Since there is no certain immunity to scarlet fever even if the infection has passed through, the pregnant woman is not allowed to work in this case either. The employment ban applies until 3 days after the last case of illness in the facility. If there is uncertainty or disagreement with the employer, it is possible to obtain an employment ban through a medical certificate. Usually this is not necessary. For the period of the temporary ban on employment, the employer must continue to pay the pregnant woman. In certain cases, however, he can claim this from the health insurance company.

teachers

For pregnant teachers applies in the case of scarlet fever in the school where you work temporary ban on employment. Proof of lack of immunity through a doctor's certificate is not necessary, as 100% immunity cannot exist even with a scarlet fever infection. For the period of the temporary ban on employment, the work must continue to pay wages to the pregnant woman

Educators

For pregnant teachers The same provisions apply as for pregnant teachers. In the case of scarlet fever in the facility where the pregnant woman works, a temporary ban on employment up to 3 days after the last case of illness. Work resumes on the 4th day.