Learn about TORCH infections (TORCH Syndrome) that can affect you and your unborn baby during pregnancy.

Pregnancy is a very beautiful and hopeful time in every mother's life, isn't it? You must be waiting with bated breath for the little one to come into this world healthy. During this time, we need to take great care of our own health as well as that of our baby. Sometimes, some infections that we get can affect the baby as well. Today, we are going to talk about a few such infections. Don't worry, being aware of this is the best way to protect yourself.

What is TORCH Syndrome?

When you hear the word TORCH syndrome, you might think that it is a single disease. But it is actually not a disease, but a collection of several types of infections. These are infections caused by small germs such as bacteria, viruses or parasites. If the mother contracts these during pregnancy, they can cause certain health problems for the unborn child or the newborn baby.

The letters in the word TORCH represent these types of infections:

• T - Toxoplasmosis
• O - Other agents - This group includes things like HIV, Syphilis, Varicella, and Fifth disease.
• R - Rubella or German measles
• C - Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
• H - Herpes simplex

How are these infections transmitted to babies?

These TORCH germs can infect you, your developing baby, or your newborn baby.

There are three main ways that babies can contract these infections:

1. Through the placenta: Some germs can pass to your baby through the placenta, which provides nutrition and oxygen to your baby in your womb.

2. During birth: During childbirth, germs from the birth canal can enter the baby's body.

3. During breastfeeding: Very rarely, some germs can be transmitted to the baby through breast milk.

Because a baby's immune system is not fully developed in the womb, it cannot withstand illness like an adult. If an infection occurs, it can affect the development of some of the baby's organs.

Details about types of TORCH infections

Let's now look at each of these types of infections separately.

T - Toxoplasmosis

This is an infection caused by a parasite called `Toxoplasma gondii`. It enters the body through the mouth. It can be transmitted through things like undercooked meat and fish, dirty vegetables, and unclean water. In particular, this parasite can be found in cat feces . Therefore, you need to be very careful if you remove cat feces during pregnancy.

O - Other Agents

This category includes several infections.

• HIV: It is very rare for children to pass on HIV to their mothers. If the mother is HIV-positive, the risk of passing the disease to the child can be reduced to less than 1% by receiving appropriate treatment (`Antiretroviral therapy - ART`).
• Syphilis: This is a sexually transmitted disease. If diagnosed during pregnancy, antibiotics can be given to both the mother and the baby to ensure a full recovery.
• Chickenpox (Varicella): This is a disease caused by the varicella virus. Since most people get chickenpox at a young age and develop immunity, it is rare for the baby to be infected during pregnancy.
• Fifth Disease: This is a disease caused by a virus called `Parvovirus B19.` Since most adults are immune to it, it is rare for children to be infected.

R - Rubella

It is also called German measles. If it occurs during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, it can cause serious problems for the baby. However, thanks to the MMR vaccine, this disease is now very rare in Sri Lanka and many other countries around the world.

C - Cytomegalovirus (CMV)

This is a common infection in the TORCH group. It is transmitted through bodily fluids such as saliva and urine. Especially if there are other small children at home, you need to be very careful when changing their diapers and when feeding and bathing them.

H - Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)

This is also a common sexually transmitted disease. HSV-1 causes blisters primarily around the mouth, while HSV-2 causes blisters or sores in the genital area. Even if a pregnant mother has herpes, the risk of passing it on to her baby is very low. Especially if the mother had herpes before pregnancy, antibodies in her body pass through the placenta and provide protection to the baby.

How is screening done for these infections?

Your doctor will refer you for the necessary tests during pregnancy. Some of the tests that are commonly performed are listed in the table below.

In addition, if your doctor wishes, he or she may refer you for other tests, such as PCR tests and ultrasound scans.

Treatment and prevention of complications

The good news is that there are treatments for many of these infections. Treatment depends on the type of infection, its severity, and what stage of pregnancy you are in. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics, antivirals, or antiparasitics.

Some infections can cause complications in the child. For example:

• Untreated syphilis can affect a child's growth, vision, and hearing.
• Rubella can cause heart disease and brain problems.
• CMV infection can cause hearing loss in some children.

But don't worry. These things happen very rarely. By following proper medical advice and getting regular checkups, most of these risks can be avoided.

What should you do?

• Eat only well-cooked food: Avoid eating raw meat, fish, and raw eggs.
• Take care of cleanliness: Wash vegetables and fruits thoroughly before using them. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap after touching animals or soil.
• Practice safe sex: Avoid unprotected sex. Using a condom is very important.
• Get vaccinated: Before getting pregnant, talk to your doctor about whether you have received any necessary vaccines, such as the MMR.
• Seek medical advice: If you have any unusual symptoms (e.g. fever, skin blisters), see your doctor immediately.