Viral Infections During Pregnancy Linked to Maternal and Fetal Death and Complications

The mother's brain and postpartum care behavior are both affected by viral infections during pregnancy. These are the results of a mouse model research study done at MedUni Vienna. The findings appeared in the prestigious journal "Molecular Psychiatry."

During pregnancy, viral infections are a leading cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and death. Infections can occur transplacentally, perinatally via vaginal fluids or blood, or postnatally through breast milk or other sources in the neonate.

Viral infections affect pregnant women

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There is substantial evidence from mice research that viral infections during pregnancy can impact the developing brain of the young in utero (in the womb), with long-term effects on brain function and behavior.

For the first time, a preclinical investigation has shown that a viral-like immune activation during pregnancy impacts the maternal brain and dramatically impairs mother care behavior after birth.

These findings were published by a study group led by behavioral biologist Daniela D. Pollak of MedUni Vienna's Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, in collaboration with colleagues from MedUni Vienna's Center for Brain Research and Columbia University (USA).

The researchers not only saw changes in the dams' behavior, but they also discovered structural, chemical, and functional alterations in their brains, as well as some of the underlying causes.

Despite the fact that animal-model results cannot be directly applied to humans, the study team believes that viral infections during pregnancy might influence mothers' attitudes about their kids.

"Women who have experienced systemic viral infections during pregnancy may be at a higher risk of poor mother-infant bonding," Pollak says, as per ScienceDaily.

The researcher expects that by raising awareness, mothers with a history of infection during pregnancy may be more motivated to seek medical or psychological therapy if they suffer signs of disturbed bonding after delivery, which may influence the well-being of their children.

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Consequences of viral infections in pregnancy

A growing amount of data suggests that maternal viral infection may be directly or indirectly implicated as an etiologic factor in fetal wasting, deformity, and long-term neurosensory handicaps, as per Jama Network.

Following maternal infection with rubella, CMV, herpes virus hominis, chickenpox vaccinia, and poliomyelitis, there have been reported cases of fetal infection and illness.

Measles and influenza have also been implicated based on epidemiological studies, although there is inadequate evidence to identify the precise risk for these agents.

There is little known about the placenta, its involvement in conveying infection to the fetus, the incidence of microscopic lesions, and viral harboring over lengthy periods of time. The use of viral vaccinations during pregnancy is strongly discouraged.

Recent studies have highlighted the relevance of good living practices in preventing prenatal disorders and minimizing the risk of birth malformations, fetal development problems, and in utero fetal programming.

While some intervention studies indicate an average of 30 minutes of exercise per day for pregnant women, advice on length, frequency, and intensity for pregnant women may vary by country.

There is widespread agreement that obesity is linked to poor perinatal outcomes, such as gestational diabetes mellitus, preeclampsia, and large for gestational age infants; as a result, many health programs emphasize weight loss when appropriate and nutrition recommendations throughout pregnancy and beyond.

According to new research, viral infections may have a role in the pathophysiology of maternal obesity and/or gestational diabetes.

Age, chronic somatic illnesses, and pregnancy are all risk factors for influenza or acute respiratory virus infections, with obese individuals and those with circulatory and respiratory issues having a higher risk.

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