TB and Pregnancy can be a difficult topic to understand for many women. If you have TB now or had it in the past then you might wonder if it can affect your pregnancy or your chances of becoming a mother. These are common worries and it’s important to get the right information before planning anything.
At Risaa IVF, Dr. Rita Bakshi—our senior IVF specialist and gynecologist—has treated many women with TB-related concerns. In this blog, we will explain everything including how TB can affect your pregnancy, what risks are there, and more.
What is TB (Tuberculosis)?
TB (Tuberculosis) is an infection that mostly affects the lungs but can also affect other parts of the body. It can include the brain, bones, or kidneys. It spreads through the air when a person with TB coughs, sneezes, or even talks.
There are some people who may not feel sick right away, but the bacteria can still be inside their body. This is called latent TB. When the bacteria become active then it can cause some symptoms like a long-lasting cough, fever, tiredness, and weight loss. TB can be dangerous if not treated. But it can be managed with the right medicines.
How Does TB Spread?
TB spreads through the air when a person who has active TB in their lungs coughs, sneezes, speaks, or even laughs. Tiny germs go into the air and if someone nearby breathes them in then they can get infected. TB does not spread by touching, hugging, or sharing food or drinks.
The infection usually passes by spending a lot of time close to someone who is sick with TB. People with latent TB (inactive form) cannot spread it to others. Only those with active TB in the lungs or throat can pass it to somebody else.
Can TB Affect Pregnancy?
Yes, TB and pregnancy can be connected and TB may affect the health of the mother and the baby. If a woman has active TB during pregnancy then it can sometimes lead to other problems. These can include low birth weight, early delivery, or rarely, the baby getting infected. TB can also make the mother’s condition worse if it’s not treated on time. There are most women with TB and pregnancy who can still have a safe and healthy delivery with early testing and the right treatment.
Types of TB: Active vs Latent
Tuberculosis (TB) can affect the body in two main ways, including active TB and latent TB. Both these types are caused by the same bacteria but they act very differently in the body. So, it’s important to understand these types especially during TB and pregnancy, as they help doctors to decide the right treatment and precautions. Here’s a simple explanation of the types:
- Active TB: The bacteria are active and cause symptoms like cough, fever, chest pain, and weight loss. It can spread to others through the air and needs immediate treatment.
- Latent TB: The bacteria are present in the body but stay inactive. There are no symptoms and it doesn’t spread to others. Treatment may be needed to stop it from turning active later.
Symptoms of TB During Pregnancy
TB and Pregnancy can be difficult to manage if not diagnosed and treated on time. One of the challenges is that some symptoms of TB are similar to normal pregnancy symptoms and this makes it difficult to notice. That’s why it’s important to know about these and talk to your doctor if anything feels unusual. Here are some common signs of TB during pregnancy:
- Long-lasting cough that doesn’t go away
- Fever, especially in the evening
- Unexplained weight loss
- Tiredness or weakness all the time
- Night sweats
- Chest pain or facing issues in breathing
- Loss of appetite
Is TB Dangerous for the Baby?
Yes, TB can be dangerous for the baby if not treated properly. TB and Pregnancy together can increase the chances of health problems for the mother and the baby. If a pregnant woman has active TB and doesn’t get treatment then it may lead to issues like low birth weight, premature birth, or even infection in the baby after birth.
However, with early diagnosis and safe treatment during pregnancy, these risks can be managed. That’s why it’s important to get tested and follow the doctor’s advice if TB is suspected.
Diagnosis: How to Know if You Have TB
If you have TB then you will start noticing symptoms like a long-lasting cough, fever, weight loss, or tiredness. However, to confirm TB, doctors use a few tests that are simple and safe. These tests help you to find out if the TB bacteria are present in your body.
Here are some of the common ways to diagnose TB:
- Skin Test (Mantoux Test): A small amount of fluid is injected under the skin to see how your body reacts.
- Blood Test: This checks how your immune system responds to TB bacteria.
- Chest X-ray: It helps to see if there is any infection or damage in the lungs.
- Sputum Test: A sample of mucus from the lungs is checked under a microscope to find TB bacteria.
Treatment of TB During Pregnancy
TB and Pregnancy together require timely and careful medical attention. If a pregnant woman is diagnosed with TB then starting the right treatment as early as possible is very important. Always follow a treatment under the guidance of a doctor.
Here are some points about TB treatment during pregnancy:
- TB is treated with a combination of antibiotics, usually for 6 to 9 months.
- First-line TB medicines like isoniazid, rifampicin, and ethambutol are generally safe in pregnancy.
- Never stop taking the medicines without your doctor’s advice.
- Regular check-ups are important to check your health and your baby’s development.
- Eat nutritious food and get enough rest to get proper recovery.
- If you have drug-resistant TB then treatment may need to be changed based on what is safe during pregnancy.
Final Words
TB and pregnancy can be a little scary but with early checkups, proper treatment, and regular care, both the mother and baby can stay safe and healthy. It’s important to follow your doctor’s advice, take your medicines on time, and go for regular checkups.
At RISAA IVF, Dr. Rita Bakshi and her team have helped many women to have safe pregnancies even while dealing with TB. If you have any doubts or want to talk to our doctors, you can email us at doctor@risaaivf.com or call us at 95555 44421/22/23. We are always here to help you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it safe to take TB medicines while pregnant?
Yes, most TB medicines are safe in pregnancy. Doctors give the right ones to protect both mother and baby.
Can TB cause infertility?
Yes, if TB reaches the uterus or fallopian tubes, it can affect fertility. But early treatment helps prevent this.
Can TB pass to the baby during pregnancy?
It’s rare, but possible. If the mother has active TB and is not treated, the infection can sometimes pass to the baby.
Can I breastfeed if I have TB?
Yes, most mothers with TB can breastfeed safely if they are taking proper treatment. The doctor will guide you based on your condition.
Can TB come back after treatment?
If the treatment is not completed properly, TB can return. Always take the full course of medicines as advised by your doctor.