During pregnancy, it is important to take care of both the mother and the fetus. However, certain diseases can pose a serious threat to the health of the fetus.

In this article, we will discuss some of the most dangerous diseases during pregnancy that could harm the fetus.

1. Rubella (German Measles)

Rubella, commonly known as German Measles, is a viral infection that can cause severe complications during pregnancy. If a pregnant woman contracts the rubella virus, it can cause a miscarriage or stillbirth.

If the fetus survives, it can develop a condition called congenital rubella syndrome (CRS). Babies born with CRS may have heart defects, hearing loss, vision problems, and developmental delays.

2. Cytomegalovirus (CMV)

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common virus that can infect anyone. However, if a pregnant woman contracts the virus, it can be passed on to the fetus. Babies born with CMV may have hearing loss, vision problems, and intellectual disabilities.

They may also have liver and lung problems.

3. Zika virus

Zika virus is a mosquito-borne virus that can cause serious birth defects in fetuses. If a pregnant woman contracts the virus, it can cause a condition called microcephaly, which is a smaller than normal head and brain size.

This can lead to developmental delays, intellectual disabilities, and movement problems. Zika virus can also cause other birth defects such as eye defects, hearing loss, and impaired growth.

4. Toxoplasmosis

Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic infection that can be passed on to the fetus if the mother contracts the infection during pregnancy. If the fetus is infected, it can cause severe neurological problems, eye problems, and intellectual disabilities.

Women can contract toxoplasmosis by handling cat litter, consuming undercooked meat, or drinking contaminated water.

5. Syphilis

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection that can cross the placenta and infect the fetus. If left untreated, it can cause fetal death or stillbirth.

Babies born with syphilis may have physical deformities, developmental delays, and intellectual disabilities.

6. Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that can be passed from mother to baby during childbirth if the mother is infected. Babies born with hepatitis B have a higher risk of developing chronic hepatitis B, liver failure, and liver cancer later in life.

7. HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS is a viral infection that can be passed from mother to baby during childbirth, breastfeeding or during pregnancy. If left untreated, it can cause complications during and after pregnancy.

Babies born with HIV/AIDS may have a weakened immune system and an increased risk of infections.

8. Group B Streptococcus (GBS)

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a bacterial infection that can cause serious complications during pregnancy. If a pregnant woman is infected with GBS, it can pass on to the newborn during childbirth.

Babies born with GBS may have sepsis, pneumonia, or meningitis.

9. Listeriosis

Listeriosis is a bacterial infection that can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, and premature delivery. Pregnant women can contract listeriosis by consuming contaminated food, such as unpasteurized dairy products or deli meats.

10. Malaria

Malaria is a parasitic infection that can cause severe complications during pregnancy. Pregnant women are more susceptible to malaria due to a weakened immune system. Malaria can cause stillbirth, premature delivery, and low birth weight babies.