- Some infections can significantly impact the overall health of women and affect their reproductive health outcomes (Lassi et al. 2014 Preconception care: preventing and treating infections – PubMed (nih.gov)). There are various types of infections, such as:
- Sexually transmitted infections (STI’s), including
- Chlamydia and gonorrhea (Smolarczyk et al. 2021)
- Herpes simplex virus (HSV) — STD Facts – Genital Herpes (Detailed version) (cdc.gov)
- Systemic infections, some of which are also STIs, including
- HIV (see HIV and Women (cdc.gov))
- COVID-19 (Kasman et al. 2020)
- Periodontal disease (Terzic et al. 2021 Periodontal Pathogens and Preterm Birth: Current Knowledge and Further Interventions – PMC (nih.gov))
- Sexually transmitted infections (STI’s), including
- Certain infections can also be transmitted during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding to the fetus or neonate, with severe consequences:
- For example, congenital syphilis can cause stillbirth, neonatal death, preterm birth, blindness, deafness, developmental delay, bone deformities, and other complications (STD Facts – Congenital Syphilis (cdc.gov))
- Various infectious diseases pose long-term risks to overall health, to maternal health during pregnancy, and to fetal/ infant health
- The preconception period is an opportunity to identify and treat infections, counsel patients on risk reduction strategies, encourage recommended immunization, and optimize overall health
- Sexually transmitted infections pose important risks for reproductive health (e.g., infertility), which makes them especially important to address in the preconception period (Tsevat et al. 2017 Sexually transmitted diseases and infertility – PubMed (nih.gov)
- Some vaccines contain a live virus and are contraindicated in pregnancy (e.g., varicella and mumps-measles-rubella vaccines). The preconception period is an important time to
- Administer live vaccines as indicated
- Counsel patients on appropriate waiting times after vaccination to attempt pregnancy
- Obtain a complete medical and sexual history for all women to identify potential infectious disease exposures
- For women who desire pregnancy, assess environmental risks for infectious diseases (e.g., toxoplasmosis and cat litter, CMV and exposure to young children’s bodily fluids)
- Review infectious disease and immunization histories
- For women planning pregnancy, consider moving the screenings for infectious diseases and immunization status which are traditionally done during prenatal care to the preconception period
- Routinely assess and update the immunization status of all women of reproductive age in order to:
- Protect all women from preventable morbidity and mortality, whether they later become pregnant or not
- Protect women who become pregnant from increased severity of some communicable diseases in pregnancy, such as influenza and varicella
- Decrease the risks of vertical transmission of some infectious diseases to the fetus or neonate
- Based on the patient’s history and CDC recommendations, test for STIs and treat appropriately.
- Do follow-up testing as recommended by CDC
- Provide counseling on risk reduction strategies
- Encourage the use of effective family planning methods to avoid pregnancy until evaluation and treatment for an infectious disease has either been completed or the disease is under optimal control
- Support patients living with a chronic infectious disease (e.g., HIV) by collaborating with infectious disease specialists to optimize treatment regimens and reach the best possible state of health prior to conception
- Immunization status should be regularly assessed and updated for all reproductive age women to protect their own health.
- For women planning pregnancy, consider moving the screenings for infectious diseases and immunization status which are traditionally done during prenatal care to the preconception period.
- Recommend Hepatitis B, HPV, Rubella, Varicella, Influenza, and COVID-19 immunization as indicated.
- If decision made to administer live vaccines in the preconception period, caution against conception for the appropriate interval.
- For patients with potential infectious disease exposure, counsel on travel restrictions and recommended waiting time before trying to conceive (e.g., Zika virus).
- Assess the need for sexually transmitted infection screening at the time of preconception counseling.
- Test for infectious diseases and provide counseling on risk reduction behaviors.
- Patients with chronic infectious diseases (e.g., HIV) can increase the likelihood of a healthy pregnancy with guidance and collaboration between primary health care providers and infectious disease specialists.
Immunizations
- For all women of reproductive age, especially those who desire to conceive within the next year (Prepregnancy Counseling | ACOG):
- Assess immunization status annually and at the time of preconception counseling for Tdap, measles–mumps–rubella, hepatitis B, and varicella
- Provide indicated vaccines, especially:
- Influenza (give or counsel to return when current year’s immunization is available)
- Hepatitis B
- Rubella (live vaccine; caution to avoid pregnancy for 1 months after MMR vaccine)
- Varicella (live vaccine given in 2 doses; caution to avoid pregnancy for 1 month after 2nd dose)
- Tdap is recommended for every woman in every pregnancy between 27-36 weeks
- HPV vaccination – not recommended for use in pregnancy. If pregnancy occurs once the 3-dose series has been initiated, delay the remaining doses until after delivery (Pregnancy Guidelines and Recommendations by Vaccine | CDC)
- COVID-19 – See current CDC screening and vaccination recommendations for people planning to become pregnant COVID-19 Vaccines for People Who Would Like to Have a Baby | CDC
- Access the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practice immunization schedules for the most current recommendations http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/hcp/index.html
Infectious Disease Screening
- Assess need for sexually transmitted infections (STI) screening at time of preconception counseling (See 2021 STI Screening Recommendations (cdc.gov))
- Screen during the preconception period for other infectious diseases based on age, risk factors, and current guidelines, including:
- Gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, and other STI’s for which they are at high risk
- Treat STI’s according to current guidelines (See 2021 STI Treatment Guidelines (cdc.gov)
- HIV – screening is recommended preconception and again during pregnancy
- Counsel HIV-negative patients whose partners are HIV positive on pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to reduce the risk of acquiring HIV
- Counsel HIV-infected patients who desire pregnancy on the use antiretroviral therapy to suppress the plasma viral load to an undetectable level before getting pregnant
- Refer patients who are infected with HIV to an infectious disease specialist for appropriate management and supportive care
- Hepatitis C – universal screening for adults recommended at least once in a person’s lifetime and for all pregnant women during each pregnancy Testing Recommendations for Hepatitis C Virus Infection | CDC. Curative treatments are available, but are not recommended during pregnancy
- Tuberculosis – screen those with risk factors and treat those with active or latent disease, ideally before pregnancy (Guidelines for the Treatment of Latent Tuberculosis Infection: Recommendations from the National Tuberculosis Controllers Association and CDC, 2020 | MMWR)
- Gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, and other STI’s for which they are at high risk
- Counsel on lifestyle choices to minimize risks for various infectious diseases, including toxoplasmosis and STIs
- Ask about upcoming travel plans and discuss the risks of acquiring infectious disease(s) abroad
- The CDC offers current guidance on avoiding Zika virus exposure and appropriate waiting times for attempting pregnancy after potential Zika exposure (Women and Their Partners Who are Thinking about Pregnancy | Zika virus | CDC)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Recommended Adult Immunization Schedule 2022 (cdc.gov) provides tables with vaccines recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) based on age and medical conditions along with contraindications and precautions (CDC Vaccines Schedules App also available for download)
Pregnancy and Vaccination: Prenatal Care Providers Toolkit | CDC contains up-to-date maternal vaccination recommendations and guidance for appropriate intervals to avoid conception after live vaccine administration (Reviewed 2019)
STI Screening Recommendations (cdc.gov) provides a table with current screening recommendations for STI’s listed by disease or by patient populationSTI Treatment Guidelines 2021 (cdc.gov) provides current evidence-based prevention, diagnostic, and treatment recommendations for sexually transmitted infections
Printable patient handouts available from the CDC:
- Chlamydia Fact Sheet
- Gonorrhea Fact Sheet
- Hepatitis B Fact Sheet
- Hepatitis C Fact Sheet
- Syphilis Fact Sheet
- HPV Fact Sheet
- Herpes Fact Sheet
- Flu Fact Sheet
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Fact Sheet
Patient websites from the CDC:
- COVID-19 vaccination– Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 Vaccination | CDC
- Tdap vaccination — Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Whooping Cough Vaccination: What You Should Know | CDC (Reviewed 2020)
- Varicella (Chickenpox) vaccination — Chickenpox Vaccination: What Everyone Should Know | CDC
- HIV — About HIV/AIDS | HIV Basics | HIV/AIDS | CDC
- Listeria — People at Risk – Pregnant Women and Newborns | Listeria | CDC
- Malaria — CDC – Malaria – About Malaria – FAQs
- Pertussis — Whooping Cough (Pertussis) | CDC
- Rubella — Rubella (German Measles) | CDC
- Tetanus — Tetanus Disease (Lockjaw) | CDC
- Toxoplasmosis — CDC – Toxoplasmosis – General Information – Pregnant Women
- Tuberculosis — Basic TB Facts | TB | CDC and TB in Specific Populations | Pregnancy | TB | CDC
- Zika — Women and Their Partners Who are Thinking about Pregnancy | Zika virus | CDC
- In addition, the CDC has an A to Z list of resources which may be very useful for searching for information on particular infectious diseases, vaccinations, or resources
ACOG Committee Opinion No. 762. (2019). Prepregnancy Counseling. Obstetrics and Gynecology;133(1): e78-e89. doi:10.1097/AOG.0000000000003013
Lassi, Z. S., Imam, A. M., Dean, S. V., & Bhutta, Z. A. (2014). Preconception care: Preventing and treating infections. Reproductive Health, 11 Suppl 3, S4. https://doi.org/10.1186/1742-4755-11-S3-S4
Smolarczyk, K., Mlynarczyk-Bonikowska, B., Rudnicka, E., Szukiewicz, D., Meczekalski, B., Smolarczyk, R., & Pieta, W. (2021). The Impact of Selected Bacterial Sexually Transmitted Diseases on Pregnancy and Female Fertility. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 22(4), 2170. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22042170
Terzic, M., Aimagambetova, G., Terzic, S., Radunovic, M., Bapayeva, G., & Laganà, A. S. (2021). Periodontal Pathogens and Preterm Birth: Current Knowledge and Further Interventions. Pathogens, 10(6), 730. https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens10060730
Tsevat, D. G., Wiesenfeld, H. C., Parks, C., & Peipert, J. F. (2017). Sexually transmitted diseases and infertility. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 216(1), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajog.2016.08.008
Workowski, K. A., Bachmann, L. H., Chan, P. A., Johnston, C. M., Muzny, C. A., Park, I., Reno, H., Zenilman, J. M., & Bolan, G. A. (2021). Sexually Transmitted Infections Treatment Guidelines, 2021. MMWR. Recommendations and Reports: Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. Recommendations and Reports, 70(4), 1–187. https://doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.rr7004a1 (Sexually Transmitted Infections Treatment Guidelines, 2021 (cdc.gov))
Background
- All women of reproductive age should have their immunization status routinely assessed and updated. Immunity is important to:
-
- Protect all women from preventable morbidity and mortality, including cervical dysplasia and cancers from HPV infections,
- Protect women who become pregnant from increased severity of some communicable diseases in pregnancy, such as influenza and varicella, and
- Decrease the risks of vertical transmission of some infectious diseases to the fetus, neonate and infant.
- Some infections are potentially harmful in pregnancy both to the mother and fetus. These infections include:
- Chlamydia
- Cytomegalovirus
- Gonorrhea
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis C
- HIV
- HPV
- HSV
- Influenza
- Listeriosis
- Malaria
- Rubella
- Syphilis
- Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis
- Toxoplasmosis
- Tuberculosis
- Varicella
- For some diseases, insufficient evidence exists to determine the benefits of screening and treatment relative to pregnancy outcomes. Examples include :
- Antibody testing for type-specific HSV in discordant couples;
- Screening for Toxoplasmosis and Cytomegalovirus to determine susceptibility to new infection;
- Screening and treatment for Bacterial Vaginosis (not proven to decrease preterm birth);
- Treatment of periodontal disease prior to or during pregnancy (not proven to decrease the incidence of pregnancy complications or preterm birth).
- The proven impact of some infections on pregnancy outcomes cannot be altered by preconception detection and treatment (examples include group B streptococcus, asymptomatic bacteriuria). For these conditions, the best way to reduce related reproductive risks is to test and treat during pregnancy and in the intrapartum period.
- All women of reproductive age should have their immunization status routinely assessed and updated. Immunity is important to:
- Protect all women from preventable morbidity and mortality including cervical dysplasia and cancers from HPV infections.
- Protect women who become pregnant from the increased severity of some communicable diseases in pregnancy (such in influenza and varicella).
- Decrease the risks of vertical transmission of some infectious diseases to the fetus, neonate and infant.
- Some vaccines contain a live virus and are contraindicated in pregnancy.
- The treatments for some infectious diseases pose teratogenic risks for the fetus which necessitates that treatment be undertaken and completed prior to conception to avoid this preventable risk.
- Choosing a contraceptive method compatible with the disease and treatment is essential to prevent conception during treatment.
- Sexually transmitted infections pose important risks for reproductive health (e.g. infertility) and childbearing which makes them especially important to address before pregnancy is attempted or achieved.
- Obtain a complete medical and sexual history for all women to identify potential infectious disease exposures; for women who desire or are at risk for pregnancy, environmental risks for infectious diseases (e.g. cytomegalovirus, toxoplasmosis) should also be assessed although this strategy is of uncertain benefit.
- Review infectious disease and immunization histories to determine likely immunity and needed immunizations.
- Provide indicated immunizations.
- If the specific practice is unable to administer routine immunizations it is essential the practice has a specific protocol in place to refer women for indicated immunizations and to follow-up to determine if immunizations were received.
- Encourage the use of and provide effective contraception to women to prevent pregnancy until evaluation and treatment for an infectious disease has either been completed or the disease is under optimal control.
- Using patient’s history and CDC recommendations, test for STIs and treat appropriately.
- Do follow-up testing as recommended by CDC.
- Provide counseling on risk reduction strategies and safe sex practices.
- Vertical transmission of infection or acquisition at birth is an important consideration in the care of women who might become pregnant. Strategies to reduce the likelihood of vertical transmission include:
- Immunization when available for those at risk;
- Screening for specific diseases and treatment based on risk;
- Risk reduction strategies to reduce likelihood of primary infections:
- Prevention of acquisition through encouraging safer sex practices;
- Education about opportunities to alter lifestyle choices to reduce acquisition risk.
- Avoiding infectious diseases before and during early pregnancy provides an important opportunity to increase the chances of a health pregnancy and infant.
- Immunization status should be regularly assessed and updated for all reproductive age women to protect their own health.
- For all women irrespective of pregnancy plans the following are appropriate emphases for care:
- Assess risk for communicable diseases and follow-up with:
- Education on risk reduction strategies
- Indicated testing
- Appropriate treatment (coupled with contraception until treatment complete or the disease is under control (e.g. HIV).
- Assess risk for communicable diseases and follow-up with:
- For women planning pregnancy, consider moving the screenings for infectious diseases which are traditionally done during prenatal care to the preconception period. These screenings include:
- Syphilis
- HIV
- Hepatitis B
- Rubella
- Tuberculosis (if indicated)
- Varicella
- Women with an infectious disease that has a chronic component can often achieve a successful pregnancy outcome with guidance and collaboration between primary health care providers and specialty care.
Clinical Guidance
For every woman who desires pregnancy within the next year:
- Review immune status and provide indicated immunizations especially:
- Influenza (give or counsel to return when current year’s immunization is available)
- Hepatitis B
- Rubella (with caution to avoid pregnancy for 3 months after immunization)
- Varicella (with caution to avoid pregnancy for 1 month after immunization)
- Tdap is recommended for every woman in every pregnancy
- Assess risk for infectious diseases (see below).
- Screen for infectious diseases based on risk status (see below).
- Counsel on lifestyle choices to minimize risks for various infectious diseases including STIs
- Consider testing for infections normally part of prenatal care for which treatment / immunizations might be better positioned for prevention of poor pregnancy outcomes if accomplished prior to pregnancy:
- Tuberculosis
- Rubella
- HIV
RESOURCES
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2015). Sexually Transmitted Disease Guidelines available at:
http://www.cdc.gov/std/tg2015/default.htm
The CDC has created an app for quick access to treatment guidelines which can be investigated and downloaded at:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/std-tx-guide/id655206856?mt=8
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (ACIP: Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices) 2013. Adult Immunization Schedule. Available at:
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/hcp/adult.html . This site includes many tools appropriate to the primary care practice.
Infectious Disease (in alphabetical order):
[symple_toggle title="Chlamydia" state="closed"]
- Most common bacterial sexually transmitted infection in U.S.
- 70-90% asymptomatic
- Preconception significance: if untreated, can lead to infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancies.
- Screen at least annually:
- All sexually active women < age 25;
- All other women at risk for infection should be screened at least annually or more often. Risk factors include:
- history of STIs;
- new or multiple sexual partners;
- inconsistent condom use;
- sex work;
- drug use.
- Screen by endocervical sample, urine sample or self-obtained vaginal swab.
- Treat using CDC guidelines if:
- Positive screen or
- Documented exposure
- Consider expedited partner therapy to reduce risk of re-infection;
- Educate on risk reduction strategies;
- Test for re-infection according to CDC guidelines 3 months following treatment.
RESOURCES
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2015). Sexually Transmitted Disease Guidelines available at:http://www.cdc.gov/std/tg2015/default.htm
The CDC has created an app for quick access to treatment guidelines which can be investigated and downloaded at:https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/std-tx-guide/id655206856?mt=8
The CDC has a printable patient fact sheet on Chlamydia, click here to access.
[/symple_toggle][symple_toggle title="Cytomegalovirus" state="closed"]- Routine serologic screening is not recommended
- Women who have young children/work with infants and young children/work in the hospital setting should be counseled about risk reduction strategies such as using gloves/rigorous hand washing after handling diapers or exposure to respiratory secretions.
RESOURCES
The CDC has a website for providers, click here to access it.
[/symple_toggle][symple_toggle title="Gonorrhea" state="closed"]- One of the most common infectious diseases in U.S.
- Can be asymptomatic.
- Preconception significance: if untreated, can lead to infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancies.
- Screen women at high risk for infection, including those with:
- Prior gonorrhea infection or other STDs,
- New or multiple sexual partners,
- Inconsistent condom use,
- Sex work,
- Drug use, and/or
- Women from demographic groups and communities with high prevalence.
- Screen by either endocervical sample, urine sample or self-obtained vaginal swab.
- Treat using CDC guidelines if there is a:
- positive screen, or
- documented exposure.
- Consider expedited partner therapy to reduce risk of re-infection.
- Educate on risk reduction strategies.
- Repeat test for re-infection according to CDC guidelines 3 months after treatment with a regimen with ceftriaxone.
- If treated using a regimen that does not include ceftriaxone, a test of cure is needed.
RESOURCES
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2015). Sexually Transmitted Disease Guidelines available at: http://www.cdc.gov/std/tg2015/default.htm
The CDC has created an app for quick access to treatment guidelines which can be investigated and downloaded at:https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/std-tx-guide/id655206856?mt=8
The CDC’s website on gonorrhea can be accessed here.
[/symple_toggle][symple_toggle title="Hepatitis B" state="closed"]- The risk of perinatal infection with acute infection during pregnancy range from 10% (infected in first trimester) to 90% (infected in third trimester).
- These risks are avoidable through preconception vaccination.
- The risk of perinatal transmission is 10-90% for women with chronic Hepatitis B
- Women at high risk who have not been previously vaccinated should receive the Hepatitis B vaccine before pregnancy.
- Pre-vaccination antibody screening can be considered but should not be a barrier to vaccination of susceptible persons.
- The vaccine prevents transmission of infection to infants and eliminates the risks to the women of hepatic failure, liver carcinoma, cirrhosis, and death due to HBV infection.
- Chronic Hepatitis B carriers should be instructed on ways to reduce transmission to close contacts and how to prevent vertical transmission to their babies and they should ideally be followed by a specialist to optimize treatment.
- If undergoing treatment, an effective contraceptive strategy should be encouraged until treatment is complete and disease is stable.
- All pregnant women should be tested for Hepatitis B surface antigen (HbsAg) at the first prenatal visit. Hepatitis B vaccine series can be given during pregnancy to complete a series begun prior to pregnancy or for un-immunized pregnant women at high risk for acquiring Hepatitis B.
RESOURCES
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2015). Sexually Transmitted Disease Guidelines available at:http://www.cdc.gov/std/tg2015/default.htm
The CDC has created an app for quick access to treatment guidelines which can be investigated and downloaded at:https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/std-tx-guide/id655206856?mt=8
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (ACIP: Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices) 2013. Adult Immunization Schedule available at http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/hcp/adult.html. This site includes many tools appropriate to the primary care practice.
The CDC has a fact sheet on Hepatitis B, please click here to access.
[/symple_toggle][symple_toggle title="Hepatitis C" state="closed"]- The CDC updated their recommendations on hepatitis C screening in April 2020, now suggesting screening:
-
- at least once in a lifetime for all adults aged ≥18 years, except in settings where the prevalence of HCV infection is <0.1% and
- for all pregnant women during each pregnancy, except in settings where the prevalence of HCV infection is <0.1%.recommends that all adults be tested at least once for Hepatitis C.
- The CDC continues to recommend that persons who are at risk for hepatitis C are screened periodically as long as any of the following risk factors are present:
- Past or current injection drug use,
- History of other STIs,
- History of blood transfusion or solid organ transplant before 1992,
- Receipt of clotting factor concentrates before 1987,
- Long-term dialysis,
- Signs and symptoms of liver disease, and/or
- Women born between 1945-1965.
- If positive for Hepatitis C:
- Refer to specialist for appropriate counseling and therapy,
- Educate on link between viral load and neonatal transmission,
- Avoid hepatotoxic drugs, and
- Educate about importance of continued care for her own health to minimize liver disease.
- Counsel for risk reduction strategies.
- If under treatment or has signs of liver disease encourage effective contraceptive methods until treatment is complete or disease is in best possible control.
RESOURCES
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2020). CDC Recommendations for Hepatitis C Screening Among Adults – United States, 2020. https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/rr/rr6902a1.htm
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2015). Sexually Transmitted Disease Guidelines available at:http://www.cdc.gov/std/tg2015/default.htm
The CDC has created an app for quick access to treatment guidelines which can be investigated and downloaded at:https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/std-tx-guide/id655206856?mt=8
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2010). U.S Medical Eligibility for Contraceptive Use. Available at:http://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/unintendedpregnancy/usmec.htm
The CDC has a fact sheet for patients on Hepatitis C, please click here to access.
Clinician Consultation Center. The Clinician Consultation Center provides rapid expert consultation and advice on management of Hepatitis C.
[/symple_toggle][symple_toggle title="HIV" state="closed"]- HIV screening is recommended for all women aged 13- 64 (opt-out testing strategy) – women are encouraged to know their HIV status before pregnancy
- Counsel about risk reduction strategies
- Perinatal HIV transmission accounts for more than 90% of pediatric HIV cases (many of these cases are born to women who didn’t know their HIV status)
- Early identification and treatment is the optimal method to reduce vertical transmission. Treatment should begin before pregnancy.
- Treatment with antiretrovirals can reduce vertical transmission to < 2% (by minimizing viral load).
- Counsel women on an effective contraceptive strategy especially in setting of HIV+ status/medications. Pregnancies should be planned.
- Women who are HIV+ can achieve successful pregnancy outcomes with collaboration between PCP/provider and ID specialist
- HIV testing is recommended at the first prenatal visit and again in the third trimester for women at high risk for acquiring HIV.
RESOURCES
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2015). Sexually Transmitted Disease Guidelines available at:http://www.cdc.gov/std/tg2015/default.htm
The CDC has created an app for quick access to treatment guidelines which can be investigated and downloaded at:https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/std-tx-guide/id655206856?mt=8
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2012). Update to CDC’s U.S. Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use, 2010: Revised Recommendations for the Use of Hormonal Contraception Among Women at High Risk for HIV Infection or Infected with HIV: available at: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6124a4.htm?s_cid=mm6124a4_e%0D%0A .
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. HIV and Pregnant Women, Infants, and Children.
Clinician Consultation Center. The Clinician Consultation Center provides rapid expert consultation and advice on management of HIV/AIDS, perinatal HIV, and post-exposure prophylaxis for blood borne pathogen exposures.
Panel on Treatment of HIV-Infected Pregnant Women and Prevention of Perinatal Transmission. (Updated April 2020). Recommendations for use of antiretroviral drugs in pregnant HIV-1-infected women for maternal health and interventions to reduce perinatal HIV transmission in the United States.
US Public Health Service. (2017). PreExposure Prophylaxis for the Prevention of HIV Infection in the United States – 2017: A Clinical Practice Guide.
[/symple_toggle][symple_toggle title="HPV" state="closed"]- Vaccine recommended for girls (and boys) ages 9-26;
- Screen and treat for cervical cytology as recommended by ASCCP;
- Studies suggest that punch biopsies and cryosurgery do not affect cervical integrity; more study is needed to determine definitively if LEEP poses a risk for incompetent cervix in future pregnancies.
RESOURCES
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2015). Sexually Transmitted Disease Guidelines available at: http://www.cdc.gov/std/tg2015/default.htm
The CDC has created an app for quick access to treatment guidelines which can be investigated and downloaded at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/std-tx-guide/id655206856?mt=8
HPV Vaccine Recommendations from CDC https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/hpv/hcp/recommendations.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (ACIP: Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices) 2013. Adult Immunization Schedule available at http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/hcp/adult.html. This site includes many tools appropriate to the primary care practice.
The CDC has a fact sheet for patients on HPV, please click here to access.
[/symple_toggle][symple_toggle title="HSV" state="closed"]- Women with history of genital herpes should be counseled about the risks of vertical transmission to the fetus and newborn
- Educate all women/ partners on the risk/symptoms/transmission/natural course/management strategies for genital herpes
- Universal serologic screening not recommended but type-specific serologic testing of asymptomatic partners of individuals with genital herpes has been recommended (discordant couples)
- Effective contraceptive strategy/ planned pregnancy.
RESOURCES
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2015). Sexually Transmitted Disease Guidelines available at:http://www.cdc.gov/std/tg2015/default.htm
The CDC has created an app for quick access to treatment guidelines which can be investigated and downloaded at:https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/std-tx-guide/id655206856?mt=8
The CDC has a fact sheet for patients about herpes, access at: http://www.cdc.gov/std/herpes/
[/symple_toggle][symple_toggle title="Influenza" state="closed"]- Vaccination recommended for everyone 6 months of age and older.
- Important for women who will be pregnant during the influenza season – increased influenza morbidity occurs in pregnant and postpartum women.
RESOURCES
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (ACIP: Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices), 2013. Adult Immunization Schedule available at http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/hcp/adult.html. This site includes many tools appropriate to the primary care practice.
The CDC has a fact sheet for patients on influenza, please click here to access.
[/symple_toggle][symple_toggle title="Listeriosis" state="closed"]- Pregnant women exposed at any stage of pregnancy can have serious pregnancy complications.
- Preconception counseling on risk reduction strategies during pregnancy- avoid raw (unpasteurized) milk, soft cheeses made from unpasteurized milk, pate, meat spreads, and refrigerated smoked seafood (unless canned/shelf stable). Ready-to-eat foods including hotdogs and deli meat should be reheated until steaming hot.
RESOURCES
The CDC has a website for patients about listeria, to access click here.
[/symple_toggle][symple_toggle title="Malaria" state="closed"]- Women planning a pregnancy should be advised to avoid travel to malaria-endemic areas.
- If travel cannot be deferred- advise effective contraceptive strategy/defer pregnancy until travel is complete.
- Antimalarial chemoprophylaxis should be provided to those women planning a pregnancy and traveling to malaria-endemic areas.
RESOURCES
The CDC has a website for patients about malaria, please click here to access.
[/symple_toggle][symple_toggle title="Rubella" state="closed"]- All women of reproductive age should be screened for rubella immunity (serology)
- Immunization (MMR vaccine) should be offered to those nonpregnant women who have not been vaccinated or who are not immune.
- Vaccine provides protection against measles, mumps and rubella
- Counsel not to become pregnant for 3 months after receiving the vaccine.
- Effective contraceptive strategy/plan pregnancy
- Screen for rubella immunity in pregnancy and vaccinate postpartum if non-immune
RESOURCES
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (ACIP: Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices) 2013. Adult Immunization Schedule available at http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/hcp/adult.html. This site includes many tools appropriate to the primary care practice.
For more information from the CDC on the rubella vaccination please click here.
[/symple_toggle][symple_toggle title="Syphilis" state="closed"]- Routine screening for women at high risk (history of STIs, new or multiple sex partners) for infection and treat (CDC guidelines)
- Education on risk reduction strategies
- Re-test as per CDC guidelines to assess treatment success
- Effective contraceptive strategy until treatment is complete
- Screening is also recommended at first prenatal visit and again in the third trimester based on risk.
RESOURCES
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2015). Sexually Transmitted Disease Guidelines available at:http://www.cdc.gov/std/tg2015/default.htm
The CDC has created an app for quick access to treatment guidelines which can be investigated and downloaded at:https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/std-tx-guide/id655206856?mt=8
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2016). U.S Medical Eligibility for Contraceptive Use. Available at:http://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/unintendedpregnancy/usmec.htm
The CDC has a patient fact sheet about syphilis, access at: http://www.cdc.gov/std/syphilis/
[/symple_toggle][symple_toggle title="Tetanus, Diptheria, Pertussis" state="closed"]- Women of reproductive age should be up to date for tetanus toxoid (passive immunity probably is protective against neonatal tetanus)
- Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap) vaccine now indicated for women during every pregnancy (passive protection for infants vs. pertussis)
RESOURCES
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (ACIP: Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices), 2013. Adult Immunization Schedule available at http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/hcp/adult.html . This site includes many tools appropriate to the primary care practice.
The CDC has websites on Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis for more information and clinical recommendations.
[/symple_toggle][symple_toggle title="Toxoplasmosis" state="closed"]- No clear evidence that preconception counseling/testing will reduce infection or improve treatment of women who are infected
- If preconception testing is performed – women who test positive can be reassured that they are not at risk of contracting toxoplasmosis during pregnancy. Women who are negative – counsel on ways to prevent infection
- Most common means of toxoplasmosis acquisition is via environmental exposure- contaminated cat litter boxes or soil and/ or ingestion of undercooked meat from infected animals
- Counsel on risk reduction strategies
- Universal screening in pregnancy is not recommended/ controversial
- Women who convert during pregnancy may be offered treatment
RESOURCES
For more information from the CDC on toxoplasmosis please click here.
[/symple_toggle][symple_toggle title="Tuberculosis" state="closed"]- All women at high risk should be screened and treated appropriately before pregnancy (population screening recommendations)
- Some medications used to treat tuberculosis are not recommended in pregnancy
- May screen with tuberculin skin test or serum interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA)
- Education on risk reduction strategies/ close contacts screened
- Effective contraception strategy until treatment is complete. Screening for TB in pregnancy based on population risk factors
RESOURCES
For more information from the CDC about TB please click here.
The CDC has created an app for quick access to treatment guidelines for latent TB which can be investigated and downloaded, click here for more information.
The CDC has multiple fact sheets for providers, please click here for access.
[/symple_toggle][symple_toggle title="Varicella" state="closed"]- Screening for varicella immunity (history of previous vaccination/ previous varicella infection verified by health care provider/or laboratory evidence of immunity) should be ideally performed before pregnancy
- All nonpregnant women of childbearing age without evidence of varicella immunity should be vaccinated against varicella (avoid pregnancy for one month)
- Effective contraceptive strategy
- Varicella vaccine contraindicated during pregnancy (live vaccine)
- Screen for varicella immunity during pregnancy if unknown status and vaccinate postpartum if non-immune
RESOURCES
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (ACIP: Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices), 2013. Adult Immunization Schedule available at http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/hcp/adult.html. This site includes many tools appropriate to the primary care practice.
The CDC’s website for clinical information on varicella is available here.
[/symple_toggle]Clinical Tools
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Pregnancy and Immunizations (Before, During and After) (2018)
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/downloads/f_preg_chart.pdf
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. STDs during pregnancy. https://www.cdc.gov/std/pregnancy/stdfact-pregnancy-detailed.htm
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2015). Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines.
http://www.cdc.gov/std/tg2015/
The CDC has created an app for quick access to treatment guidelines which can be investigated and downloaded at:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/std-tx-guide/id655206856?mt=8
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (ACIP: Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices) 2020. Adult Immunization Schedule.
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/hcp/adult.html. This site includes many tools appropriate to the primary care practice.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2016). U.S Medical Eligibility for Contraceptive Use. Available at:
http://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/unintendedpregnancy/usmec.htm
Patient Resources
Printable patient handouts available from the CDC:
Patient Websites from the CDC:
Additional Resources:
March of Dimes: Rubella and Pregnancy (2012)
Immunization Action Coalition: Vaccine Information Handouts (2013)
Immunization Action Coalition: Vaccine Schedules (2013)
In addition, the CDC has an A to Z list of resources which may be very useful for patients. Offers access to many CDC resources.
References
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (2007). Guidelines for Women’s Health Care: A Resource Manual (3rd ed). Washington, DC: ACOG.
American Academy of Pediatrics and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (2013). Guidelines for Perinatal Care (7th ed.). Evansville, Ill: AAP/ACOG.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2015). Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines.
http://www.cdc.gov/std/tg2015/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2010). U.S. Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use, 2010 (Adapted from the World Health Organization Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use, 4th edition). Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 59(RR04): 1-6. Available at:
http://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/unintendedpregnancy/usmec.htm.
Coonrod, D.V., Jack, B.W., Stubblefield, P.G. et. al. (2008) The clinical content of preconception care: infectious diseases in preconception care. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 199 (6B),S290-295.