Antenatal Care › Infections in pregnancy
Infections in pregnancy
A short, plain guide to the infections that matter more in pregnancy, what reduces your risk, and where to find trustworthy detail.
Last reviewed June 2026 by Dr Sarah Koffmann
Most infections are no more risky in pregnancy than at any other time. A handful matter more, either because they can affect your baby or because they can be more serious for you while you are pregnant. This page is a short guide to those few: what they are, what you can do, and where to read more. None of it is cause for alarm, and if you are ever unsure about a symptom or an exposure, your GP or midwife is the right first call.
Reduce through everyday care
CMV (cytomegalovirus)
CMV is the most common infection a baby can be born with in Australia, and the leading infectious cause of childhood hearing loss and developmental delay. Despite this, most people have never heard of it. The virus itself is very common and usually harmless, spread mainly through the saliva and urine of young children, so the people most exposed are those with toddlers at home or who work in childcare. There is no vaccine, but simple everyday habits lower your chance of catching it for the first time in pregnancy: do not share food, drinks, cups or cutlery with young children, wash your hands after changing nappies or wiping noses, and kiss little ones on the forehead rather than the lips.
Read about CMV at Pregnancy, Birth and Baby ›Toxoplasmosis
Toxoplasmosis is caused by a parasite found in undercooked or cured meat, unwashed fruit and vegetables, soil, and cat litter. It rarely makes healthy adults unwell, but a first infection in pregnancy can affect the baby. Cooking meat through, washing produce, wearing gloves for gardening, and leaving the cat litter to someone else, or wearing gloves and washing your hands afterwards, all reduce the risk.
Read about toxoplasmosis at Pregnancy, Birth and Baby ›Listeria
Listeria is a bacteria found in some chilled, ready to eat foods. Infection is uncommon but can be serious in pregnancy, so it is worth knowing which foods to avoid and how to store and reheat food safely. This sits with the rest of our food advice.
See our food safety page ›Prevented by vaccines in pregnancy
Whooping cough, influenza, RSV and COVID
These are best prevented by the free vaccines offered in every pregnancy. As well as protecting you, they pass antibodies to your baby that cover them through their first months, before they are old enough for their own vaccinations. A couple of other infections, including measles and chickenpox, are prevented by live vaccines that are given before or after pregnancy rather than during it.
See immunisations in pregnancy ›Checked in your routine blood tests
Hepatitis B, syphilis, HIV and rubella immunity
A standard set of blood tests at your first antenatal visit checks for hepatitis B, syphilis and HIV, and whether you are immune to rubella (German measles). You do not need to do anything beyond having the tests done. They are routine, and they let anything that could affect you or your baby be picked up and managed early.
See the schedule of visits ›Worth knowing if you are exposed
Slapped cheek (parvovirus)
Also called fifth disease or parvovirus B19, this is a common childhood virus that gives a bright red rash on the cheeks. It is mild in adults and most people are already immune. Occasionally a first infection in the first half of pregnancy can affect the baby, so let your GP or midwife know if you have been around it or develop a rash, particularly if you work with young children.
Read about slapped cheek at Pregnancy, Birth and Baby ›Chickenpox
If you have had chickenpox before, you are very likely immune and protected. If you are not immune and you are exposed, it can be more serious in pregnancy and occasionally affect the baby. Immunity is often checked at your booking visit. If you are not sure you are immune and you have been in close contact, contact your GP or midwife promptly, as there is a treatment that works best when given early.
Read about chickenpox at Pregnancy, Birth and Baby ›Measles
Measles is very contagious and is on the rise in Australia. It can be more serious in pregnancy. Because the vaccine is a live one that cannot be given during pregnancy, the main thing is to know whether you are immune. If you think you have been in contact and are not sure, phone your GP or midwife rather than turning up in person, so you do not expose others in the waiting room.
Read about measles at Pregnancy, Birth and Baby ›