What dangers does ureaplasma pose during pregnancy and how to get rid of the infection. Ureaplasmosis in pregnant women - danger to the child How ureaplasma can affect the child

During pregnancy planning, every woman is recommended to undergo a full examination to exclude the development of diseases dangerous for the expectant mother and her child. If this recommendation is neglected, then it is worth considering that ureaplasmosis during pregnancy carries the risk of miscarriage, as well as the formation of disturbances in the development of the fetus. This pathology can also be dangerous due to the development of other complications.

Ureaplasma is a little-studied microorganism, so information about its effect on a child developing in the womb of an infected mother is limited. is conditional. This is due to the fact that such data is based on diagnostic statistics of babies born to an infected mother.

In some cases, the birth of absolutely healthy babies was recorded with their mother diagnosed with ureaplasmosis. However, most often children are born with some kind of disorder.

One of the main dangers this pathology poses is miscarriage. It occurs due to the fact that ureaplasmas, in the course of their life activity, significantly deteriorate the structure of the genital tract, loosening and making their mucous membranes thinner, as well as the muscular frame of the genitourinary apparatus. This effect of microorganisms on the female body contributes to the development of diseases of the cervix, weakening of its muscles, and this provokes an early opening of the uterine canal, resulting in a miscarriage or premature birth. It is worth considering that miscarriage (in the early stages of pregnancy) or premature birth (in the 3rd trimester) is a problem caused by ureaplasma in most women.

Ureaplasmosis also carries an indirect risk to the baby’s life. Due to early delivery, babies are born underdeveloped, and many of them are diagnosed with an insufficiently formed respiratory system.

In such a situation, the baby requires urgent help from a competent resuscitator, otherwise the baby may develop brain disorders.

Possible complications in the child

According to statistics, most babies born to an infected woman have the following complications:

too low birth weight;
meningitis;
development of fetal hypoxia;
congenital pneumonia;
pyelonephritis;
neonatal pneumonia, which develops in the first months of a baby’s life;
sepsis;
conjunctivitis.

Also, the appearance of babies with low immunity, unable to fight the effects of pathogenic viruses and bacteria.

Characteristics of complications

Sometimes uraeplasmosis causes the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia in a child. Because of this pathology, the formation and development of the fetus stops, and the pregnancy freezes. This pathology is observed when amniotic fluid is damaged by microorganisms and enters the membranes of the fetus.

Also dangerous is the development of fetoplacental insufficiency, which is damage to the placental vessels. This pathology causes a deficiency of nutrients necessary for the development of the baby, as well as oxygen. In some cases, placental insufficiency poses a threat to pregnancy in general, causing the birth of premature babies with low body weight and developmental delays.

The cause of miscarriage can also be chorioamnionitis, a pathology manifested by the spread of the inflammatory process through the membranes of the fetus (amnion, chorion). It is worth considering that the infection in almost all cases spreads to the fetus.

In some situations, ureaplasmosis provokes the development of brain diseases, as well as pulmonary pathologies. There have also been a few recorded cases of baby death during childbirth.

Determining the severity of complications

The severity of possible complications for the child caused by ureaplasmosis is determined by the stage of pregnancy at which the mother was infected. It is worth considering that in most cases the baby is born with congenital ureaplasmosis. To accurately determine the degree of danger of pathology for the fetus, a woman must undergo diagnostic procedures.

Usually, PCR diagnostics are performed for this, which consists of collecting biomaterial and its further reproduction in the laboratory. This technique makes it possible to identify the sensitivity of ureaplasmas to the active components of drugs selected for the treatment of pathology. If the microorganisms have not been found to have immunity to such substances, and the stage of development of the pathology is initial, then the doctor makes a treatment prognosis favorable for pregnancy and the fetus. In this case, effective treatment will allow the baby to be born completely healthy.

Effect of drugs on the fetus

To treat ureaplasmosis, only antibiotics are used. Such treatment carried out during pregnancy can also cause the development of pathological consequences in the unborn child. Therefore, the advisability of its use at various periods of pregnancy is determined only by a doctor.

The first trimester is dangerous because:

during this period, the embryo does not yet surround the placental barrier, so the effect of the medication on the fetus will be as strong as possible;
at this time, the baby’s tissues and systems are formed, and any disturbances in this process will lead to the development of congenital dangerous pathologies;
the effects of antibiotics on the mother's liver and kidneys can also negatively affect pregnancy.

Strong antibiotics taken by an expectant mother who is in the second or third trimester can cause pathologies in the development of the child’s brain and genitourinary system. There is an opinion that at 6-9 months the placenta does not allow harmful substances to pass through it that could harm the baby. However, this applies only to some toxic substances, while others are able to penetrate the placental barrier.

To avoid risks to the life and health of her unborn child, every woman must undergo testing for ureaplasmosis during pregnancy planning.

Diagnosing the pathology before pregnancy will allow it to be quickly and effectively treated with antibiotics without harm to the expectant mother and her baby. If the disease was detected directly during pregnancy, then the woman needs to visit her doctor more often to monitor the rate of development of the pathology.

To eliminate the consequences of ureaplase during pregnancy, the expectant mother should undergo a course of treatment prescribed to her based on the test results obtained. For this purpose, gentle drugs are usually selected, to the action of which microorganisms do not have immunity.

Ureaplasma is a special microorganism that occupies an intermediate position between viruses and bacteria. In the medical environment, attitudes towards it are constantly changing. At this stage, ureaplasma belongs to the group of opportunistic pathogens. This means that with good immunity, its activity is suppressed and the disease does not occur. But under favorable conditions, the microorganism can cause inflammation. Ureaplasma during pregnancy can carry special risks for women. In what cases is treatment required and when is it not necessary?

In women, two types of microorganisms can be detected in smears: Ureaplasma urealyticum and Ureaplasma parvum. They do not have a cell wall; their cytoplasm is surrounded by a thin membrane.

Ureaplasma lives in the epithelium of the urinary tract and vagina. It is located on cell membranes and reproduces by fission. It can repeatedly change its antigenic structure and evade the immune response.

How does infection occur?

Ureaplasma is found in 20% of people who do not have clinical symptoms of the disease. But they are capable of infecting others without knowing it. The following mechanisms of pathogen spread are distinguished:

sexual - during sexual contacts;
ascending - from the vagina the infection spreads to the appendages;
hematogenous - with blood flow, rarely implemented;
translocation- from one organ to another;
transplacental- from a sick mother to a child.

A child can become infected not only during pregnancy, but also during childbirth. Moreover, the method of delivery does not matter - it can be either a natural birth or a caesarean section.

Mechanism of disease development

Normally, a whole system of protective factors operates in the female vagina.

Beli. Approximately 20 ml of physiological leucorrhoea is secreted per day, which moisturizes the environment, making it favorable for the proliferation of beneficial microflora.
Epithelium. It is constantly exfoliated and is excreted as part of the leucorrhoea. If microorganisms attach to it, they also come out.
Microflora. The normal biocenosis is represented by lacto- and bifidobacteria. The percentage of remaining microorganisms is insignificant. Lactobacilli occupy all nutritional niches, so pathogens have no substrate for growth and reproduction.
Sucking Wednesday. The acidic environment is provided by the processing of glycogen by lactobacilli. They also produce hydrogen peroxide, which is an antiseptic.
Immunoglobulins. The mucosa contains cells of the leukocyte series. They synthesize immunoglobulins that can activate phagocytes to absorb bacteria, viruses and fungi.

But ureaplasma can change cellular metabolism and cause:

disorders of amino acid and peptide metabolism;
chromosomal mutations in cells;
autoimmune reactions;
increased prostaglandin synthesis;
increased blood coagulation.

Treatment of ureaplasmosis with antibiotics does not always lead to recovery. Carriage of infection without clinical signs is very common.

What does ureaplasma cause during pregnancy?

Before pregnancy, detecting insignificant concentrations of ureaplasma in smears in the absence of a clinical picture of inflammation does not cause danger. But if a woman experiences frequent exacerbations of infection, this can have negative consequences for reproductive health and the fetus. The danger of ureaplasma during pregnancy is as follows:

miscarriage;
primary and secondary placental insufficiency;
delayed fetal development;
intrauterine infection;
pneumonia in a newborn.

In women, ureaplasma can cause chronic endometritis. Against the background of recurrent inflammation of the uterus, its ability to accept a fertilized egg changes. This can manifest itself in the form of recurrent miscarriage - two or more miscarriages in a row at an early stage. For some women, infertility becomes a serious consequence.

In conditions of placental insufficiency, the intrauterine development of the child is disrupted. Such children suffer from hypoxia and do not receive the required amount of nutrients. Therefore, they are born hypotrophic - with low weight and small size for their age.

Even if the baby does not become infected in utero, the presence of infection in the mother’s body leads to immune changes. Consequences: after birth, the child is more susceptible to various diseases.

Ureaplasma can be combined with a similar mycoplasma. But it is much more dangerous that ureaplasma infection often occurs simultaneously with other STIs: gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis.

What does a microbe reveal itself to be?

Most often, ureaplasma is present in the genital tract or urethra without symptoms. When the microflora is in a normal state, it does not cause an inflammatory reaction. The causes of the disease appear when local and general immunity decreases. This happens:

during pregnancy;
during hormonal changes;
after serious illnesses;
after hypothermia;
against the background of microflora disturbance.

But even during the inflammatory process, ureaplasma cannot always be detected. Detectability increases to 65-75% with:

urethritis;
vaginitis;
bacterial vaginosis;
pathologies of the cervix;
miscarriage.

It may take several months from the moment of infection to the appearance of the first signs in a woman. In acute infection, the following symptoms appear.

Discharge. Usually transparent, but their number increases significantly. When combined with another infection, they can become cloudy, yellowish, and have an unpleasant odor.
Itching. A burning sensation and a desire to scratch occurs due to irritation from secretions and inflammatory products.
Pain. A nagging pain may appear in the lower abdomen. Sometimes it has a connection with sexual intercourse.

Clinical manifestations during pregnancy usually take the form of colpitis, vaginitis, and urethritis. In rare cases, it may be salpingitis. Endometritis is also common in non-pregnant women.

Ways to identify the pathogen

For pregnant women, a mandatory test is a flora smear, which is taken upon registration, mid-term and shortly before birth. In other cases, the study is carried out if there are complaints of discharge or itching in the genital tract. The peculiarity of ureaplasma is that it is almost impossible to detect it in a regular smear. Special tests for ureaplasmosis are necessary. But they are not carried out to everyone. It is recommended to screen the following women:

with unclear infertility;
in case of miscarriage;
during frozen pregnancy;
with a history of stillbirth.

Men are required to be examined for ureaplasmosis only if they intend to become sperm donors.

Research methods

Research is carried out in different ways. The materials for it can be:

scraping from the urethra;
a smear from the cervix or posterior vaginal vault;
morning urine sample.

Analysis based on morning urine is carried out using a molecular biological method, which is very rarely used in Russia. The main diagnostic methods are the following.

Cultural. Sowing vaginal discharge onto nutrient media allows one to obtain pure colonies of microorganisms. The norm is on the border below 104 CFU. If there are no signs of inflammation, then the woman is considered healthy.
PCR. Currently, a technique is used not only for detecting pathogen DNA, but also for determining its quantity. Vaginal scrapings are used as material. The norm is considered to be 104 copies of DNA or less. Decoding the analysis also allows you to determine the specific type of ureaplasma - urealiticum or parvum.
Serological. The technique is based on the detection of antibodies to ureaplasma. Depending on the combination and titers of immunoglobulins, the stage of inflammation can be determined: is it a primary infection, a chronic disease or remission. This technique helps in diagnosing miscarriage, causes of miscarriage and for examining newborns with congenital infection. But this method is not used to establish the fact of infection.

A smear can only be taken from a woman two weeks after antibiotic treatment if a culture test is planned. And after 30 days, if PCR diagnostics are necessary.

Manifestations of ureaplasmosis are nonspecific, so it is necessary to differentiate the disease from other sexually transmitted infections and vaginal dysbiosis. To do this, a smear is taken to determine the degree of purity, as well as PCR diagnostics of other infections.

Treat or leave

Many microorganisms are opportunistic. But during pregnancy, the question of whether or not to treat ureaplasma is associated with a possible risk for the child. The Clinical Guidelines Table specifies the following approach.

No signs of inflammation. If less than 104 CFU of ureaplasma are detected, the woman is considered healthy and treatment is not carried out.
No inflammation, but a lot of ureaplasma. In non-pregnant women, treatment is not required. Ureaplasma during pregnancy is treated in women with a history of complications or recurrent miscarriage. Infertile couples are also treated.
There is inflammation and ureaplasma. Treatment is provided to everyone.

The category of sexually transmitted diseases is very large. Each of the pathologies negatively affects the human body. Such diseases pose the greatest danger to pregnant women, since not only they, but also the fetus can suffer from them.

In this article we will consider a disease such as ureaplasmosis. What effect does it have on pregnant women, what are its symptoms, dangers and how is it treated?

What is ureaplasmosis?

This is a disease that occurs as a result of infection with a single-celled organism by ureoplasma. This is a single-celled organism that belongs to the caste of intracellular microbes. There are about 14 types of ureoplasma, but the causative agent of ureoplasmosis is U. Urealyticum. The incubation period of the microorganism is 1 month. The essence of ureoplasmosis is the appearance of inflammatory processes in different localizations.

Most often, ureaplasmosis develops in the following categories of patients:

Beginning early sexual activity;
Practicing unprotected sex;
Sexual contacts with a large number of partners;
Background pathologies of the reproductive system;
People over 30 years old.

Ways of infection with ureaplasmosis

This disease is transmitted mainly through sexual contact.. What’s noteworthy is that you can also become infected through oral-sexual contact. Ureaplasmosis cannot be contracted through common household items. Infection in public places such as toilets, swimming pools, baths is also excluded.

Children who were born to infected mothers can also become infected with ureaplasma. When the fetus passes through the mother's reproductive tract (microorganisms are found mainly in the vagina), he picks up this infection. For this reason, women are recommended to undergo thorough examination and treatment of various diseases before pregnancy.

Interesting: quite often deep infection with ureaplasmosis occurs precisely during the birth process. The urinary tract and uterus are affected by pathology.

If for some reason the disease has not been cured, then after birth the child is carefully examined for infection. After this, treatment begins, its specificity depends on the location of the foci of infection.

Symptomatic picture

After about 4 weeks, symptoms of infection begin to appear. They are very similar to those that appear with urethritis:

Pain and burning in the urethra;
Pain when urinating;

If infection occurs through oral sex, then a symptomatic picture of sore throat appears. Such symptoms are more typical for men and may not appear in women. They have the following symptoms:

Colpitis (inflammation of the vagina): whitish mucous discharge appears in large quantities (this is a symptom of thrush, so colpitis is often confused with it), pain in the lower abdomen;
Endometritis (inflammation of the uterine wall): symptoms similar to colpitis;
Cystitis (inflammation of the bladder): pain when urinating, very frequent urge to go to the toilet;
Pyelonephritis (inflammation of kidney tissue): lower back pain, fever and dysfunction of the urinary system.

They usually appear when the immune system is depleted due to severe stress, physical overload or concomitant diseases.

Is it dangerous for pregnant women

Yes, it's dangerous. There is a threat of miscarriage, a deficiency of oxygen and nutritional components in the child. The latter factors may cause premature birth. Such children are born underdeveloped and their lives are in danger.

If the woman is not treated and the child is born infected, he may develop some complications over time. These include:

Conjunctivitis;
Meningitis;
Pyelonephritis;
Pneumonia.

In very advanced cases, sepsis begins.

Diagnosis of ureaplasmosis

Usually, when planning a pregnancy, women are referred for a comprehensive examination of the body, this facilitates the process of identifying and treating underlying pathologies. If a woman is already pregnant, then a ureaplasma test will be prescribed only if there is a suspicion of pathology. Diagnosis of this disease is a rather complicated process, since it is difficult to detect ureaplasma and its extent in a smear on the flora. For this reason, additional gynecological examinations are prescribed:

PCR (this is how polymer chain reaction is abbreviated). The main goal is to identify the DNA molecules of a microorganism in the flora. The analysis does not take much time and is done within a few hours. Its disadvantage is that it does not make it possible to determine the exact number of ureoplasmas. PCR is not suitable for monitoring the effectiveness of drug therapy and is applicable only for the primary diagnosis of pathology.
Detection of antibodies to ureaplasma. It is used only to determine the cause of miscarriage or long-term infertility. If a woman is simply pregnant and there is nothing wrong with her, the test is not used.
Bacteriological culture. A smear is taken from the vaginal cavity and placed in nutrient media. By how quickly the pathogenic flora grows, it is determined whether a woman is at risk of some kind of disease or not. The advantage of such a study among others is that it allows us to determine whether certain antibiotics will be effective against infection. It is also suitable for monitoring the effectiveness of therapy. The analysis takes about two days.

How is the pathology treated?

Many people believe that if everything is normal with the pregnant woman’s health, there is no need to treat ureoplasmosis. This is the biggest misconception. It is important to select the duration and intensity of treatment depending on the period of gestation and the characteristics of its course.

There is one unshakable rule for treatment (it applies to all infections from the STD category): partners need to be treated together. Ideally, you should not have sex at this time or only do it with a condom. If you do not follow these nuances, re-infection will occur constantly and the effectiveness of treatment will be reduced to nothing.

When to treat?

When to treat ureaplasmosis

A doctor who cares for a woman throughout her pregnancy constantly monitors the health of mother and baby. In the case of a normal pregnancy, treatment for ureoplasmosis begins only when there is a threat of complications, miscarriage, or when the risk of infection of the child increases.

If ureaplasmosis was diagnosed at the very beginning of pregnancy, then treatment does not begin immediately. Such promptness in starting therapy is also necessary when there is a threat of miscarriage. Specialists wait until the fetus's major organ systems have formed. This is due to the fact that various developmental defects may appear under the influence of drugs. Previously, pregnancy was terminated with ureaplasmosis, because the disease was considered very dangerous for both the child and the mother.

If pregnancy has already been going on for some time, then it is best to carry out antibacterial therapy from 20 to 22 weeks of pregnancy. At this time, the fetus is already fully developed and can withstand antibiotic treatment.

How to treat?

All infectious diseases are treated with antibiotics. But, as every pregnant woman probably knows, antibiotics can be harmful to the fetus. Previously, this was indeed the case, but today there are new generation drugs that have minimal effect on the child.

Most often, patients with ureaplasmosis are prescribed a whole range of drugs. Moreover, only one of them is effective against ureaplasma. What then are the rest and why are they needed? These drugs belong mainly to the group of immunomodulators and anti-dysbacteriosis drugs. Such medications are necessary because antibiotics destroy both harmful and beneficial flora in their path, and the work of these drugs is aimed at restoring it.

Antibiotics

Such products may have different formats and release forms. Women are usually prescribed tetracycline drugs as antibiotics. The disadvantage of these drugs is that they need to be taken for a long time and against this background the woman may experience side effects. Among such drugs, Erythromycin is considered the best. It is safe for children and at the same time effective against ureaplasma.

A product called Vilprafen has recently appeared on the domestic market. Compared to Erythromycin, it has less negative effects on the gastrointestinal tract. The risks of such effects on the fetus are also minimized.

Another commonly used antibiotic is Viferon. It can be used by women who are 10-14 weeks old. Its advantage lies in the almost complete absence of side effects and negative effects on the baby. This remedy also has a beneficial effect on the immune system, the body begins to better protect itself from pathogenic agents. This drug is a preventive measure against the development of infections in the child in the womb and outside it. Due to the action of the product, the baby is born not only healthy, but also has a strong immune system.

Erythromycin
Vilprafen
Viferon

Immunomodulators and anti-dysbacteriosis drugs

As already mentioned, after treatment the patient needs to restore normal microflora. Typically, the course of using such products lasts about two weeks. The most commonly used remedies for vaginal dysbiosis are:

They contain lactobacilli, which restore the concentration of lactic bacteria in the vaginal mucous membranes. These medications are mainly taken orally.

As for immunomodulators, their restoration of immunity and its ability to defend against third-party microorganisms and control the state of microflora. The doctor must choose a specific immunomodulator, since some of them cannot be used by pregnant women.

When is the disease considered cured?

To monitor the effectiveness of therapy, women and men must periodically undergo bacteriological cultures. Patients are considered healthy in the absence of ureaplasma microorganisms. In men, treatment usually takes about a month, in women it is about the same.

A person infected with ureaplasmosis can become pregnant. This pathology does not in any way prevent conception and there are physical possibilities for pregnancy. At the same time, the expectant mother should understand what responsibility she takes on for the health of the child.

Greetings to all regular and new readers of our site! We have already devoted more than one topic to pregnancy and preparation for it. But many questions still remain. Recently, one of my readers contacted me: during a gynecological examination, she was diagnosed with ureaplasma at 6 months of pregnancy. The girl was very frightened by the fact that now all she could do was pray: ureaplasma during pregnancy can have the most serious consequences for the child. Is this true? We'll find out at the end of today's conversation.

Share, dear girls and women, how many times a year do you visit our chief doctor, a gynecologist? Some people are regularly checked for infections and various pathologies twice a year, while others have never been examined for 5 years. And how negligently many people treat pregnancy! I won’t tire of repeating: it’s better to play it safe three times and calmly enjoy bearing a baby than to be underexamined, not notice the “sore” and then be afraid that it will harm the baby.

I have already talked about what tests you need to take when planning a pregnancy in previous topics. In a good way, STIs should be identified at the stage of preparation for conception in order to have time to be treated. Normally, in addition to beneficial lactobacilli, our body contains about 5-10% pathogenic microorganisms. For the time being, they “sit” quietly, without making themselves known.

Pregnancy reduces immunity, as all efforts are devoted to preservation and gestation. And here the “sores” begin to manifest themselves in all their glory. Ureaplasmosis is detected in approximately 70% of women! Its first symptoms appear after 4 weeks in the form of slight mucus discharge. Sometimes we don’t even notice them, they pass, but during pregnancy the virus begins to act with redoubled force.

Ureaplasma during pregnancy: consequences for the child

How is ureplasma transmitted? First of all, sexually. Infection through personal hygiene items (towels, patient underwear) is also possible. But there are two more ways: intrauterine (when the baby becomes infected through infected amniotic fluid), and during the passage of the fetus through the birth canal.

For the mother, the disease can threaten inflammation of the appendages and uterus, purulent endometritis after childbirth. The baby may be even worse off. Ureaplasmosis often causes abortion due to loosening of the cervix. This is the most dangerous consequence. If the infection affects the placenta, then fetoplacental insufficiency will almost certainly develop, and the development and growth of the baby will proceed more slowly.

During childbirth, babies become infected more often than in the mother's belly. The bacterium begins to attack the sterile body and as a result, infants develop, the respiratory system is affected, and the central nervous system suffers. Such children subsequently begin to have headaches, they become nervous and easily excitable, and the syndrome develops. In girls, the genitals become infected with their mother's viruses.

Ureaplasma: treat or cripple

All the consequences of ureaplasmosis during pregnancy have not yet been sufficiently studied, but there is enough already known information to confidently say: it is necessary to treat ureaplasma! But what to treat, you ask, is it really antibiotics, like most sexually transmitted infections? Yes, including them. Previously, this virus was considered almost a 100% indication for abortion, of course, in the early stages. It was believed that if the fetus survived the infection, it would be born with serious pathologies.

Indeed, infection in the first trimester can lead to consequences, but modern medicine is against termination of pregnancy and in favor of treating ureaplasmosis. Moreover, new generation drugs make it possible to do this with virtually no harm to the child.

If there is no threat of miscarriage or other serious complications, then doctors recommend starting treatment after the 30th week of pregnancy so as not to harm the fetus. Some doctors say that you can start therapy at 20 weeks, when all the baby’s organs are already formed. In any case, you will take all actions only after a thorough examination, following the recommendations of your gynecologist. Typically, PCR (polymerase chain reaction) and BAC culture are used to diagnose ureaplasmosis in medicine.

Prepare for the fact that both you and your spouse will have to undergo treatment to avoid re-infection.

Treatment will be comprehensive and include:

Antibiotics (usually the safest ones are prescribed, from the macrolide class, for example, Erythromycin)
Immunomodulators to support normal immunity
Restorative agents for vaginal microflora.

Before treatment, bowel cleansing with enterosorbents may be required. The course lasts about 4 weeks. Throughout this period, doctors recommend carefully monitoring your diet, eating more fruits and vegetables, as well as dairy and sour-milk products. After a couple of months, the gynecologist will take a smear again. If it turns out to be clean: hooray! Ureaplasma was expelled from the body.

Hygiene and prevention

If you are one of the lucky 30 percent of women who are not familiar with ureaplasma, then you probably follow personal hygiene and prevention measures. I tell the rest. Again, common truths, but it’s better to repeat them again and remember them than to be at risk during pregnancy.

Always maintain personal hygiene and wear underwear only made from natural materials.
Use only your own hygiene products, including toothbrushes, washcloths, and towels.
Don't change sexual partners too often. I’ll keep silent about casual relationships; I hope you and I are not so frivolous.
Protect yourself with condoms.
Check with a gynecologist once every six months.
Plan your pregnancy in advance and go through it with your partner or spouse

Be careful and consult a doctor at the slightest symptoms. I suggest you conclude today's topic. To do this, please visit the forum and leave feedback on the topic of various genital “sores” during pregnancy. Tell us how you managed to detect and treat them, and what consequences awaited you afterwards.

If you have any questions after reading, I will be happy to answer! Until new publications, stay safe everyone!

The presence of ureaplasma during pregnancy indicates a danger to the mother and unborn child. Against the background of this bacterium, a disease develops - ureaplasmosis. It covers the entire genitourinary system, breaking down urea, and is also found in the respiratory tract and digestive tract.

What is ureaplasmosis?

The vaginal microflora contains many microorganisms. The main quantity is accounted for by lactobacilli. Pathogenic bacteria are present from 5 to 10%. If a woman’s body is healthy, these microorganisms remain dormant, but as soon as the immune system weakens, they begin to “come to life,” actively multiplying and affecting nearby organs and systems.

Ureaplasmosis occurs against the background of the gram-negative bacterium ureaplasma. The pathogen is characterized by the absence of its own DNA and cell membrane and is a small species. For this reason, a bacterium can only exist alongside other microorganisms, being in symbiosis with them, that is, in a relationship in which ureaplasma benefits from other bacteria.

The pathogen multiplies exclusively in the cells into which it penetrates and generates adenosine triphosphate through the hydrolysis of urea. ATP is a nucleoside triphosphate that creates energy for all cells, ensuring communication between all organs.

The inflammatory process begins during a period when a person’s immunity is weakened, the concentration of ureaplasma is exceeded and other pathogenic microorganisms are present. There are 14 types of ureaplasma, but not all of them are dangerous for a pregnant woman.

There are only 3 types of bacteria, infection of which requires urgent treatment:

The causative agent ureaplazma parvum (pravum) is found only in the mucous membranes of the genitals, produces antibodies, and primarily affects the genitourinary system.
The bacterium ureaplasma urealiticum (urealiticum) penetrates the blood plasma, spreading throughout the body. It is one of the most dangerous types, leading to infertility.
The microorganism ureaplasma species (spice) is present in the microflora of the vagina and in sperm. When activated, it can lead not only to inflammatory processes, but also to negative effects on the human reproductive system.

Methods of infection

The main route is sexual. This can be genital, anal and even oral sex.

During normal sexual contact, the bacterium is localized on the genitals; during oral sex, on the mucous membranes of the mouth and larynx. It is impossible to become infected through household methods.

If a pregnant woman is infected, the bacterium can only infect the baby during labor, when the fetus passes through the woman's genital tract. Therefore, it is very important to engage in treatment during pregnancy.

The danger of ureaplasma during pregnancy

The presence of ureaplasma itself is not as dangerous as its rapid proliferation, which disrupts the optimal balance between aggressive and beneficial bacteria. During pregnancy, a woman's immune system weakens significantly, so pathogenic microflora begins to spread uncontrollably. This leads to damage not only to the genitals, but also to the canals of the cervix.

Consequences for the female body

If the disease first strikes a woman in the first trimester, spontaneous miscarriage is possible, and later premature birth. But basically, ureaplasmosis is contracted even before pregnancy is planned, and therefore the danger for a woman is only that ureaplasma can cause the development of diseases of the urinary system.

Consequences for the fetus

If ureaplasma is present before pregnancy, infection of the fetus in the womb is unlikely to occur, since it is reliably protected by the placenta and antibodies that were previously produced by the mother’s body. However, if the mother becomes infected during pregnancy, the pathogen can also infect the fetus, because the body has not yet developed the necessary protection.

The consequences for the fetus are:

The placenta and fetal membranes can become infected, and this develops hypoxia. The result is slow development of the child.
If infection occurs during labor, the child’s respiratory system, nasopharynx, oral cavity, visual organs, and gastrointestinal tract are affected. This leads to diseases such as pneumonia and conjunctivitis. In addition, the urogenital tract can become infected, most often if a girl is born.
If intrauterine infection occurs, the central nervous system suffers the most. Throughout life, the child experiences frequent headaches, migraines, dystonia, nervous overexcitation and other diseases.

Symptoms of ureaplasmosis

Signs of the disease are in many ways similar to those of other genitourinary tract infections. What you should pay special attention to:

Itching and burning, discomfort on the external genitalia. Such symptoms intensify after urination (or during it).
Pulling pain syndromes and cramps in the lower abdomen.
Pain and discomfort during sexual intercourse.
If the bladder is affected, the disease is accompanied by frequent urination. In this case, pain may be present.
If the nasopharynx is affected, then signs of a sore throat and cold appear.

With such symptoms, women try to self-medicate, which entails rapid progression of ureaplasmosis. Therefore, if obvious signs of infection appear, you should immediately inform your gynecologist.

Ureaplasmosis must be diagnosed before pregnancy, that is, when planning it. It is advisable to take appropriate tests in advance. During gestation, no specific examination is carried out, but diagnosis is prescribed if this disease is suspected.

The following methods are used for this:

PCR, or polymerase chain reaction, which identifies the pathogen. You can get results within a few hours. This method is primary, since it does not determine the level of progression of the pathology and the degree of reproduction of the bacterium.
Bacterial culture from the vagina allows you to identify what PCR cannot detect. A smear is removed from the vagina, after which the material is placed in a nutrient medium. If microorganisms develop as quickly as possible, then immediate treatment is required. Bacteriological culture makes it possible to identify the reaction of ureaplasma to certain antibacterial drugs. Therefore, it is bacterial culture that helps the treating doctor determine the treatment regimen. The result of the analysis will have to wait two days.

To get the most accurate result, a woman should prepare before taking the tests:

sexual intercourse is prohibited three days before the day of laboratory diagnosis;
Do not douche or use tampons;
3 days before the test, it is undesirable to use intimate hygiene products;
the use of vaginal suppositories and tablets is excluded;
On the day of the examination, you should not wash yourself with soap.

If a woman had ureaplasmosis before pregnancy, then no treatment is carried out during pregnancy. But many doctors are guilty of this and prescribe antibiotics + a sea of other drugs. Ureaplasmosis cannot be completely cured. It can only be muted for a while. Therefore, if a woman has no complaints, the child feels normal, judging by ultrasound and CTG, then no treatment is required.

But if the infection occurred during pregnancy, then treatment may be prescribed. You should not have sex while taking medications. As a last resort, it is recommended to use a condom, because this will avoid secondary infection. Since this microorganism is sexually transmitted, not only the pregnant woman, but also her sexual partner is treated.

Drug therapy includes the following:

Antibiotics of the macrolide group are used - Erythromycin. It is possible to use lincosamides (drugs Clindamycin, Lincomycin). The most effective antibacterial agent is the drug Rovamycin. Antibiotics are taken 2 to 3 times a day, the course of treatment ranges from 10 days to 2 weeks.
Additionally, antifungal medications are prescribed: Nystatin, Levorin.
Since ureaplasma suppresses the human immune system, it is necessary to take vitamin premixes, interferons, and peptides of the active biological form.
In addition to pills, vaginal suppositories are also indicated for a pregnant woman. This could be Neo-penotran, Terzhinan, Genferon.
It is recommended to wash the area twice a day with a solution of furatsilin. For one procedure, 2 tablets diluted in half a liter of warm water are enough.

Auxiliary actions:

It is imperative to adhere to a special diet so as not to create a favorable environment for the pathogenic microorganism. Any sweets, spicy foods, smoked foods and salty foods are strictly prohibited. Cereal porridge, fresh vegetables and fruits, and fermented milk products are recommended.
It is important to carry out personal hygiene procedures at least 2-3 times a day, since dying bacteria are eliminated through the vagina.
Traditional medicine recommends making decoctions from chamomile, string, and calendula. Brew herbs at the rate of 4 tablespoons of herbs per 1 liter of water. Boil for 5 minutes, let it brew. Strain and pour into a bowl of water, take a sitz bath. You can also wash yourself with the decoction.

Prevention

Preventive measures help avoid infection and further problems. Just follow these rules and principles:

Try to have one regular sexual partner. If you are planning to have casual sex, use a condom.
If you are planning a pregnancy, be sure to ask your doctor to conduct an examination for the presence of ureaplasma in the body.
If you have had sexual contact with a person whose safety you are not sure of, be sure to treat your genitals with chlorhexidine immediately after sex.

Find out from our video about ureaplasmosis from the lips of obstetrician-gynecologist Dmitry Lubnin:

Tell your gynecologist in a timely manner about any problems and changes in the body’s functioning - this is the only way you can prevent the development of complications.