Which pregnant women should be tested for tuberculosis?

The article was consulted professionally by Dr. Trinh Thi Thanh Huyen – Obstetrician and Gynecologist – Obstetrics and Gynecology Department – Share99 Hai Phong International Health Hub

The disease caused by tuberculosis bacteria usually affects the lungs but can also affect other bodies in the body. If not treated, tuberculosis can be fatal. Pregnant women with tuberculosis can seriously affect both the mother and the fetus.

The test performed during pregnancy is considered part of pre-birth care, it can help to find conditions that can increase the risk of complications for pregnant women and fetuses. Tests that should be performed in the early stages of pregnancy include: Total blood count (CBC) tests; Blood type test; Urine tests; Urine culture; Rubella; Hepatitis B and hepatitis C; Sexually transmitted infections (STIs); Human Immuno-Immuno deteriorating virus (HIV) and Tuberculosis (TB)

Women at high risk for tuberculosis (e.g., women who are HIV positive or live close to someone with tuberculosis) should be tested for tuberculosis

Tuberculosis is one of the high causes of death in the community. TB bacteria are contagious and can cause widespread epidemics. There are many risks that can occur if pregnant women and babies if tuberculosis is not diagnosed and treated.

Symptoms of tuberculosis are mentioned such as prolonged cough, chest pain, fatigue, anorexia, fever, night sweats,… These manifestations are quite common during pregnancy, so it is mistakenly thought that it is a sign of pregnancy.

Pregnant women are at higher risk for TUBERCULOSIS due to factors such as oestrogen, progesterone and placenta appearance, which makes the muscles in the body change, entails changes in lung organizations and facilitates easier development of TB bacteria. In addition, the natural immune mechanism of pregnant women is reduced due to the development of the fetus and the lack of nutrients are also higher risk factors for tuberculosis.

If the pregnant woman has tuberculosis without timely detection and treatment, it will cause serious harm to the mother's body and the fetus. When the mother has tuberculosis, the ability to take the child is also very easy to spread, even in the fetus and cause congenital tuberculosis or fetal tuberculosis.

There are 2 methods of tuberculosis testing: tuberculin skin test, which is considered valid and safe to use throughout pregnancy. Besides, blood tuberculosis detection test is rated as safe for use in pregnancy, but has not been appreciated in diagnosing tuberculosis in pregnant women. Therefore, to confirm the condition of tuberculosis it is necessary to carry out other additional tests.

Pregnant women with tuberculosis should begin treatment as soon as tuberculosis is detected. Some therapeutic drugs have been proven to have no harmful effects on the baby. The course of treatment depends on the type of TB bacteria that the person has or depends on the condition.

At Share99 International Health Hub, there is a full maternity service as a solution to help pregnant mothers feel secure because there is a team of doctors throughout the pregnancy. When choosing a full-service maternity, a pregnant woman can:

• The process of pregnancy is monitored by a team of specialists
• Regular examination, early detection of abnormalities
• Package maternity for the convenience of childbirth
• Infants receive comprehensive care