Don’t ignore a sore throat in pregnancy, warns report
Mums-to-be are advised to visit their doctor with any sore throats after rise in serious Strep A cases
Mums-to-be have been advised to get any soreness in their throat checked out by a doctor after a rise in serious cases of throat infections.
A report by The Centre for Maternal and Child Enquiries (CMACE) has revealed a rise in cases of a usually mild infection called Strep A. It is easily treatable with antibiotics but can be dangerous or even fatal for pregnant women and new mums.
Symtoms include a mild sore throat or skin infection but mums-to-be and those who’ve just given birth are more vulnerable to a more serious form of the infection. The report found that many mums and their doctors trivialised symptoms that were actually a sign of something more serious.
“Some women and their families did not realise how ill they were, and trivialised or did not disclose significant symptoms that might have allowed earlier intervention,” the report stated.
Advice for mums-to-be is to pay extra attention to hygiene, and wash their hands regularly especially after using public transport.
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“While pregnancy is a lovely time, it’s not without risk. Pregnant women and their families need to be more aware and wash their hands,” said Dr Imogen Stephens, from CMACE.
Find out more about colds and infections in pregnancy.
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