Which pregnant women should be tested for TB?

The article was professionally consulted by MSc, Dr. Trinh Thi Thanh Huyen - Obstetrician and Gynecologist - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital

The disease caused by the TB bacteria usually affects the lungs but can also affect other organs in the body. If left untreated, tuberculosis can be fatal. Pregnant women with TB can seriously affect both mother and fetus.

Testing done during pregnancy as part of prenatal care can help find conditions that may increase the risk of complications for the pregnant woman and her unborn baby. Tests that should be done in the early stages of pregnancy include: Complete blood count (CBC); Blood group test; Urinalysis; Urine culture; Rubella; Hepatitis B and hepatitis C; sexually transmitted infections (STIs); Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Tuberculosis (TB)
Women at high risk for TB (eg, women with HIV or living in close proximity to someone with TB) should be considered test to check for TB status

Tuberculosis is one of the leading causes of death in the community. Tuberculosis bacteria are easily transmitted and can cause widespread disease. There are many possible risks to a pregnant woman and her baby if TB is not diagnosed and treated.
Symptoms of tuberculosis are mentioned as prolonged cough, chest pain, fatigue, anorexia, fever, night sweats,... These manifestations are quite common during pregnancy. , should be mistaken as a sign of pregnancy.
Pregnant women have a higher risk of tuberculosis due to factors such as changes in the hormones oestrogen, progesterone and the presence of the placenta, causing changes in the body's organs, leading to changes in the organizes the lungs and makes it easier for TB bacteria to grow. Besides, the natural immune mechanism of pregnant women is reduced due to fetal development and nutritional deficiencies are also higher risk factors for TB.
If a pregnant woman has TB without timely detection and treatment, it will cause serious harm to the mother and fetus. When the mother has TB, it is also very easy for the baby to be infected, even in the fetus and cause congenital or fetal tuberculosis.

There are two methods of testing for TB, the tuberculin skin test, which is considered valid and safe to use during pregnancy. Besides, the TB blood test is considered safe to use during pregnancy, but has not been evaluated in the diagnosis of TB in pregnant women. Therefore, to confirm TB status, additional tests need to be performed.

Pregnant women with TB should start treatment as soon as TB is discovered. Certain medications have been shown to have no harmful effects on the baby. The course of treatment depends on the type of TB bacteria the patient has or on the condition of the disease.
At Vinmec International General Hospital, there is a package maternity service as a solution to help pregnant women feel secure because of the companionship of the medical team throughout the pregnancy. When choosing Maternity Package, pregnant women can:
The pregnancy process is monitored by a team of qualified doctors Regular check-up, early detection of abnormalities Maternity package helps to facilitate the process. birthing process Newborns get comprehensive care