a. There are many types of infection which the patient can contact during pregnancy.

However, the most prevalent infections are urinary track infections, venereal diseases, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

(1) Urinary track infections. Infections of the urinary track are common during pregnancy. The infections are caused by the narrowing of the lower urethra and dilation of the upper urethra. This action results in a slowing of urination, which increases the risk of infection.

(2) Venereal diseases. Venereal disease (VD) or sexually-transmitted disease (STD) refers to one of a number of infectious diseases that are transmitted through sexual contact and may be localized or systemic. Common types of VD are gonorrhea, syphilis, venereal warts, and herpes simplex type II. Microorganisms from these diseases can cross the placenta barrier, placing the fetus at risk.

(3) Human immunodeficiency virus. The transmission of human immunodeficiency virus occurs primarily through the exchange of body fluids (blood, semen, and perinatal events). Severe depression of the cellular immune system characterizes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Exposure to the virus has a significant impact on the woman’s pregnancy, the newborn’s feeding method, and the newborn’s health status. The HIV from infected pregnant women is transmitted in three ways:

(a) To the fetus-as early as the first trimester through maternal circulation.

(b) To the infant-during labor and delivery by inoculation or ingestion of maternal blood and other infected fluids.

(c) To the infant-through breast milk.

b. Nursing implications include the following.

(1) Teach the patient to attend scheduled prenatal appointments.

(2) Inform the patient of specific lab tests that will be obtained for early detection of diseases (VDRL, gonorrheal culture, and HIV blood tests).