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Medically Verified By: Dr Nidhi Saluja
Pregnancy is often described as one of the most beautiful phases in a woman's life. It is also a time when extra care becomes essential. Within these nine months, the health of a mother is a direct influence on the development of a baby. Torch infections is one of the key topics doctors address in case of pregnancy.
Possibly, it is the word you have heard in a prenatal check-up or read it in a blood test report. But just what are TORCH infections? Why are they important? And what can expectant women do to save their necks?
According to Dr Nidhi Saluja, IVF & Reproductive Medicine Specialist, Indira IVF Hospital Limited, Gurugram, Haryana, says, TORCH is not a single disease. It is an arrangement of infections which can be transmitted by a pregnant woman to a baby when they are pregnant or giving birth. These infections are sometimes known to produce severe complications on the unborn baby.
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The word TORCH is an acronym. It stands for:
The development of a baby depends on the impact of each of these infections. They can result in mild issues or lead to severe birth or developmental problems or even pregnancy complications when not detected and addressed in time.
In some cases, physicians often prescribe TORCH screening, particularly when recurring natural miscarriages or unexplainable fever during pregnancy or recorded deformities in the ultrasound.
"In adults, TORCH infections often have mild or no symptom manifestation. But when one is pregnant, the immune system of the person is normally a bit more susceptible to allow the growing baby to be safe. This exposes women to infections," the doctor added.
What matters in the real question is that such infections may give their way through the placenta and reach the developing organs of the baby - of actual significance the brain, eyes, heart, and liver.
Potential complications are:
Prevention and early detection are significant in elimination of risks.
Here's all about each infection separately:
Toxoplasma gondii is a parasite, which causes toxoplasmosis. It is commonly present in cat feces and uncooked or undercooked meat, contaminated soil and unwashed fruits or vegetables.
Not all individuals who contract toxoplasmosis are sick. Others can manifest mild flu symptoms. But in case of first time infection during pregnancy, the infection may be contracted by the baby.
The effects that may occur on the baby are:
How does infection happen?
The bright side is that the risk can be reduced to a considerable extent due to the implementation of basic hygienic measures.
The O in TORCH is the O Other. This group comprises some infections including:
Pregnancy outcomes can also be susceptible to these infections.
For example:
Many of these infections are normally detected by the routine prenatal blood tests.
German measles or rubella is a viral infection. It is transmitted by the breathing of other organisms as an infected individual sneezes or coughs.
The risk of infection with rubella, when a woman is pregnant in the first trimester, is enormous. It can result in such a phenomenon as congenital rubella syndrome.
Babies affected may have:
Pre-pregnancy vaccination is the most effective prevention of rubella. MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella) is very effective, but it cannot be conducted during pregnancy. This is the reason why women should have their vaccination status inspected before they can have a baby.
Cytomegalovirus also known as CMV is a very common virus. Majority of adults might have encountered it sometime in their lives. It is transmitted by body fluids like:
Children that are under the age of four years are frequent harbors of CMV and pregnant mothers can contract it during the care of toddlers.
Infection of CMV in pregnancy may result in:
CMV symptoms are usually slight or non-existent; therefore, many women could not realize that they are infected.
Herpes simplex virus is of two types:
When a pregnant woman has a living infection of genital herpes at birth, the infant may become infected as he/she goes through the birth canal.
Neonatal herpes poses real danger and can attack the baby and have the effect of:
In some instances, doctors can prescribe antiviral treatment or even cesarian section in order to avoid transmission.
In several situations, the symptoms are not apparent. Some warning signs, however, may be:
When the expecting mother has unexplainable fever or rash, then she needs to visit her doctor without delay.
The blood tests are done to verify the presence of antibodies of such infections in the doctors. The test looks for:
Ultrasound scans can also be used to indicate infection in baby e.g. abnormal development, presence of fluid, or the enlargement of organs.
The early diagnosis will help the doctors to closely monitor the pregnancy and even initiate treatment in some instances.
The choice of treatment is determined by the nature of infection and degree of pregnancy.
But even in case of certain viral infections such as CMV, no effective treatment is complete and still in pregnancy. Prevention and close monitoring come in such instances.
Most TORCH infections have a number of misconceptions.
Myth 1: When I am okay, then I cannot be infected.
Fact: TORCH infections are mostly asymptomatic and silent.
Myth 2: Birth defects are caused by any type of infection.
Fact: Infection does not always lead to complications. Early treatment and diagnosis can minimize risks.
Myth 3: I will certainly be getting toxoplasmosis because I have a pet cat.
Fact: Via appropriate hygiene and precautions, pet maintenance can be safe throughout pregnancy.
Myth 4: TORCH is a test that must be conducted on all pregnancies.
Reality: It is prescribed by physicians on the ground of personal risks and the health history.
Although nonspecific miseries during pregnancy are a natural part of pregnancy, there are signs which must be dealt with:
It is always best to prevent instead of cure. Though not every infection is completely preventable, simple hygiene practices would greatly help to decrease risk. The following are the safety recommendations by experts:
One of the most effective methods of avoiding infection is to wash hands. Pregnant women should wash hands:
Take no less than 20 seconds with soap and water.
Never leave meat uncooked so that some pink spots are still left. Avoid:
Clean cutting board and kitchen surfaces appropriately after touching raw food.
Parasites such as toxoplasma may be found in soil. Always wash all the fruits and vegetables before eating. Peel fruits when possible.
If you have a pet cat:
Wearing protection and making sure not to have more than one partner lowers the chances of catching the infection like herpes, HIV and syphilis. Report to your physician in case you or your partner suffered sexually transmitted diseases.
Before pregnancy, you must be vaccinated against:
Vaccines are effective preventive agents of severe infections.
If someone has:
Keep a distance and contact your doctor in case exposed.
Problems are identified early with routine antenatal visits. Do not miss usual appointments.
Do not take medications without consulting your physician. Some drugs may harm the baby.
Fear may develop when people hear that they might get infected when pregnant. Though, being aware is not being panicking. It is being knowledgeable and wary.
Majority of pregnancies are healthy with the same vaccination, hygiene, and medical advice.
Infection screening and management has been enhanced significantly by modern medicine. It is the timely testing and frequent monitoring.
Consult a physician in case of:
Symptoms should not be brushed off as minor.
TORCH infections are a conglomerate of possible severe infections, which may happen in childbabies. The process of pregnancy needs caution and trust. Keeping updated and taking care of simple hygiene practices, women will be able to minimize the breach of chances of getting infected and avoid causing harm to their baby.
When you are conceived or when you are already pregnant, talk directly to your doctor with regards to TORCH screening and precautionary measures. One precaution now will make your baby a better tomorrow. Your health is your baby's first protection.