Infectious diseases in pregnancy: issues of screening, prevention, and treatment.

Infectious disease recommendations that play a part in care during birth, or among hospitalized antepartum women, are updated with new information as evidence becomes available. At the time of hospitalization during pregnancy, attention to testing and treatment can prevent the transmission of infections to the newborn, can improve the management of the mother's health, and is an increasingly important aspect of patient safety initiatives. Obstetric and perinatal nurses who are aware of current recommendations play a critical role in disease prevention. This article discusses issues that are relevant for maternal child healthcare practitioners. Examples are used to illustrate concerns of particular importance during pregnancy, such as antibiotic-resistant infections, vaccine-preventable illness, and testing for infectious diseases.