ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an overview of some of the infections that may occur during pregnancy and the therapeutic issues raised by these in the context of United Kingdom (UK) practice. Infections commonly complicate pregnancy. Although many are minor, self-limiting illnesses, some may cause harm to the mother, the fetus or both. TORCH, an acronym for toxoplasmosis, rubella, cytomegalovirus (CMV) and herpes (TORCH), was first used in 1971 to highlight those infections that can cause congenital disease. Prenatal diagnosis of congenital rubella is possible but is not standard practice. Diagnosis of syphilis is by serology, as the organism is extremely difficult to see on microscopy and cannot be cultured. Treatment should be discussed with a genitourinary medicine specialist. Contact tracing should not be forgotten. Penicillin is the treatment of choice, with erythromycin as a less effective alternative for patients with penicillin allergy.
