P35-P39: Infections specific to the perinatal period

Infections specific to the perinatal period encompass a group of infectious diseases that affect a newborn infant during the perinatal period, which is usually defined as the time from the 28th week of pregnancy to the first week after birth. These infections may be passed from the mother to the baby during pregnancy, labor, delivery, or even immediately after birth. Common symptoms depend on the specific infection but can range from lack of energy, poor feeding habits, breathing problems, and fever. These conditions could be viral, bacterial, or parasitic and may involve different systems or organs in the baby's body, such as the lungs, blood, skin, and eyes. Progression is variable and highly dependent on the specific infection and the infant's overall health. High risk includes premature birth, low birth weight, or an ill mother. However, some infants may be asymptomatic despite being infected. The accurate diagnosis and management of these conditions often require multidisciplinary medical care.