How to investigate, counsel and manage women with congenital infections

Abstract

The diagnosis of a congenital infection leads to feeling of anxiety and fear not only the pregnant woman but also in the medical practitioner caring for the woman. This is not surprising given that these conditions are rare events and so each clinician may only see a handful in their career. This article gives practical advice for when to suspect congenital infection, and to provide a framework for investigation, counselling and management of seven important congenital infections: toxoplasmosis, cytomegalovirus (CMV), zika virus, parvovirus B19, rubella, syphilis, and varicella zoster.