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Writer's pictureOluwakemi Shittu

Typhoid in Pregnancy

Updated: Apr 20, 2021


Being sick in pregnancy can have a detrimental effect on both the mother and the unborn baby's health, this is why extra care is given to the mothers to prevent them from falling ill.


Today we’ll be looking at typhoid fever, one of those conditions that can make a pregnancy high risk.


Typhoid is a bacterial infection caused by a bacteria called Salmonella typhi. Typhoid fever can spread easily by:

  • Using contaminated sewage water,

  • Eating contaminated food (usually small traces of poo found in food prepared by someone with poor hand hygiene)

  • Eating raw fruits and vegetables that are not properly washed or cooked,

  • Using contaminated toilets and having poor hygiene.

The bacterial infection is highly contagious and spreads from the intestines, multiplies, and gradually affects the organs.







Signs and symptoms of typhoid fever include high temperature (fever), vomiting, severe abdominal pain, severe weight loss, frequent headache, weakness, and diarrhoea.


When a woman is pregnant her immune system is low, which makes it easier for her to contract the infection. Untreated typhoid can increases the risk of miscarriage, preterm delivery and/or low birth weight babies.


Taking simple precautions such as washing hands before cooking, and after using the toilet, washing fruits and vegetables before eating, and maintaining personal hygiene amongst other things can help to prevent again this infection.


Typhoid can be difficult to treat in pregnancy.


If you experience any of the above symptoms, consult your obstetrician or midwife immediately and they will advise you of the next steps.



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