Parasitic infections of the intestine and Pregnancy

Intestinal parasites are very common in developing countries and a leading cause of ill-health. When one or more of such parasites complicate a pregnancy, it becomes worse. Common parasites infesting Indian women are Senatorial histolytica, Hook worm, Round worm etc. The worst enemy of a pregnant woman is hook worm. A large number of hook worms attach themselves firmly to the upper intestinal mucosa and suck blood. This causes anemia. Stool examination by your doctor will confirm the presence of hook worm. Blood and sometimes bone marrow may also be tested. Hookworm disease makes prognosis for the child as well as the mother unfavourable. The mother may develop pre-eclamptic toxaemia and superimposed bacterial infections. If neglected this can lead to abortion, premature birth and even still birth. Fortunately it is easy to cure this disease. Effective drugs are available now. Most doctors give anti hook worm treatment as a routine in early months of pregnancy. Management of hook worm disease does not end with the administration of an anti hookworm drug. You must follow the doctor’s advice and instructions regarding treatment of accompanying anemia. If anemia is mild or moderate, oral iron tablets will do. If it is serious, intravenous or intramuscular iron injection is necessary. At times blood transfusion may also be required.